Army imparts weapons training to village defence committees
Amid a spike in militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has started imparting training on weapon handling, firing and maintenance, to village defence committees (VDCs) in Reasi and Rajouri districts.
Village defence committees (VDCs) were first set up in the mid-1990s in Chenab Valley area of Jammu and Kashmir to help unarmed villagers defend themselves when facing Pak-sponsored militants.
“In its continued endeavours towards ensuring peace in border areas and the hinterland of Pir Panjal in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army interacted with village defence committees (VDCs) of Reasi and Rajouri districts,” said defence spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand.
The VDCs play a significant part in assisting the forces in counter terrorism operations and maintaining vigil over inimical elements with an overall aim of ensuring lasting peace in remote areas, he added.
“Meaningful interaction was carried out with local members and modalities of training of VDCs were also discussed,” he said. “The event, organised for VDC members of Kandi, Khawas, Samote, Budhal in Rajouri district and areas of Chasana, Mamankot in Reasi district, was optimally utilised for imparting training on weapon handling, firing and refreshing the individuals on weapon maintenance drills,” said Col Anand.
VDC members also displayed their training prowess and skills in weapon handling.
The Army unit assisted all the members of VDC in further improving their self-defence capabilities and laid emphasis on the role of village defence committee. “VDC members were also briefed about the prevalent situation with respect to modus operandi of militants in order to execute swift and effective response, tactics being employed by anti-national elements and how important their role is to ensure sustained peace and prosperity in the region,” he said.
A total of 208 VDC members attended the event.
It may be stated here that Pakistan of late has been trying to revive terrorism in Jammu region.