Arming the Villages: How Doda’s Locals Are Becoming the Chenab Valley’s First Line of Defence
In the rugged and forested landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir s Chenab Valley security challenges have once again come into sharp focus With suspected militant movement reported in the higher reaches of Doda and Kishtwar districts the Indian Army has adopted a strategy that goes beyond conventional military operations Alongside active counter-terrorist missions it has begun strengthening grassroots security by training Village Defence Guards VDGs drawn from some of the most vulnerable and remote villages of the region Around volunteers from villages along the Doda Chamba border are currently undergoing intensive training at Shingini panchayat in the Bhalessa area nearly kilometers from the Doda district headquarters These villages sit close to dense forests and mountainous terrain areas that have historically provided cover and movement routes for militants For residents who live far from major towns and security installations this initiative represents not just training but reassurance Who Are the Village
