Government Equips Village Defence Guards with Semi-Automatic Weapons to Counter Terror Threats
In a decisive move to bolster rural security, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) will be equipped with semi-automatic weapons, including INSAS rifles and SLRs. This initiative has received widespread approval from security experts and VDGs, who believe it will significantly enhance their ability to counter threats from well-armed Pakistani terrorists.
The decision comes in the wake of increasing terrorist activities in the border regions, where militants equipped with sophisticated weapons like M4 US carbines and AK-47s pose a serious threat to village security. By upgrading the VDGs’ armaments, the government aims to level the playing field and provide villagers with a stronger sense of safety and security.
Dheeraj Kumar Sharma, the former sarpanch of Dhangri village in the Rajouri district, which witnessed a deadly terrorist attack last year, expressed strong support for the initiative. He highlighted the positive impact this move would have on village security and the morale of the residents. Sharma also stressed the need for expanding the VDGs, providing them with adequate salaries, and ensuring they receive comprehensive training from the army and police.
Amit Sayal, a VDG member from Rajouri, echoed these sentiments. He believes that semi-automatic weapons will not only improve their defensive capabilities but also boost their confidence in handling potential threats. The former Director General of Police, SP Vaid, who was instrumental in the formation of village defence committees in Jammu, welcomed the MHA’s decision, underscoring its importance in reducing civilian casualties during terrorist attacks.
According to sources within the Home department, the VDGs will be armed with SLRs, phasing out the antiquated .303 rifles. The distribution of these new weapons will be prioritized in high-risk districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur.
The urgency of this initiative was highlighted by a recent attack on the residence of Parshotam Kumar, a VDG who was recently awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery in eliminating a terrorist. This incident underscored the critical need for VDGs to be better equipped to defend themselves and their communities.
Historically known as village defence committees, VDGs have a proven track record of effectively combating terrorists during the peak of militancy in the 1990s. Even when armed with conventional .303 rifles, they played a crucial role in checking the trend of selective killings in the Jammu region.
The MHA’s decision to upgrade the armaments of VDGs is expected to significantly enhance their operational capabilities. This move not only strengthens village defenses but also contributes to the overall security of the region, ensuring that rural communities can live with a renewed sense of safety and resilience in the face of ongoing threats.