JAMMU: Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, IPS on Tuesday held a special interaction with Village Defence Group (VDG) members of RS Pura and Arnia border sectors, in a first-of-its-kind outreach aimed at enhancing coordination and reviewing ground security preparedness.
The DGP was accompanied by senior BSF and Police officials including IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, IPS, DIG BSF Chiter Pal, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, JKPS, Zonal SPs and other officers. Around 110 VDG members from RS Pura sub-division participated in the interaction.
At the outset, SSP Jammu briefed the DGP on the VDG structure, strength and operational role in the district. He also spoke about emerging security challenges in the region and the importance of VDGs as a force multiplier in maintaining peace and stability.
During the programme, officers listened to the concerns raised by VDG members and assured time-bound grievance redressal.
Addressing the gathering, IGP Jammu highlighted initiatives taken to streamline VDG functioning, including assigning unique IDs to VDG groups and individual members for better monitoring and record management.
In his address, DGP Prabhat cautioned about the continuing hostile tactics of adversarial forces across the border, stressing the need for enhanced preparedness and community partnership. He said Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smooth functioning of VDGs have been framed jointly by BSF and J&K Police, clearly outlining the responsibilities of all stakeholders.
He urged strict implementation of VDG and Border SOPs on ground to reinforce the security grid and counter infiltration attempts. Emphasizing training, coordination and community vigilance, he said border residents have historically played a vital role in combating terrorism.
“Without public participation, achieving success against terrorism would be inconceivable,” he said.
The DGP clarified that VDG service is voluntary and does not promise government employment, but added that exceptional performers displaying gallantry could be considered for induction into regular police ranks and rewarded for bravery.
VDG members were also briefed on safe weapon handling, maintenance and cleaning protocols for issued arms and ammunition.
Highlighting challenges such as drone droppings, tunnels and riverine vulnerabilities, the DGP said the support of border villagers is crucial in countering such threats. He described VDGs as the first tier of the security grid, appreciating their role in timely intelligence gathering and their contribution during Ops Sindoor and flood operations.
He urged members to remain alert and continue working in close cooperation with police and security agencies to uphold peace, brotherhood and tranquillity in the region.
