Jammu, J&K (India): Members of the Village Defence Groups (VDGs)—armed units of trained local volunteers—have been patrolling their respective villages along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu amid heightened security measures.
These patrols in remote and difficult terrain are being conducted jointly by VDGs in coordination with local police personnel to check terror-related activities.
As part of enhanced security precautions, similar patrols were organised by SP Rural Jammu, Brijesh Sharma, during a recent border security review meeting with VDG members. Accordingly, border patrolling has been intensified in view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations.
A joint patrol involving police personnel and VDG members of Police Post Pargwal was conducted near the International Border at Malabela to enhance vigilance and prevent any untoward incident. Similarly, another joint patrol with VDG members was carried out in the Malla Bharore area to further strengthen security arrangements.
These proactive measures aim to reinforce border security, enhance coordination with VDGs, and ensure maximum alertness ahead of Republic Day. The overall security situation in the area remains peaceful and under control.
It may be recalled that security forces recently carried out a joint operation in Billawar (Kathua district), during which a Pakistani terrorist was neutralised in an encounter. Reports said the terrorist had taken hostages, but security forces successfully conducted the anti-terror operation and rescued them without any harm.
At present, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a heightened security grid, with additional paramilitary forces deployed to assist local police in various areas, including border regions.DD