‘To be equipped with modern weaponry, NVDs’
Says open to induct gallant border youth as SPOs, constables
Bivek Mathur
RAJPURA (SAMBA)/ ARNIA (JAMMU), Aug 11: Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain today said that the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) will be utilized alongside the Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) in the depth areas near the International Border (IB) to thwart the adversarial designs.
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“Equipped with modern weaponry, equipment, and night vision devices, the VDGs will work in synergy with the BSF and JKP in the depth areas to create a new level of difficulty for the enemy,” Swain, accompanied by top BSF and police officers, said after interacting with a group of VDGs at Government High School Rajpura in Samba district.
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He explained that, as part of the new Anti-Infiltration Grid, the forces guarding the fence will alert the VDGs upon detecting any suspicious activity.
“Thereafter, the activated VDGs will coordinate with the forces to foil the enemy’s plans,” he said.
Swain, however, clarified that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the smooth functioning of the VDGs would be notified separately in close coordination with the BSF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
He said that historically, people from the border areas have contributed to countering militancy by working in synergy with the police.
“Without their participation, achieving optimal results against militancy would be inconceivable,” he said.
The DGP said that VDG is voluntary service and does not guarantee employment but the police would not hesitate to induct them (VDGs) as Special Police Officers (SPOs) or Constables based on their demonstrable conspicuous gallantry, using the powers of the Police Establishment Board.
Swain highlighted that in Samba, Kathua and Jammu areas, police and security forces face unique challenges, including tunnelling and riverine issues.
“In such circumstances, we take advantages of the border villagers, who have a history of standing up and participating alongside the police and security forces to combat infiltration and intrusion,” he said.
He added, “We aim to elevate this effort.”
Previously, the Police chief said that Village Defence Groups were fewer in number, and in some border villages, individual VDG members were also limited.
“But now, we plan to increase the number and quality of VDGs and their equipment, particularly the weaponry and night vision devices, to enhance their coordination with the Police and the BSF.”
The DGP stated that the police would reward the VDGs for their exceptional work and bravery.
“We will go extra miles in recognizing and rewarding the VDGs in various ways to foster better synergy and rapport with the villagers. We hope this will make it increasingly difficult for the enemy to succeed,” he said.
Later, the DGP visited the Arnia sector on the outskirts of Jammu to meet the VDGs.
In response to a question about the provision of Rs 10 lakh’s cash reward for the brave VDGs, the DGP said, “This (VDG) is not a voluntary service. So, the reward is to recognise the bravery and the efforts of a person who is picking up the gun in order to protect his nation from the adversary.”
Asked when the police will start equipping the VDGs with the latest weaponry, he said, “This will be done after the formation of the committees afresh.”
Replying to another question about the ongoing anti-terrorist operations in the Kokernag woods in south Kashmir’s Anantnag District, the Police chief said, “We expect to successfully conclude the operation.”
The DGP also said that the foreign terrorists, who have managed to infiltrate from the International Border, and have been hiding in the hills by getting the food and shelter at the gunpoint, would be eliminated soon.
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