Srinagar: In a first, two Special Security Group (SSG) commandos have tested positive for the coronavirus in Kashmir Valley.
Officials told a local news gathering agency that the samples of eight SSG commandos were taken on 27 May and their results returned on 29 May. “Two among them, one a resident of Srinagar and another from Bandipora district, returned positive for the disease on 29 May,” they said.
Dr. S. D. Singh Jamwal (IPS), Director SSG, also confirmed that the duo belong to areas declared as red zones.
“One is from the area near Soura, Srinagar, and other Bandipora. After declaration of the areas as red zones, they could not join duties and remained there,” he said, adding, “after they joined duties back, we quarantined them as per the protocol. During the process while followings SOPs samples were collected and sent for test. Out of those tested, two came out to be positive. They have been shifted to hospital.”
This is for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic that any member of the elite government force tested positive for the disease in Jammu and Kashmir.
The SSG, which was set up in 1996 after the National Conference president Farooq Abdullah came to power, is associated in security to the categorized protected persons, including former chief ministers and their immediate family members. Besides they are deployed at vital installations and to secure venues during sensitive events. (GNS)
