Jammu’s VDGs now equipped with modern SLRs to combat terrorism

Srinagar, Sept 03: For the first time, the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Jammu region have been equipped with more advanced SLRs (Semi-Automatic Rifles), replacing the outdated 303 rifles, officials on Tuesday said.
A senior Defence Official told Rising Kashmir that the upgradation is intended to enhance the effectiveness of VDGs in combating terrorists. VDGs had been advocating for modern weapons, particularly to address terrorism threats in remote areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu, he said.
“The Central government has initiated the distribution of SLRs (Semi-Automatic Rifles) to VDGs, with over 200 rifles already provided. Previously, VDGs were armed with outdated .303 rifles, but the new SLRs significantly enhance their combat effectiveness,” he said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned these automatic weapons for VDGs in Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, and Reasi districts, boosting their tactical capabilities in the fight against terrorism in the area.
VDG members, who are stationed near the International border to monitor terrorist activity around the clock, expressed confidence in their enhanced readiness to combat terrorists more effectively after receiving police training and upgraded weapons.
Ramesh Lal, a local VDG member, told Rising Kashmir that they are thankful to the Central Government for providing them with the latest SLR’s rifles. Some members have been providing and some will be provided soon,” he said.
“We are encouraged by such a move from the government. We are a group of 7 people and recently finished 15-day training at Police lines. We are ready to foil any attempts of terrorists along the borders in the region,” Ramesh Lal said.
Another VDG’s member Raj Kumar said there are continuous challenges along the border. We have been given training to combat terrorism in the area. It was long pending demands of VDG’s and we are happy with this move, he said.
“We can fight very well with terrorists along with security forces. We keep monitoring the suspected movements. We are always ready to face the enemy,” he said.
Kumar said salaries of VDG;s should be enhanced from 4000 to 16000. It is very less as compared to our work in combating the terrorism in the area, he added.
Earlier in recent months, the Jammu region has witnessed several terror attacks, starting with the June 9 targeting of a pilgrim bus in Reasi, resulting in the killing of 11 passengers.
Terrorists used the element of surprise to carry out ambush attacks and then disappear into the forests of these hilly areas.
On July 8, terrorists ambushed a patrol of the Indian Army in Kathua’s Machedi, with five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) losing their lives.
On July 15, four soldiers, including a Captain, were killed in action in an encounter with a separate group of terrorists in Doda district’s Desa forests.