Asserting that Village Defence Committees played a major role along with security forces in curbing terrorism, BJP today demanded strengthening of the VDCs in remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
"VDC members played a major role along with security forces in curbing terrorism. We demand strengthening of the VDCs in remote regions of J&K", Stat BJP General Secretary Rajiv Jasrotia said here today.
"As the number of VDCs is declining day by day in the remote regions of mountainous districts like Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Rajouri, there is an urgent need to re-induct fresh numbers of VDCs to strengthen the outfit", the Kathua MLA said.
Jasrotia said that it was only because of the cooperation of the VDCs that the security forces succeeded in countering militancy in these belts as they acted as "ears and eyes of the force".
"Government should induct fresh VDCs equipped with weapons to fight terrorism", he said.
In the Udhampur attack on Wednesday, two heavily-armed terrorists believed to be from Pakistan, had ambushed a convoy of BSF personnel and opened fire in which two constables and a militant were killed while another terrorist was caught alive with the help of VDC members.
He lambasted all those who in past were raising hue and cry over the role and relevance of VDCs and seeking their disbanding.
Jasrotia hailed VDCs for the highly commendable role played by them in countering the insurgency operations since their constitution.
He said they have contributed significantly in ensuring an environment of safety and security particularly in hilly and remote areas of the state.
BJP MLA said that the VDCs were constituted with the objective of not only providing self protection in the remote and militancy prone areas but also to fight militants till the security forces could reach to neutralize the attackers.
He said that return of near normalcy and peace in the state particularly the far flung and remote areas is primarily due to highly accredited role played by the VDCs and SPOs who are still discharging their duties at the risk of their own lives.
