Shillong, Aug 28: As militancy in Meghalaya has been all but defeated, the size of the specialised SF-10 police unit has been reduced by 50 per cent.
From 1,794 personnel, the elite SF-10 now has a sanctioned strength of 901, though the state government maintains that the downsizing has not affected its operational role or training.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, made the statement in the Assembly today while replying to a cut motion, amid questions over the force’s deployment and its functioning.
SF-10 was created in 2014 primarily to tackle insurgency and respond to law-and-order situations. At the time, it had 1,794 personnel, including 180 women commandos. Around two-thirds of the force was assigned to commando duties, while the remaining personnel handled law-and-order responsibilities.
The force was subsequently rationalised in 2020-21 after the government reviewed the state’s changing security requirements, bringing its sanctioned strength down to 901.
Tynsong said the decision followed detailed consultations and an assessment of the prevailing security situation. SF-10 is currently organised into eastern and western ranges, with the western range serving as a tactical base.
Despite the reduction, he said there had been no dilution in the force’s specialised training.
According to the Deputy CM, SF-10 personnel continue to undergo physical proficiency tests and receive training aimed at keeping their skills updated. Personnel who are no longer able to meet physical requirements due to age can be moved to the District Executive Reserve or other battalions, depending on operational needs.
Tynsong said SF-10 continues to perform its core duties and can be deployed anywhere in Meghalaya when required.
