Jammu: In a renewed move to tighten its control over the Kashmiri population living near the Line of Control, the Indian regime has reviewed the operational preparedness of Village Defence Guards (VDGs), a group widely criticized for its involvement in civilian killings in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Jammu South Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Sharma chaired a meeting in Jammu focusing on improving area familiarisation, strengthening operational readiness, and expanding the role of VDGs in monitoring sensitive areas.

During the meeting, Sharma emphasized the importance of the VDGs’ local knowledge and vigilance in suppressing pro-freedom activities and called for close coordination with the police and Indian armed forces. The VDGs were directed to immediately report any “suspicious” or “untoward” activity.

Kashmiris suffer as Indian forces intensify crackdown across IIOJK

The revival and strengthening of VDGs comes against the backdrop of their documented participation in civilian killings, raising concerns that the move may further entrench violence and oppression in the region.

Critics warn that such initiatives by the Indian occupation authorities risk escalating human rights abuses and perpetuating a climate of fear among Kashmiri civilians in the occupied territory.