Jammu , June 6(KPN): In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the killer militia raised by Indian army in the name of Village Defense Guards to eliminate pro-freedom leaders and activists and terrorize Muslim population has started receiving enhanced weapon and firing training at special army camps in different areas of Rajouri district.
The army has set up these training camps to provide special weapon training to VDGs across the district, Indian army officials have confirmed.
Training camps were organised at multiple locations within Rajouri district where hundreds of VDGs are getting training, the officials added. Specially designated weapon trainers are supervising these camps, delivering presentations to VDGs on effective weapon handling, cleaning and firing techniques.
The Village Defence Guards (VDGS), previously known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs,) are equipped with 303 rifles and shot guns, which are in the custody of Indian army. The VDGS are mostly affiliated with the Hindutva outfits like RSS, BJP, Banjrang Dal, Jansangh and VHP in the Chenab Valley districts of the region.
A Village Defence Guard ,Madan Mohan Sharma, while confirming the development said the, VDGs have an important role to play against the pro-freedom camp in Rajouri district. Referring to the attacks on civilians by the killer gang in the past, he said “VDCs have proved their mettle in early 2000 and we even played role in operations against the pro-freedom youths in the area”.
Kamal Kishore Sharma, another VDG member said the regular training is going on in camps on daily basis.
Meanwhile, the residents mostly Muslims in Chinab valley talking to media men expressed concern over the recruitment of VDGs by Indian army and its agencies in the district. They said VDG members are communal and anti-Muslim that have killed hundreds of youth, destroyed and looted Muslim properties and disgraced women in 1990s.
