Daily News Analysis

Village Defence Guards Provided With Sophisticated Weapons

stylish_lining

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.

Local Governance in India

The Panchayati Raj system and municipal bodies serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the state. However, grassroots governance in India often struggles with inaccessible, detail
Share It

China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra

China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (called the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh), located in Tibet near Gelling in Arunachal Prad
Share It

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

India recently hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing maritime connectivity and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. This event underscor
Share It

Manipur Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has now lasted for over two years, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement, yet it has not received the same level of national priority as
Share It

India Africa

India and Africa are building a robust and evolving partnership, particularly in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which holds tremendous potential to boost socio-economic developm
Share It

Mangrove Ecosystems

The International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on 26th July, serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect mangroves, which are disappearing at an alar
Share It

Food Security and Nutrition

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report presents a mixed picture of global progress in combating hunger, highlighting both positive trends and pressing challenges,
Share It

The ‘Rising Northeast

The Investor Summit 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi is a major event aimed at showcasing the immense investment and trade potentia
Share It

India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was conceived to tackle urban challenges using technology and sustainable development practices. The mission has witnessed significant inve
Share It

Ethanol Blending Success

India's achievement of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 is a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and sustainable development. Factors Behind India&rsq
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS