Terror Attack In Jammu And Kashmir: 2 Village Defence Guards Killed

In a tragic incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, two village defence guards (VDGs) were brutally murdered by terrorists. The victims, identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, hailed from the Ohli Kuntwara village. Reports suggest that they were blindfolded, abducted, and subsequently killed in the upper reaches of Kuntw. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have yet to officially confirm the killings.

The slain guards, sons of Mohammad Khalil and Amar Chand respectively, were part of the local village defence groups set up as a measure against terrorist activities. These groups, initially known as village defence committees (VDCs), have been a critical component of the anti-terrorism framework in the region since their inception in the mid-1990s. Originating in the Chenab Valley area, the initiative aims to arm and train villagers, combining their efforts with those of police officers to form a robust defence mechanism. With over 4,125 VDGs reported across the Union Territory, these groups receive periodic training from the Indian Army, enhancing their skills in weapons handling and intelligence gathering.

Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a chilling display, circulating a photograph of the deceased along with a letter in Urdu. The letter, while unverified, purportedly warns against joining the VDGs, alleging that the two guards had been pursuing members of the terror outfit before being captured and executed. The organization also attempts to distinguish its targets, claiming it has never killed a common Hindu and its fight is solely against the Indian Army. This assertion, however, does little to mitigate the fear and tension such acts of violence instigate among the local population.

Local police sources have corroborated the grim development through an intelligence report. It confirmed that the two members of the VDG, who also worked as shepherds, went missing while grazing their cattle in Munzla Dhar and were later found dead. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle faced by these village defense groups, who stand on the front lines against terrorist activities in their communities.

The village defence groups, rebranded from the original village defence committees, represent an essential facet of the counter-terrorism strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. Established to equip villagers with the means to protect their communities against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, these groups embody the local resistance against external threats. The inclusion of police officers among their ranks further solidifies their role within the broader security apparatus in the region.

This tragic event not only highlights the dangers faced by those who stand against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir but also underscores the persistent threat of terror groups in the area. As the community mourns the loss of Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, the attack serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by village defence guards in their mission to safeguard their homes and families against the backdrop of ongoing violence.