BSF Trains Border Villagers in Jammu and Kashmir in Self-defence

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 5th June: The Border Security Force (BSF) is conducting self-defence and firearms familiarisation training for villagers living in Jammu and Kashmir’s border areas, officials told NDTV. This initiative comes as part of India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-linked militants.

The training is being conducted under the Village Defence Guard (VDG) programme, aiming to empower locals to support the BSF in preventing infiltration, drone-based smuggling, and illegal arms movement. Villagers are taught basic firearms handling, including demonstrations of assault rifles like the AK series and INSAS, as well as the functioning of hand grenades. The sessions also include techniques to detect and track drones, enhancing vigilance.

VDG members are encouraged to participate in night patrols, reconnaissance, and timely reporting of suspicious activities to BSF check posts. Special self-defence training is also being provided to women and teenagers in certain areas to strengthen community safety.

Officials highlighted the enthusiasm among youth in border villages and noted that the VDG comprises diverse members, including school teachers and panchayat leaders. The BSF believes that well-trained civilians can act as the first line of defence against smuggling and other security threats.

“This training campaign could set a new benchmark for citizen participation in national security,” said a senior BSF officer.

Operation Sindoor follows precise Indian missile strikes targeting terror and military infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, retaliating for the Pahalgam attack.