Indian Army and JKP Collaborate to Train Village Defence Guards

The Indian Army, partnering with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, is training Village Defence Guards to enhance local security. About 600 civilians are being instructed in automatic rifles and tactical drills to combat terrorist threats. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve regional safety.

The Indian Army, in a strategic collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), is actively working to bolster local security by training Village Defence Guards (VDGs), sources confirmed. This initiative seeks to equip civilians with essential skills to protect their villages from terrorist threats, thereby enhancing the region's security infrastructure.

Currently, approximately 600 civilians are receiving intensive training in automatic rifle operations, squad post drills, and minor tactics to defend their communities against terrorist threats. The training is conducted at the unit level near their villages, enabling the VDGs to readily apply their skills in real-world situations. Each VDG unit undergoes a minimum of three-day training, meticulously structured by the Indian Army, with additional support from instructors and training aids at the Corps Battle School in Sarol.

This collaborative effort ensures that VDGs receive expert instruction, significantly enhancing the training's effectiveness. Initiated at the request of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the program has already shown noteworthy progress. The issuance of self-loading rifles (SLRs) to VDGs through a coordinated effort between the Army's Ordnance Depots and the JKP further empowers these units. This initiative highlights the Indian Army's steadfast commitment to protecting innocent civilians in the region.

SLRs are a critical component of the VDGs' arsenal, providing them with essential defense capabilities. To date, about 500 individuals have been trained in the Rajouri area, with another 85-90 individuals trained in the Doda and Kishtwar regions.

This comprehensive initiative underscores the commitment to safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)