Jammu, July 31, KNT: The Government of India has decided to equip Village Defence Guards (VDGs) with basic automatic weapons like Self Loading Rifles (SLRs) replacing vintage 303 weapons. This has been done given the surge in militant attacks in Jammu region.
Reports said that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already given a nod to the proposal and very soon the members of VDGs will get new SLRs.
The move is aimed at strengthening their ability to combat militant threats effectively, especially in light of recent terror attacks, reports said.
VDGs in the Jammu region have been actively taking part in anti-militancy operations. Recently, there was a face-off between militants and VDGs in Doda forest, however, militants managed to escape from the spot after the fierce exchange of firing.
The MHA as per reports is also mulling to increase the strength of these VDGs. The number has continuously been increasing because of the recent militant threats posed in areas like Udhampur, Doda, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region.
Reports further added that the MHA in consultation with the J&K Government has also decided that group leaders of VDGs will receive Rs 4,500, and other members will receive Rs 4000 per month. These payments will be directly deposited into their respective bank accounts.
According to the annual report of the home ministry for 2022-23, a total of 4,153 VDGs and 32,355 SPOs were engaged in Jammu and Kashmir with different responsibilities for the protection of civilians and anti-militant operations under the direct supervision of district Superintendents of Police or Senior Superintendents of Police. [KNT]
