Jammu, 04 January (H.S.): As part of efforts to strengthen border security, 85 Village Defence Group (VDG) members from border villages of Arnia, R S Pura and Kanachak are undergoing an intensive training at District Police Lines (DPL) Jammu.

Officials said the training includes handling of automatic rifles, minor tactics, self-defence, bunker construction and methods to repel enemy attacks.

The programme was inaugurated by SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, in the presence of SP Headquarters Jammu, SP Operations Jammu and DySP DAR Jammu.

Officials said the villages covered under the programme are located close to the International Border and remain vulnerable to infiltration attempts, drone activities and tunnelling, particularly during winter months due to foggy conditions.

“The training is being conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Police trainers, including personnel from SOG Jammu, with the aim of preparing VDG members to protect their villages and act as first responders during any emergency,” they said.

VDG members have welcomed both the training and the recent upgradation of their weapons.

They expressed satisfaction over the replacement of old .303 rifles with self-loading rifles, stating that the move has significantly boosted their confidence.

Addressing the participants, the SSP Jammu appreciated the role of VDGs in strengthening internal security along the border belt and said that empowering Village Defence Groups is part of a multi-layered security strategy to ensure lasting peace and safety in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar