Rural Pulse

85 VDG members from border areas undergo intensive training at DPL

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.

On the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026, a member of the Village Defence Group (VDG) fired several warning shots after observing suspicious activity near his house in the Dessa area of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Key details of the incident include:
Location: The firing occurred in the village of Dewal Kund within the Dessa region.
Action Taken: The VDG member discharged three to four rounds from his service-issued Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) as a precautionary measure upon spotting what were reported as three suspected militants.
Casualties: No injuries or loss of life were reported in the incident.
Official Response: Following the shots, Doda police and army reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the area to conduct search operations.
Advisory: Authorities have urged local residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and avoid unnecessary movement while security forces maintain a presence in the area.
This event follows a similar incident on Wednesday in the Rajouri district, where another VDG member fired warning shots after spotting suspicious movement.
Do you need more information about the ongoing security operations in Doda or details on the training provided to VDGs by the Indian Army?

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VDG Members Open Fire in Doda’s Dessa Area

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Repair and renovation of field hostels and an Ist Aid Centre.
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Construction of a path/steps with railing for a cremation shed near the dam reservoir.
Community Welfare: The project has provided both permanent and indirect employment to locals, with a significant percentage of the workforce drawn from the surrounding areas.
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