The Army today organised a conference with members of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in Reasi district to help address their problems and boost morale.
Uniform Force, a Division of Rashtriya Rifle's Battalion located at Sarh, organised the conference at Chakal Salta village in Reasi, Defence spokesman S N Acharya said.
More than 129 VDC members, six sarpanches from the area were present on the occasion, he said.
"VDCs have played a pivotal role in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in fighting militancy hand-on-hand with the security forces," Acharya said, adding they had laid down their lives fighting terrorists to protect the land.
The VDCs are considered to be a vital security arm for safeguarding the people of remote and mountainous belts from terrorist attacks.
The VDC members were presented with sleeping bags and blankets as a small token of appreciation for their contribution and to motivate them for the future, he added.
