synonymous with a psychological feeling among the people of being a deterrent to the mischievous and diabolical designs of the Pakistan sponsored proxy war and attacks on remote villages by armed militants. We have seen series of success stories of resisting and thwarting militant attacks and saving entire villages where even brave young women took leading part by using arms against the attackers and earned nationwide acclaims. There will be, however, nothing of the sort like withdrawing weapons from the villagers having turned 60 manning VDCs excepting those who were infirm and bed ridden as also those with any criminal records. This is not only a welcome step taken by the Governor’s administration but the one in right direction, keeping in view some signs of revival of militancy in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts especially after the killing of the BJP leaders in Kishtwar.
It is reliably learnt that the Governor has directed the authorities to stop withdrawal of weapons from VDC members excepting those who were incapacitated or were having some criminal records. Hence directions for withdrawal of weapons stand revised. In other words, VDCs members shall continue to hold guns to fight militancy irrespective of their age. Allaying the scare and the panic among the minorities in these districts on account of the earlier order and the resultant resentment against such a decision of the Government, it has now been decided, on the contrary to further strengthen the VDCs. It may be recalled that these minorities prior to the establishing of the VDCs had suffered enormously but thereafter forming and arming the VDCs, these people had braved militancy all these years and frustrated the designs of the attackers and other Pakistani sponsored elements to force migration of the minorities from these areas. Fear of life and the air of apprehensions created by the earlier order had compelled number of representatives of different organizations to reach Jammu to meet authorities for maintaining status quo, to which the Government agreed.
It should have been thought beforehand to issue any type of some specific order in respect of withdrawal of weapons as to its immediate effects and aftermaths as militants are desperate to strike wherever possible to not only make their presence felt but to resort to any means to spread their tentacles beyond the valley of Kashmir , the fact which is buttressed by the recent grenade attack on Jammu bus stand. It is, however, heartening to note that it is decided to holding of regular training sessions with the existing VDCs members, checking their weapons to find whether they were in working conditions, replace the ones which have been rendered useless and to provide all other assistance which they required. So these decisions of the Government were not only aimed at restoring confidence and sense of security among the people of the vulnerable villages but cool down their tempers as well. This is especially so, going by the track record of how these brave villagers have proved their mettle in keeping militants away from their villages.
Towards measures which the administration could take towards bestowing more vigour and muscles upon the VDCs , police could recruit new VDC members wherever they felt their requirement especially in the wake of reports about any type of regrouping or reorganising of militant groups in the districts under reference. Recent killing of Parihar brothers has thrown new challenges to the police especially the accused being still at large although some over ground workers and associates, besides a top agent of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan having recently been arrested by Kishtwar police. Besides, we find radicalisation of large groups of youth in Doda which paves way for nursing militant and anti India activities. In terror related matters, nothing should be done administratively or otherwise which could jeopardise the security of the people especially vulnerable sections of the society .
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