The Indian Army has launched a special training drive for 150 Village Defence Guards (VDGs), including women volunteers, from 17 remote villages in Doda district. The initiative is to improve grassroots security preparedness in the Chenab valley region, which sees infiltrations and has faced attacks in the past from Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
#WATCH | Bhalessa, Doda, J&K: To further strengthen counter-terrorism arrangements in the Doda district of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, the Indian Army has initiated specialised guerrilla warfare training for Village Defence Guards (VDGs). (30.12) pic.twitter.com/oGlADvHaIH
— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025
The VDG training program is being conducted at Shingini panchayat in the Bhalessa area, about 90 km from Doda. Army personnel are training the village defence guards to handle automatic rifles (recently upgraded to self-loading rifles), self-defence tactics, bunker construction, minor combat skills, and repelling attacks.
Participants have stated that the training drive will instil confidence amid forested terrains prone to infiltration. The VDGs serve as the first line of defence in vulnerable border areas, enhancing community resilience against persistent threats.
Army officials have stated that the move complements the ongoing operation by the Army, police and paramilitary forces in the higher reaches to track down and neutralise the terrorists who had managed to infiltrate into Chenab valley, especially Doda and Kishtwar districts.
