In continuation of India’s militarization strategy in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army is intensively training members of the killer gang Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Jammu district under the pretext of preventing anti-India and pro-freedom activities.  According to Kashmir Media Service, the Village Defence Guard, raised by Indian authorities in remote areas of Jammu region and comprising Hindu fanatics is undergoing week-long training conducted by the Indian Army’s Chenab Brigade. 

The training sessions, organized in multiple border villages, focus on military tactics, raids, ambushes and firing skills.  This development has raised apprehensions among human rights groups and local people, given the controversial history of such militia-like groups targeting civilians in the past. Under the earlier guise of Village Defence Committees (VDCs), these armed groups were notorious for perpetrating violence against Muslim civilians acting as tools of oppression. 

Critics warn that the renewed push to train and arm VDG members could repeat history, as the initiative lacks adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms. Analysts argue that equipping and training local civilians in this manner risks exacerbating tensions and violence, potentially serving India’s political and military objectives under the garb of security.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)