Post Kishtwar Attack: VDGs intensify vigilance along borders in Jammu region

Srinagar, Nov 15: Following the recent terrorist attack on two Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in Kishtwar forests, the VDG along with security forces have intensified the surveillance along the borders.
A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that they have directed VDG’s to remain on alert and intensify vigilance along the border area in the Jammu region.
“The role of VDGs in keeping the border areas safe cannot be overstated. Their knowledge of the terrain and their dedication make them a vital part of our security apparatus. They are the unsung heroes in this fight against terrorism,” he added.
Mohan Lal, who was recently trained with new weapons, a local at Makhwal Akhnoor said that from the past 10 days, they are alert to foil the attempt of terrorists backed by Pakistan. We are keeping an eagle eye on any suspicious activity, he said.
“The Akhnoor sector was used by terrorists as an infiltration point but due to alertness of security forces and VDGs such activities have witnessed massive decline over the past several years,” he added.
Mohan said that VDGs have the support of the Army and police. Whenever we spot suspicious activity, they respond quickly. It feels like we’re part of a bigger shield protecting our country,’ he added.
Ravi Kumar, another VDG stationed in a border village near Rajouri, spoke about the rising sense of duty among the local defense guards.
“After the Kishtwar attack, we are more focused than ever. We know what’s at stake. I patrol the area at night, with my team, checking every corner. We won’t allow any breach,” he said.
Sunil Sharma, another VDG from RS Pora said that the villagers are our first line of intelligence. They report anything unusual to us, and we act swiftly. In this way, the whole community is part of the defense system,” he said.
“We have come a long way. Our training has improved, and we are now equipped with modern weapons. This makes a huge difference in how we approach border security,” he added.
On Nov 07, terrorists shot dead two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Munzla Dhar forests of Kishtwar after both were kidnapped from a nearby forest area.
The slain VDGs were identified as Nazir Ahmed S/O Mohd Khalil and Kuldeep Kumar S/O Amar Chand, both residents of Ohli Kuntwara, Kishtwar. Both were shepherds and were grazing sheep when the duo was abducted by terrorists.
Recently 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.
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.