Security and Defence Context
- Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are being trained by the Border Security Force (BSF) to act as a “second line of defence”.
- The training is focused on civilians living in border villages along the Jammu-Pakistan border.
- This move follows Operation Sindoor, which addressed heightened terror threats in the region.
Relevance : GS 3(Defence ,Internal Security)
Reason for Reviving the VDG Initiative
- Revived in 2022 after a 20+ year gap, owing to increased terrorist activity.
- Over the last 3 years, 22+ civilians have been killed in targeted terror attacks in Jammu region.
- Key affected areas include:
- Chenab Valley
- Kathua-Samba region
- Rajouri and Poonch (south of Pir Panjal)
Strategic Importance
- Civilians are being prepared to fill critical gaps in localised early response against infiltration and terror attacks.
- Enhances community resilience and force multiplication without overextending regular forces.
Deployment for Amarnath Yatra
- 52,000+ CAPF personnel (581 companies) to be deployed for Amarnath Yatra (July 3 – Aug 9).
- Highest deployment in 3 years, indicating elevated threat perception.
- April 22 terror attack in Baisaran (Pahalgam) left 26 civilians dead, prompting escalated security.
High-Level Oversight
- CRPF Director-General G.P. Singh is in J&K for on-ground security review.
- Home Minister Amit Shah to review security in Jammu and Poonch during a two-day visit.
Implications
- Reflects a shift towards community-based counter-terror strategy.
- Addresses concerns of rural border population safety amid recurring attacks.
- May signal long-term civil-military synergy model in sensitive border areas.
