Village Defence Guards Provided With Sophisticated Weapons

Overview: Union Minister Jitendra Singh recently announced that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the Jammu region have been provided with sophisticated weapons to counter rising terror incidents. This move aims to bolster local defenses and enhance the security framework in the region.

Village Defence Guards (VDGs):

• Background:
• Formation: VDGs, previously known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), were established in 1995 as community-based security groups in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
• Purpose: The primary objective was to offer local defense against terrorist activities, particularly targeting vulnerable communities.
• Composition:
• Formation: Law enforcement agencies assemble groups of armed civilians from the more vulnerable areas.
• Size: Each group consists of up to 15 members.
• Membership: Volunteers from the community, including ex-servicemen, able-bodied youth, and other civilians, are recruited. They receive basic training in self-defense and weapon handling.
• Operational Control:
• VDGs operate under the supervision of the SP/SSP (Superintendent of Police/Senior Superintendent of Police) of the respective district.
• Key Functions:
• Surveillance and Patrolling: Conduct regular patrols and monitor suspicious activities, serving as the first line of defense against terrorist infiltrations.
• Intelligence Gathering: Collect and share vital information with security forces, aiding in preemptive measures against potential threats.
• Community Mobilization: Engage local residents to foster a sense of vigilance and responsibility within the community.
• Historical Contribution:
• Past Role: During the peak of militancy in the Jammu division, VDCs played a crucial role in combating militancy.
• Effectiveness: They were instrumental in thwarting militant attacks and were feared by militants due to their knowledge of local terrain and ability to delay the arrival of security forces.
• Challenges:
• Resource Constraints: VDGs often face limitations in financial and logistical support, impacting their operational effectiveness.
• Security Risks: Members are at a high risk of being targeted by terrorists.
• Accountability Issues: There have been past allegations of misuse of power, including incidents of abduction and rape, which led to a temporary halt in the program.
• Current Status:
• Revival: Since 2022, VDGs have been revived and strengthened in response to increasing terror incidents in the Jammu region.
• Recent Initiatives: New measures include the provision of sophisticated weapons and enhanced training to better equip these groups for contemporary security challenges.

This renewed focus on VDGs highlights the ongoing efforts to adapt local defense mechanisms to the evolving security landscape and enhance the safety of vulnerable communities in the Jammu region.