Mendhar/Jammu, Apr 27 – A three-day special training camp for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) was organized by the army here, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, officials said on Saturday.
Poonch, along with the adjoining Rajouri district, is part of the Anantnag Parliamentary constituency, which is going to polls in the third phase of elections on May 7.
The training camp commenced on Thursday at Mendhar, Harni, and Jaran to enhance the weapon handling and firing skills of the VDGs, as part of efforts to maintain peace and stability in the forward areas, the officials noted.
Given the imminent Lok Sabha elections and the security forces’ efforts to ensure peace and provide reassurance to people in minority pockets and far-flung areas, the training holds significant importance, they added.
The training has enabled the VDGs to refine their training prowess and skills in weapon handling and firing, the officials stated.
Consisting of local volunteers, the VDGs are equipped with .303 and bolt action rifles and showed great enthusiasm in honing their skills, they mentioned. The weapons underwent inspection, cleaning, and firing practice supervised by army trainers during the camp.
Additionally, a lecture-cum-demonstration on weapon handling, musketry, and firing positions was conducted as part of the training.
The Army supported the VDGs in enhancing their self-defence capabilities and emphasized their pivotal role in maintaining peace and harmony, particularly in minority pockets, within their area of responsibility, the officials emphasized.
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