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Village Defence Committees
“To be prepared for war is the most effective means of maintaining peace.”
~ George Washington
Context: Government’s comprehensive security plan to address rising threat of terrorism in Jammu region includes over 75 Special Operations Group (SOG) camps in forests, enhanced Village Defence Committees (VDCs) training, and increased Border Security Force (BSF) deployment.
More on News:
- The region experienced a troubling rise in terror incidents. The government adopted a “zero tolerance” policy to dismantle the support structures enabling this violence.
- These camps will be staffed by personnel from local police, CRPF, and the Army, who will conduct daily patrols to monitor and detect terrorist activities.
- Regular training sessions will be reinstated for VDCs, focusing on use of traditional weapons like .303 rifles and semi-automatic Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs).
Village Defence Committees (VDCs):
Village Defence Committees (VDCs) contribution in fight against militants
- During the height of militancy in Jammu, particularly in Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, and other regions, VDCs played a crucial role.
- They were feared by militants due to their local knowledge and ability to respond quickly, often thwarting attacks and aiding in the capture or killing of militants.
- They were established in the mid-1990s in the former Doda district (now Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban) as a response to militant attacks.
- The Jammu and Kashmir administration aimed to empower residents of remote, hilly villages by providing them with weapons and arms training for self-defence.
- Composition: It consists of a minimum of 10-15 ex-servicemen, ex-policemen, & able-bodied local youth enrolled on a voluntary basis.
- At least five members in each VDC were provided with .303 rifles and 100 rounds each, with the number of weapons allocated depending on the credentials of the volunteers and the security requirements of the village.
- These committees have since been rebranded as Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
- The VDG scheme, approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in March 2022, with the mission of training local volunteers to protect themselves.
- It functions under supervision/direction of the District Superintendent of Police (SP) or Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
Village Defence Committees (VDCs) v/s Village Defence Guards (VDGs):
- Both are the groups of civilians armed to defend against militant attacks until security forces arrive.
- Under the VDG scheme, the leader of each group will receive Rs. 4,500 per month, while other members will get Rs. 4,000 each.
- In contrast, only the Special Police Officer (SPO) leading a VDC was provided a monthly remuneration of Rs. 1,500.
- SPOs were typically retired personnel from the army/paramilitary/ police.