J-K Village Defence Committee members on high alert

RAJOURI - The members of Village Defence Committees (VDC) along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert following attempt by many infiltrators to cross the Line of Control.

lthough the security forces have gunned down at least 20 militants in Rajouri district’s Kalakot and Budhal region in the recent months, there are reports that indicate that more militants are making efforts to infiltrate.

Sensing the situation, the VDC members have started keeping a close vigil in the Kalakot region.

“Our VDC members with the cooperation of security forces and locals are on high vigilance. Whenever there is any urgent call, all the VDC members of our area perform their duties with total responsibility,” said VDC Commander Somraj.

The VDC members have even started performing night duties in order to make the locals feel safe and secure.

The members, however, feel that if they are given salaries for their work, they would perform their duties better.

“We people have been performing our duties night after night. We used to walk across the village to keep a close check on whether any militant is on loose or not,” said VDC member Mohammad Lateef.

“If we start getting salaries for our job, then we can do wonders,” he added.

Earlier this month, in a brave act, a Village Defence Committee (VDC) member repulsed a militant attack on his house in Rajouri district. (ANI)