edited by: Oindrila Mukherjee
Last Update: February 08, 2023, 21:25 IST
The Ministry of Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha that the CRPF had imparted training to 948 VDG members from January 6 to January 25 in collaboration with the Rajouri District Police. (Representational Image: Reuters/File)
The VDG will consist of persons with valid arms license and weapons provided by the J&K Police, taking into account the credentials of the volunteers, the population of the village, its location and security requirements
The Ministry of Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir has seen a drastic decline in terror incidents and now the sanctioned strength for Village Defense Groups is 4,985. It states that each team will not have more than 15 members.
“At present, the sanctioned strength of Village Defense Groups (VDGs) is 4,985, out of which 4,153 VDGs have been formed. The Ministry of Home Affairs vide its letter dated March 2, 2022 has decided that each VDG shall not have more than 15 members. The members will be designated as Village Defense Guards,” the MHA said in a reply.
Individuals leading/coordinating VDGs in “more sensitive areas” will be paid Rs 4,500 per month and those who are members of VDGs on a voluntary basis will be paid at the same rate of Rs 4,000 per month, the ministry said.
It also added that the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) had given necessary training to 948 VDG members in collaboration with the Rajouri district police from January 6 to January 25.
What will happen to VDG?
The VDG will consist of those who have a valid arms license and have been provided with arms by the Jammu and Kashmir Police – as decided by the District Magistrate / SSP – taking into account the credentials of the volunteers, the population of the village, its location and security requirements . Also, those who have valid arms license and arms or are willing to purchase arms themselves. It is a reimbursement scheme and is based on certified monthly claims submitted by the J&K Administration.
Drugs are smuggled through Pakistan and Afghanistan
In a separate reply, the Home Ministry said that the NIA was probing cases where it had found that drugs were smuggled from Pakistan and Afghanistan was supplied to Jammu and Kashmir.
“However, there is no clear evidence of cross-border smuggling of drugs in these cases – from Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the 12 cases registered by the NIA, it has been revealed that drugs were smuggled through Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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