VILLAGE DEFENCE COMMITTEES VITAL
The Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have proved to be strategically very crucial in combating terrorism and the centre’s move to rejuvenate the same will augment the edifice in place for tackling terrorism in J&K with added strength and cogency. In this context, national general secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and party incharge of J&K and Ladakh Union Territories, Tarun Chug has rightly said that VDCs have done a yeoman’s service to the UT of J&K by taking terrorists head on and controlling terrorism in far off hamlets with great efficiency. It is really good that BJP government led by PM Narendra Modi has understood the significance of VDCs and is empowering the same to nip the evil in the bud as recently there was a surge in terrorist activities as terrorists wanted to divert the attention of security forces which were mounting pressure by their concerted efforts and becoming offensive rather than being defensive as PM Modi has given them free hand to tackle terrorism in Kashmir without any restraint or restrictions. No doubt that the role played by dedicated and selfless VDC members helped in maintaining calm especially in the erstwhile Doda district where terrorists created a lot of devastation and destruction during nineties. For this, the VDC members deserved all credit for their dedication in maintaining peace and amity in the Union Territory. One can say that it was because of VDC members sacrifices that terrorism has been weeded out from Doda district. Looking into the important role which VDCs played in containing the Home Minister Amit Shah has recently announced revival and strengthening of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs), which existed mainly in Jammu region. It was also decided that besides revival of the existing more VDCs would be set up as per requirements and their nomenclature will be changed, and every member will be paid for the services he provided to ensure safety of the people. The modalities in this regard have already under process and it is likely that the rejuvenated VDCs will boost the security grid especially in Jammu region which witnessed few terrorist attacks during the years 2021 thus forcing the government to think something out of the box to provide safety and security to the common man.