Srinagar: Terming the demand for disbanding of the Special Operations Group (SOG) as political, senior Border Security Force (BSF) officials on October 12 said SOG had played a crucial role in curbing terrorism in militancy-torn Jammu and Kashmir.

Asked if they favoured the demand by various political parties for disbanding the group, they said, "SOG is a very efficient force and is playing a crucial role in curbing terrorism in the state."

They said political parties make statements according to their political compulsions and "we should not comment on this".

SOG comprising personnel of state police had always played a key role in providing inputs and in carrying out joint operations to tackle insurgency.

The People's Democratic Party in its election manifesto had promised disbanding of SOG, which it alleged had become "autocratic". The demand was supported by Congress. Both Congress and PDP appeared set to form a coalition government in the state after the National Conference was voted out of power in the Assembly polls.

Asked if a change in government would have any impact on the security situation in the state, they said the whole situation was "fluid" and it was too early to comment on this.

PTI