VDGs playing crucial role in security of villages-SDPO Bhaderwah
By Raja Rehber Jamal
Bhaderwah: To strengthen the security of rural areas and in view of upcoming Republic Day 2024 celebration, the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are playing a crucial role in providing the best ever security cover across Bhaderwah Valley.
VDGs not only providing security to villagers in their respective areas but also playing a great job in any assigned duty especially during national events like Republic Day celebration. It is notable that with an aim to contain the activities of anti-national elements in rural areas and to ensure security and safety of the identified villages, the Union government in 1995 led to the setting up of VDCs (Village Defence Committees) when militancy was peaking up and authorities were unable to provide security in far-off villages. However the VDCs has been updated with new name as VDGs (Village Defense Guards) having new honorarium as well through which every VDG member is getting equal honorarium.
To further strengthen them Bhaderwah Police conducting training of a group of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) members at Nalthi area of Bhaderwah so that they may thwart any kind of activity in their areas.
SDPO Bhaderwah Wasim Hamdani along with SHO Bhaderwah Amrit Katoch and SOG team is training them.
SDPO Bhaderwah Wasim Hamdani said that the main step move towards strengthening VDGs is sharpening their firing skills, weapon handling and weapon cleaning as well as maintenance skills. “VDGs playing crucial role in security of villages,” he added.
SDPO Bhaderwah said these VDG members are doing well and helping the police and other security forces in keeping an eye on anti-national elements. If they notice any suspicious movement, they immediately inform us to act.
The team also repaired the weapons of the VDG members beside provided them extra ammunition.
“Some weapons also need to be repaired. These people are being taught about the weapon drill and tactics to engage the enemy,” SDPO added.
“Motivated to play their roles in safeguarding their villages, these VDGs are doing great job,” SDPO added.
“To ensure safety of my family and villagers, I joined VDC in 1995,” said a VDG member of Bhadarwah.
“After restructuring of our honorarium, we are going extra mile to perform our duties whenever required, ” another member said.
Stressing the importance of the training, another VDG member said, “The training will play a great role in nurturing our skills as maximum members do not know the basics. We are thankful to the team for this training.”
The VDG members present for the training also lauded the efforts of the police.”We are getting good training from the police. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the country,” said a VDG member.Another VDG member said, “The training is very helpful. We genuinely need this. The instructor has provided us with all the details.”
It is a manifestation of the will of the people to actively and voluntarily participate in the efforts to thwart the nefarious designs of the anti-national elements and to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation.
Presently there are 875 VDGs comprising more than 6000 members in District Doda.
These VDG members are given training in firing, area domination and patrolling.
