Jammu, Dec 3: Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat Wednesday asserted that the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the entire security grid of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) was very significant.
Describing VDGs as the first tier of the security grid, the top cop of J&K also lauded their role in timely intelligence collection as well as their contribution during Operation Sindoor and floods.
DGP was speaking to media persons after holding an interaction with the VDGs of R S Pura and Arnia border sectors at R S Pura.
Responding to media queries, he said that there was no dearth of weapons.
“Today’s event was related to the main issue of coordination, operational cooperation and training. Besides, we heard their issues of concern to address them. Most importantly, we had to extend gratitude to them (VDGs) and to convey that their duty had a very significant role in the entire security grid of the Jammu and Kashmir Police,” he said.
DGP was accompanied by top BSF and police officers, including IGP Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti; DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; DIG BSF Chiter Pal; SSP Jammu Joginder Singh; zonal SPs of Jammu district and several Police and BSF officers.
About 110 VDG members from the jurisdiction of the sub-division R S Pura participated in the event.
In his address, the DGP sensitised VDGs about the constant adversarial tactics adopted by the enemy neighbour country to harm the security and harmony in the country.
He stated that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the smooth functioning of the VDGs were notified in close coordination with the BSF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in which role and duties of all stakeholders were clearly mentioned.
Explaining the officers and VDGs regarding the border SOPs, he stressed the need for its proper implementation on ground by all the stakeholders to further strengthen the border security grid and thwart the evil designs of the enemy country.
DGO also emphasised the preventive strategies through training, coordination and community vigilance. He said that historically, people from the border areas contributed to countering terrorism by working in synergy with the Police.
“Without their participation, achieving optimal results against terrorism would be inconceivable,” he said.
The DGP said that VDG was a voluntary service and did not guarantee employment but the police would not hesitate to induct them in regular force for exceptional contribution in counter-terrorism, demonstrable conspicuous gallantry, using the powers of the Police Establishment Board.
He also stated that the police would reward the VDGs for their exceptional work and bravery.
He urged VDG members to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with Police and security forces in strengthening the security grid and maintaining brotherhood, peace and tranquillity.
The participants also received instructions on the periodic cleaning, safe handling and maintenance of government issued arms and ammunition.
DGP highlighted that in Jammu areas, Police and security forces faced unique challenges, including drone droppings, tunnelling and riverine issues.
“In such circumstances, we take advantage 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.
Earlier SSP Jammu welcomed DGP and briefed him regarding the VDG structure and strength in the Jammu district.
He also apprised the DGP regarding the emerging security challenges and highlighted the crucial role of VDGs as a force multiplier in maintaining peace and stability.
During the event, the officers listened to the grievances of VDGs and assured prompt redressal.
IGP Jammu, in his address, highlighted the initiatives taken by ZPHQ Jammu regarding the streamlining of VDG functioning including assigning unique IDs to VDG groups and each VDG to monitor the working properly and encouraging proper record building.
