Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Jammu are being armed with modern weapons to counter the increasing number of terror incidents in the region. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance local security and empower villagers to defend themselves against terrorist threats.
Speaking at an event in Kathua titled ‘Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat,’ Singh emphasised the government's commitment to tackling the rise in terror attacks. He mentioned that the Army has also adjusted its strategies to address the evolving threat, though details of these changes were not disclosed publicly.
The decision to revive and modernise VDGs comes in response to a noticeable increase in terrorist activities in Jammu over the past few months. In July, Singh highlighted that VDGs are being re-established in areas plagued by militancy, equipping them with updated weaponry to strengthen their defence capabilities.
This move aims to involve local communities directly in counter-terrorism efforts, making them an integral part of the multi-pronged strategy to combat terrorism.
Singh noted that the government is considering providing VDGs with self-loading rifles (SLRs) and other advanced weapons to ensure they are adequately prepared to face potential threats. This step is seen as crucial in enabling these community defence groups to respond effectively to any terrorist activities in their areas.
The need for such measures has become increasingly apparent following recent incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) and within the Jammu region. For instance, last month, an Indian Army operation thwarted an attack by the Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) in the Machchal sector of Kupwara district. The confrontation resulted in the death of one Pakistani intruder, while one Indian soldier was killed, and four others, including a major, were injured.
Moreover, there have been multiple terror attacks in the Jammu region, including an assault on an army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that, as of July 21 this year, 28 people, including civilians and security personnel, had been killed in 11 terror-related incidents and 24 encounters or counter-terror operations.
The resurgence and rearming of VDGs are part of the government's efforts to create a more robust and responsive security framework in Jammu. By empowering local defence groups with modern weapons, the government hopes to mitigate the impact of terrorist activities and enhance the overall security of the region.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to foster a sense of responsibility and empowerment among local communities. By actively involving villagers in defence activities, the government aims to build a more resilient and self-reliant population capable of responding to security threats.
As the government continues to refine its counter-terrorism strategies, the role of VDGs will likely become increasingly significant. The provision of modern weaponry and the revival of these local defense groups represent a proactive approach to addressing the complex security challenges in Jammu.
By equipping VDGs with the necessary tools and training, the government is taking a critical step towards enhancing regional security and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Follow us
