Jammu: To enhance weapons handling and response to any security threat, the Border Security Force, Jammu Frontier, is conducting training programmes for the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in a phased manner in the border belts of Jammu Sector.
“A training programme for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) being conducted in the border areas focusing on enhancing weapons handling, situational awareness and security threat response, to safeguard the communities,” a BSF official told UNI.
He stated that the training programme is being conducted in the border belts, including Akhnoor, Arnia, RS Pura, adding, “The training programme is part of enhancing the skills in weapons handling by the VDGs and to respond to security threats.”
Notably, the border dwellers undergoing the training programme are residing in the areas close to the International Border, covering around 200-km of area from Kathua to Akhnoor Sector, and a part of Sunderbani sector.
“BSF is the frontline defence force manning the International Border and has played a key role during Operation Sindoor,” officials said.
According to them, these kinds of training programmes are being conducted not only to further augment the force but also to train the civilians, adding, “civilians during ‘Operation Sindoor’ stood shoulder to shoulder with the BSF.”
Inspector General, Border Security Force, Jammu Frontier Shashank Anand recently in his maiden press conference had said that the BSF troops are vigilant and are maintaining high alertness along the borders. He noted that there are inputs that the enemy may strike again with fresh infiltration attempts and cross-border firing.
The IG also stated that the BSF is motivating the border dwellers to return to their homes and continue with daily household chores.
He appreciated the border residents for standing tall with the security forces in such situations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Poonch district, while interacting with the BSF jawans and officers, said the government is committed to support and empower the security forces in their mission to safeguard the national borders.
He commended their extraordinary bravery and unwavering patriotism.
The Home Minister also added that the dedication, valour, courage, and sacrifice of BSF personnel is on the lips of every child in the country.
Village Defence Guards (VDGs) formerly known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs) is a civilian force including Ex-Servicemen established in the mid 1990s in Jammu and Kashmir for the self-defence of locals and vulnerable sections in remote hilly villages against terrorism.
Equipped with weapons and better trained to tackle terrorism-related situations, the VDGs are working in close coordination with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
UNI
