DODA: A group of 250 women are being trained by the police in the Doda district to become Village Defence Guards (VDGs), which will enable them to stop terrorist activities in their communities. These rural women from the hilly district of Doda are receiving training in firearms and other fighting techniques in order to thwart the evil schemes of the peace enemy. “Motivated to play their roles in safeguarding their villages, these women came forward and opted for weapon training as over a dozen villagers were killed in Kulhand massacre by the terrorists in the year 2006,” sources said. There are currently 875 VDGs with over 6000 members, of which only 4600 are compensated. Training in firing, area domination, and patrolling is provided to these VDG members. These VDG members, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, are doing well and assisting law enforcement and other security agencies in monitoring anti-national elements. According to the SSP, the police have established firing ranges in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Gandoh where these VDG members receive regular training and practice firing.
