J&K strengthens rural shield; 1,500 Village Defence Guards deployed after Operation Sindoor

Following the success of Operation Sindoor, security agencies have intensified the training of local volunteers to create a multi-tiered surveillance grid in sensitive border districts.

 In a significant move to fortify the internal security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir, over 1,500 Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been formally trained and integrated into the security grid across five districts. This surge in local mobilization follows the tactical shift seen during Operation Sindoor, where human intelligence and local resistance proved pivotal in neutralizing infiltration attempts.

These volunteers, primarily from the hilly and remote terrains of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Samba, and Kathua, are now working 12-hour shifts alongside regular security forces. Unlike the older iterations of village defence groups, the current VDGs are being equipped with Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), replacing the vintage .303 rifles, and are receiving bulletproof jackets and wireless communication sets to ensure they can hold their ground until reinforcements arrive.

Tactical shift in rural surveillance

The induction of these guards marks a transition toward a more "proactive" rather than "reactive" security model. In many of these border hamlets, the VDGs act as the first line of defense. Officials noted that the training has moved beyond basic weapon handling to include tactical movement and mountain surveillance.

"The terrain here is our biggest challenge, but it is also our biggest advantage if the locals are on our side," a senior police official stationed in the Jammu division said. He added that nearly 60% of actionable intelligence in recent search operations has come directly from these local human networks.

Declining violence and the tourism hurdle

Statistical data from the past year suggests a shift in the ground reality. Deaths resulting from terrorist incidents have seen a notable decline of approximately 27.5%, dropping from 127 in the preceding year to 92. However, the shadow of past violence continues to loom over the economy.

Tourism figures have taken a significant hit, with annual footfalls dropping from a high of 33 lakh to around 11.60 lakh. The current emphasis on VDG patrolling and visible security is part of a broader strategy to rebuild confidence among travelers and restore normalcy in the hinterland.

Human intelligence as a force multiplier

The impact of local involvement was recently visible in Kishtwar’s Sinhpora, where local inputs led to the elimination of two terrorists. A similar success was recorded in Kathua’s Bilwar area this past January, where VDG members assisted security forces in tracking down and eliminating Usman, a high-ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed commander.

"When a stranger enters a village, the locals know immediately," says Amit Kumar, a VDG member from Rajouri. "Earlier, there was fear. Now, with the SLRs and the backing of the Army, there is a sense of responsibility. We monitor the ridgelines and report any movement that doesn't belong."

Preparations for Amarnath Yatra

With the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3, the security grid is being tightened further. Around 190 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), recently returned from election duties elsewhere in the country, are being redeployed across the UT.

These units, comprising roughly 19,000 personnel, will focus on securing highways and the vulnerable mountainous tracks leading to the holy cave. The VDGs in peripheral villages will play a crucial role in ensuring that the heights overlooking the Yatra routes remain sanitized.

Empowerment of women in VDG

Interestingly, the latest recruitment and training drives in Doda and surrounding areas have seen an uptick in participation from women. These female volunteers are being integrated into the surveillance network, particularly in areas where household-level monitoring and forest patrolling are essential.

As the security situation evolves, the focus remains on the "last mile" of defense. By empowering the people who live on the edge of the border, the administration hopes to create a permanent deterrent against infiltration that doesn't solely rely on the physical presence of the military in every single valley.