On Saturday, Indian Army organized a training session for volunteers of Vill Defence Committees (VDCs) in  Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Writing on microblogging website Twitter, Army’s White Knight Corps stated that this exercise was undertaken to refresh ir weapon training and intelligence garing skills. It mentioned that session comprised of firing practice. Also, members underwent a medical examination. White Knight Corps furr revealed that local populace h appreciated ‘Army for Awaam’ initiative.  

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About VDCs

On September 30, 1995, Jammu and Kashmir Home Department issued an order, leing to formation of VDCs. y came into existence for 'self-defence' and 'supplementing efforts of forces to curb militancy and cross-border infiltration.'  aim was to provide for protection of vills and check trans-border movement. According to order, it was a manifestation of will of people to actively participate in efforts to thwart threat being posed to national security and integrity. VDCs were specifically meant for strengning security of people living in remote and mountaius areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramba, Rajouri, Reasi, Kathua and Poonch districts of J&K. Estimated to be about 4,125 in number, VDCs guard infrastructural installations and vills along border. 

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Energizing and revamping VDCs

In May 2019, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-in-C), rrn Command, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh remarked that VDCs were most useful instrument with authorities. He stressed need to energize VDCs so that y could carry out ir responsibilities. A decision was taken to relieve 352 VDCs and 117 Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar district of J&K in July this year. se volunteers h crossed of 60. Though Kishtwar was declared 'terrorism-free' a dece ago, recent killings forced authorities to take this action. 

(Inputs from ANI)

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