Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Wednesday lauded the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs), stating that individuals demonstrating remarkable courage in anti-terror operations could be considered for induction into the regular police force.
During an interaction with more than 110 VDG members in a forward village along the International Border in the R S Pura sector, as per news agency , DGP urged them to stay alert and continue assisting police and security agencies in maintaining peace, harmony, and overall security.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Prabhat said the primary aim of the outreach was to enhance coordination, boost operational cooperation, and strengthen training mechanisms.
“We focused on these core areas, listened to their issues, and expressed gratitude for their significant contribution to J&K’s security grid,” he said.
DGP was accompanied by senior officers from BSF and J&K Police, including IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, DIG BSF Chiter Pal, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Shiv Kumar Sharma, and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Prabhat highlighted the evolving challenges posed by neighbouring adversaries aiming to disturb peace in the region. He said Jammu’s border areas face distinct threats such as drone-based weapon drops, underground tunnels, and riverine infiltration attempts.
“In these situations, the support of border residents is invaluable. Their longstanding cooperation with security forces has been instrumental in countering infiltration and hostile activities,” he said.
The DGP informed that revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smooth functioning of VDGs have been framed in consultation with the BSF. He stressed the importance of enforcing these SOPs effectively to strengthen border security.
He further emphasized preventive strategies such as improved training, coordinated operations, and community vigilance.
Prabhat reiterated that while VDGs serve voluntarily and the role does not automatically assure employment, the police department “would not hesitate to absorb individuals who display extraordinary bravery or exceptional contribution in anti-terror operations,” as permitted under the Police Establishment Board guidelines.
During the session, VDG members were also trained on the proper upkeep, safe handling, and maintenance of government-issued weapons and ammunition.
He described VDGs as the “first layer of the security grid,” acknowledging their vital role in intelligence gathering and recalling their contribution during Operation Sindoor and flood-related emergencies.
IG Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti also briefed the participants on measures introduced to streamline VDG functioning, including unique identification codes for each member and group.
Later, DGP visited the Border Police Post Chakrohi and Police Station R S Pura, where he reviewed the security situation and issued on-spot instructions to strengthen border policing and manpower deployment.