Bhaderwah: Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district have expressed confidence in tackling any security challenge following specialized training in handling automatic weapons and guerrilla warfare techniques.
As part of efforts to strengthen security in far-flung border villages, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Doda police conducted a training programme for VDG members from villages adjoining Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district.
A police spokesperson said the initiative was aimed at enhancing internal security and improving the preparedness of local defence volunteers to effectively counter possible terrorist activities in vulnerable areas.
The training, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations) Amit Kumar, focused on the handling of Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) recently issued to VDG members and imparted skills related to guerrilla warfare. The programme was held at Lower Bheja village and attended by VDG members from Katyara, Sharekhi, Upper Bheja, Bharai, Butla and Sehadi villages.
Around 150 VDG members, including two women volunteers from the remote Athkhar Valley of Bhaderwah, participated in the training session, he said.
55-year old Anita Devi, a VDG member from Bharai village, said she joined the village defence setup after the death of her husband, who was an active member of the erstwhile Village Defence Committee.
“Initially, I took up the responsibility out of compulsion, but over the years I realised that protecting my village and serving the nation is my duty. I am always prepared to defend my village,” she said.
She added that regular training and support from the police had boosted the confidence of VDG members. “We no longer fear terrorists and are ready to face any challenge whenever required,” she said.
58-year old Sanjay Padha, another VDG member from Bheja village near the Himachal Pradesh border, said volunteers had been actively involved in protecting their villages since the late 1990s.
“We have faced terror threats in the past with limited resources. The provision of SLRs and regular training has significantly enhanced our capability and confidence,” he said.
While appreciating the government’s efforts to strengthen village defence groups, several VDG members sought the supply of additional automatic weapons. They said that while some SLRs had been provided, many volunteers were still using .303 rifles.
“Every VDG unit has received a few automatic rifles, but several members continue to use older weapons. Additional modern weapons would further improve our operational readiness,” said Umair Ali, a VDG member from Sharekhi village.
VDG members said they had been assisting security forces in anti-terror operations since 1997 and remained committed to safeguarding their villages and maintaining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials said the specialized training programme is part of a broader strategy to strengthen grassroots counter-terrorism preparedness in Doda district. The initiative equips local volunteers with combat skills, weapon handling expertise and tactical knowledge to support security forces in remote areas.
Security officials said the strengthening of VDGs, coupled with sustained anti-terror operations in higher reaches, forms a multi-layered security framework aimed at preventing terrorist infiltration, denying support networks and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
