Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were recently been provided with sophisticated weapons to deal with rising incidents of terror in the Jammu region.
About Village Defence Guards (VDGs):
- Village Defence Committees (VDCs) were first formed in the erstwhile Doda district in the mid-1990s as a force multiplier against militant attacks.
- These VDCs have been renamed Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
- They are crucial in maintaining security in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir and responsible for providing intelligence to the security forces and assisting in counter-insurgency operations.
- They are also armed and trained by the Indian Government.
Role and Supervision
- The VDGs function under the supervision of the district superintendent of police (SP) or Senior superintendent of police (SSP).
- The aim of the VDGs is to organize small groups of volunteer armed civilians in identified villages along the borders and in-depth areas of the Jammu division.
- This initiative aims to instill a sense of self-protection and ensure the safety and security of such villages.
Demand for Revival
There is a growing demand for the revival of the erstwhile Village Defence Committees (VDC) due to several reasons:
- Rise in Terror-Related Strikes: The relatively peaceful Jammu division, especially border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, has seen a rise in terror-related strikes.
- Unique Militancy: The dynamics of militancy differ from those in Kashmir due to the demographic profile, with an almost equal proportion of Hindus and Muslims.
- Recent Incidents: Several infiltration attempts, recoveries of war-like stores, explosions followed by gunshots, neutralization of hideouts, and the nabbing of suspects.
- Resurgence of Militant Activities: The demand for the revival of VDCs arose after militant activities resurfaced in areas where peace had long since been restored.
Importance of Control and Empowerment
- A good control mechanism is needed to ensure that cadres remain motivated and focused. The revival of the VDG should be used as an opportunity to empower local bodies.
- Panchayats are most suited to understand local dynamics in a conflict zone, which can change rapidly from one sub-region to another.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What are Village Defence Guards (VDGs)?
Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are groups of volunteer armed civilians organized to maintain security in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. They provide intelligence to security forces and assist in counter-insurgency operations.
Why were the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) formed?
The VDCs were first formed in the mid-1990s in the erstwhile Doda district as a force multiplier against militant attacks. They were established to protect rural communities and support the Indian Government’s efforts in maintaining security.
Why were VDCs renamed to VDGs?
The VDCs were renamed Village Defence Guards (VDGs) as part of a reorganization to enhance their effectiveness and formalize their role in maintaining security in rural areas.