A Village Defence Guard (VDG) member was killed and another critically injured in an incident of alleged firing by a colleague in the Udhampur district of Jammu division on Friday. The violence unfolded in the remote, hilly Pancheri area, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
Preliminary reports indicate that the two VDG members, identified as Baldev Singh, who sustained fatal injuries, and Romesh Singh, who was critically wounded, were en route to the Damnot police post when the altercation occurred. Surjeet Singh, a resident of Sasri Damnot and a fellow VDG member, is alleged to have opened fire on his colleagues in what is being described as a fit of rage. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the injured Singh was promptly transported to a medical facility for urgent treatment, while police teams were dispatched to the scene upon receiving notification of the shooting.
Authorities have confirmed that efforts are currently underway to apprehend the accused individual, Surjeet Singh. However, the precise motive behind the alleged shooting and the exact sequence of events leading up to the gunfire remain under investigation. The incident highlights the volatile nature of security operations in remote areas and the internal challenges that can arise within defense units.
Village Defence Guards are a crucial component of the security apparatus across the Jammu region, serving as the initial line of defense against infiltration and attacks by Pakistan-trained terrorists. These VDG members are equipped with weapons provided by the government and undergo regular training facilitated by the police, Army, and Border Security Force (BSF). Their role is particularly vital in areas where the terrain is challenging and access for conventional security forces can be time-consuming, especially in the event of terror-related incidents.
Many villages in the more isolated parts of the Jammu region are accessible only by foot, which poses significant logistical hurdles for security forces in responding swiftly to threats. The VDGs have historically played a critical role in maintaining security in the mountainous and remote areas of Doda, Kishtwar, and other districts within the Jammu region. These areas have often been targeted by terrorists who have sought to sow fear and instability by targeting local populations based on their identity. The presence of armed local volunteers like the VDGs is intended to provide immediate deterrence and response capabilities in such vulnerable locales.
The incident in Udhampur, however, underscores the importance of internal security protocols and conflict resolution mechanisms within these defense units. While the VDGs are trained to combat external threats, the reported intra-group violence raises questions about the psychological preparedness and conflict management skills of individuals operating under high-stress conditions. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing, including any potential personal disputes or grievances that may have escalated to such a tragic outcome. The focus of the investigation will likely be on establishing the exact cause of the altercation and ensuring accountability for the actions taken.
The VDG system was established to empower local communities to defend themselves against militant activities, particularly in areas that are difficult for security forces to patrol effectively. These guards are often recruited from the local population and possess intimate knowledge of the terrain and community dynamics, making them valuable assets in counter-insurgency operations. Their commitment and bravery have been instrumental in thwarting numerous terror plots and protecting civilian lives over the years. However, incidents like the one in Pancheri serve as a stark reminder of the human element involved in security operations and the need for continuous support and oversight to prevent such internal conflicts.
The Udhampur district, like other parts of the Jammu division, has been a focus of security operations aimed at combating militancy. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening local defense mechanisms to complement the efforts of the police and military. The VDG scheme has been periodically reviewed and reinforced to ensure its effectiveness in the prevailing security environment. The recent incident, while an isolated event, could prompt a review of the screening and psychological assessment processes for individuals inducted into such sensitive defense roles. The ability of these guards to maintain discipline and cohesion within their ranks is as critical as their ability to confront external adversaries.
The injured VDG member, Romesh Singh, is currently receiving medical attention, and his condition is being closely monitored. The authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure justice and to prevent any recurrence of such unfortunate events. The investigation is expected to shed light on the underlying factors that contributed to this violent outburst, providing valuable insights for future security planning and community defense initiatives in the region. The broader implications of this incident for the VDG program and the overall security strategy in Jammu and Kashmir will likely be assessed in the coming days as more details emerge from the ongoing police inquiry.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.