Early Times Report JAMMU, Dec 3: Director General of Police (DGP)Nalin Prabhat today in a unique initiative held interaction at R S Pura with the VDG members of R S Pura and Arnia border Sectors. DGP J&K was accompanied by top BSF and police officers including IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, IPS,DIG BSF Chiter Pal, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, Zonal SPs of Jammu District and several Police and BSF officers. About 110 VDG members from the jurisdiction of the of sub-division R S Pura participated in the event. At the onset SSP Jammu Joginder Singh welcomed DGP J&K & briefed regarding the VDG structure/strength in the Jammu District. He also briefed regarding the emerging security challenges and highlighted the crucial role of VDG's as a force multiplier in maintaining peace and stability. At the event officers keenly listened to the grievances of VDG members and assuring prompt redressal. IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti during his address highlights the initiatives taken by ZPHQ Jammu regarding the streamlining of VDG functioning including assigning unique ID's to VDG(Groups) and each VDG member to monitor properly the working and encouraging proper record building. DGP J&K in his address sensitized about the constant adversarial tactics adopted by the enemy neighbour country to harm the security & harmony in our country. DGP J&K clarified that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the smooth functioning of the VDG's have been notified in close coordination with the BSF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in which role and duties of all stakeholders have been clearly mentioned. He briefed officers and VDG members regarding the VDG and Border SOP's and need for its proper implementation on ground by all the stakeholders to further strengthen border security grid & thwart the evil design's of enemy country. He also urged on preventive strategies through training, coordination, & community vigilance. He said that historically, people from the border areas have contributed to countering terrorism by working in synergy with the police. "Without their participation, achieving optimal results against terrorism would be inconceivable," he said. The DGP said that VDG is voluntary service and does not guarantee employment but the police would not hesitate to induct them in regular force for exceptional contribution in counter-terrorism, demonstrable conspicuous gallantry, using the powers of the Police Establishment Board. The DGP also stated that the police would reward the VDGs for their exceptional work and bravery. He urged VDG members to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with Police and security forces in strengthening security grid and maintaining brotherhood, peace and tranquillity. The participants also received instructions on the periodic cleaning, safe handling and maintenance of government issued arms and ammunition. DGP J&K highlighted that in Jammu areas, police and security forces face unique challenges, including drone droppings, tunnelling and riverine issues. "In such circumstances, we take advantages of the border villagers, who have a history of standing up and participating alongside the police and security forces to combat infiltration and intrusion," DGP described VDG's as first tier of security grid and appreciated the role of VDG's in timely intelligence collection as well as their role during Ops Sindoor and floods. |