Jammu and Kashmir, due to its geographic position and complex contextual socio-political conditions, has been a centre of terrorism, infiltration across the border, and insurgency. The problem of ensuring security in the area, particularly to the border and far-flung areas remains a recurring issue for the local administration and security forces. Among the many security initiatives taken, Village Defence Guards (VDGs), earlier known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), have played a crucial role in supplementing local security, acting as a force multiplier to neutralize threats at the grassroots level. This article examines the role of VDGs in securing border regions, their operations, effect, and importance in augmenting security in Jammu and Kashmir.
The idea of training citizens for local self-defence in Jammu and Kashmir dates back to the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts, when arms were distributed by the state to ex-servicemen and able-bodied youth in border villages to guard against the infiltration of Pakistani spies. The institution of Village Defence Committees (VDCs), however, became formalized during the mid-1990s due to an upsurge in militant activities in the erstwhile Doda district (present-day Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts). To make them more effective, VDCs were rebranded as Village Defence Guards (VDGs) under a new scheme endorsed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in March 2022. The new structure provides improved fiscal support, where the leaders are to be paid Rs 4,500 per month and other members Rs 4,000 per member. This reorganization is intended to fortify security in vulnerable areas and maintain the operational strength of such grassroots defence organizations.
VDGs function as voluntary organizations with members mobilized from the general population. A committee consists of a number of members who have a specified leader. The members carry firearms and are issued 100 rounds of ammunition. They are to ensure village security by being vigilant about any suspicious behavior and coordinating with security personnel in case of need. They serve as a terror-infiltration deterrent, protect sensitive infrastructure, and ensure rapid response during crises. Using their intimate understanding of the areas, VDGs contribute importantly to keeping these areas peaceful and stable.
VDGs have significantly contributed to improving security in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir in a number of ways. Force Multiplier in Counter-Terrorism Operations. VDGs possess solid local knowledge of the environment, languages, and the social dynamics of the local community, which makes them invaluable in assisting the security forces in counter-terrorism operations, prevention of movement of the insurgents and protection of sensitive installations.
Combating Militancy and Infiltration Pakistan-sponsored organizations are still trying to revive militancy in regions where peace has returned. For example, officials suspect the recent attack in Rajouri indicates a militants' bid to spread into Jammu because of the large deployment of the army in the Kashmir Valley. VDGs serve as a buffer against such perils in that they remain vigilant and act as a deterrent to infiltration and terror attempts.
Addressing the Changing Nature of Attacks New terrorist tactics such as targeted assassinations of civilians, the use of hybrid militants (listed-less combatants trained to strike), and drone-guided delivery of weapons pose new security threats. VDGs serve as a very important first line of defence against such new threats through quick reaction and local resilience.
Countering Over Ground Workers (OGWs) offer logistical assistance to militants and facilitate their mobility. Since VDGs include members from the local population, they are well-placed to detect OGWs and deter their activities to prevent militant network growth.
Preventing Mass Migration and Facilitating Rehabilitation Earlier, the existence of Village Defence Committees hindered mass migration of communities from the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley areas. Nowadays, VDGs keep supplementing the government's initiative towards rehabilitating Kashmiri migrants back to their ancestral locations by furnishing protection and confidence to the resettling families. Involvement in VDGs creates a perception of national security awareness and dynamic participation in moves to prevent interference with national cohesion. Such participatory community efforts assist in curtailing alienation, promoting people's trust towards security agencies, solving unemployment, and enhancing nationalist feelings among people.
Facilitating Peaceful Elections and Reinstatement of Democracy In 2023, following the removal of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, the first elections were set to hold in the Union Territory. VDGs can help with peaceful elections by being eyes and ears on the ground and preventing any actions by the militants that might disrupt the electoral process.
Success Stories and Achievements throughout the years, Village Defence Guards (VDGs), previously referred to as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), have been instrumental in preventing terrorist attacks and preventing infiltrations. Their swift response and robust local presence have served to save lives and safeguard villages in numerous precarious situations.
Disrupting Militant Attacks, there are numerous documented cases where VDGs disrupted militant attacks on civilian villages, thus saving lives. Disrupting Massacres: In border districts, VDGs were able to disrupt attacks aimed at specific minority demographics.
When people participate in security initiatives, they become closer to one another and trust each other more. The cohesion makes it more difficult for militants to produce conflicts between religious or ethnic communities. Collaborating for security aids in building peace and keeps strangers from instilling fear or distrust.
Regular training for VDG members in weapons operation, collection and management of intelligence, and handling crises can improve their operational effectiveness. Coupling training in physical skills with specialized capabilities will allow them to operate more effectively in emergency situations and to operate more effectively with security forces.
Improving the tools of VDGs with weapons, communication devices, and protective equipment would improve VDG operability. Ensuring rapidly available tools of the most recent design and technical level will reinforce VDGs' capacity of resistance and responsiveness to security situations.
Formalized areas of protection for VDG members and their families can provide protection incentives in meaningfully contributing to the security system. Knowing that VDG personnel protection is in place would expand the numbers of people who could be attracted and included and much more actively support the contribution to security.
Providing for strict oversight mechanisms and strict governance schemes for VDG will ensure. The Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been a vital component in the establishment of security in the border peripheries of Jammu and Kashmir. Their role in counter-terrorism, assisting security forces, and building up local resistance cannot be questioned. The transformation of VDCs into VDGs, following increased financial and functional inputs, has further enhanced their role. Through resolution of major issues and maintaining ongoing government support, VDGs can continue to be an integral pillar in Jammu and Kashmir's security establishment, protecting lives as well as national interests in the region.

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