Equipping Village Defence Guards with SLRs: BSF's Proactive Strategy Against Terrorism
Reinforcing VDGs with semi-automatic weapons along the Pakistan border prior to the Amarnath Yatra
In the wake of Operation Sindoor and as the Amarnath Yatra approaches on July 3, the Border Security Force (BSF) is ramping up its training program for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Jammu and Kashmir. This move aims to prevent infiltration and equip these locals to tackle terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons.
Since the training commenced a week ago, VDGs in Kathua and Samba districts have been learning the skills to operate and maintain semi-automatic self-loading rifles (SLRs). The training sessions are currently underway in the RS Pura sector of Jammu and Arnia in Akhnoor. Training for VDGs in Rajouri and Poonch districts will follow soon.
A BSF officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared, "Our training focuses on weapon drills, night patrols, swift communication with BSF posts, and emergency response to any contingency. VDGs serve as the eyes, ears, and arms of the forces, playing a significant role in counter-terror operations and maintaining vigilance on inimical elements, ultimately ensuring lasting peace."
VDG Jasvir Singh from RS Pura shared their perspective, stating, "We've learned how to take positions and engage terrorists for about three to four hours in the event of an attack. We stand with our forces and will follow their instructions."
The training comes at a crucial juncture, following the terror attack at Pahalgam, which left 26 people, mainly tourists, dead on April 22 and sparked targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Although the VDGs initially were armed with 303 rifles—which had to be reloaded after every shot—the recent upgrade replaces these with more effective SLRs. The VDGs, who are now better equipped to take on terrorists armed with US M4 carbines and AK-47s, expressed their newfound confidence. As stated by Om Prakash Sharma, another VDG, "The SLR upgrade gives us more confidence, and we're ready to contribute to securing our communities."
The Union Home Ministry, in response to the Dhangri terror attack in 2023 that claimed seven members of a Hindu family, had previously issued over 200 SLRs to the VDGs in Rajouri district. Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid, an advocate for the VDG program, supports the weapon upgrade and training, "I wholeheartedly endorse this move. VDGs must be trained to use SLRs. Back in 2000, when I was the DIG, Jammu, I established VDCs from Kathua to Akhnoor. In today's rapidly changing war dynamics, this move will clearly strengthen the security forces in their battle against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism."
According to data, Jammu and Kashmir has around 875 Village Defense Committees (VDCs) with approximately 6,000 VDGs. VDCs are instrumental in the anti-terrorism grid and were initially set up in the mid-1990s in the Chenab Valley to enable villagers to defend themselves against Pakistan-backed terrorists.
Take a closer look at Operation Sindoor and its significance:
Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, emerged as India's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and targeted Pakistan-based terror infrastructure. The operation involved precision strikes by the Indian Air Force and Army, aiming to dismantle terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab[1][3][4]. Despite the operation's intent to be punitive and non-escalatory, Pakistan retaliated, carrying out drone and UCAV attacks on Indian airbases. However, India successfully countered these attempts[4][5].
[1] Operation Sindoor: India's Response to Terror in Jammu and Kashmir
[2] India's Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response to Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism
[3] Operation Sindoor: The Indian Military's Confrontation with Pakistan
[4] India's Operation Sindoor: Focus on Disrupting Terror Camps
[5] India's Air Defense Systems vs. Pakistan's UCAV Attacks
In the midst of escalating terrorism and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the BSF's training of Village Defence Guards extends to equipping them with SLRs. Concurrently, the political landscape has been influenced by the repercussions of the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure, and heightened tensions in the realm of crime and justice.
