Stop spreading canards, half truths about VDCs: Harsh

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 19: Harshdev Singh NPP chairman and its MLA has lambasted the separatists and other groups raising hue and cry over the role and relevance of VDCs and seeking their disbanding.
NPP chairman has hailed the VDCs for the highly commendable role played by them in countering the insurgency operations since their constitution, and said they have contributed significantly in ensuring an environment of safety and security particularly in hilly and remote areas of the State.
He said that return of near normalcy and peace in the State particularly the far flung and remote areas is primarily due to highly accredited role played by the VDCs and SPOs who are still discharging their duties at the risk of their own lives.
The leader charged the separatists and other political groups with spreading canards and half truths about the VDCs and their functioning, he said and added that any attempt to disband the VDCs was fraught with dangerous consequences.
He said that the State was already experiencing cross border terrorism and there were reports of infiltration also at the time of border tensions. He said under such situations it was not practically possible for the security forces to cope with the situation and to guard each and every household particularly in the remote areas. The VDCs are not only providing protection in such areas but also creating an atmosphere of trust and security.
Harshdev Singh further lambasted the Government for secretively reducing the VDCs which has already started in the State. Seeking the re-deployment of VDCs in such areas, he said that the failure of the Government to do so could result in aggravated tensions.