Paramilitary to train villagers in Jammu and Kashmir
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Srinagar: After the terrorist attack that led to the death of civilians, the paramilitary will give training to villagers of Rajouri and Poonch. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will guide Village Defence Committees - groups armed by the government to defend against terrorist attacks.
A Home Ministry official said the CRPF would impart training to villagers but it is yet to be decided whether weapons would also be provided to them and if yes then whether it would be small arms or rifles. He added that the final contours of the training schedule, the variety of arms to be included, and the number of participants will be decided in time.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has recently started reissuing weapons to village defence guards (VDGs) - groups of volunteers from the villages. after the Dhangri incident in the Rajouri district.
In the 1990s, VDGs were given training and arms because attacks on a section of the community were common. Preventing mass migration was also a goal. The VDGs are instructed to remain vigilant in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.