A tragic incident occurred in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, where a 16-year-old boy, Anuj Kumar, lost his life due to accidental firing. Anuj, the son of VDC member Pyare Lal, was fatally shot when his father’s rifle discharged unintentionally at their residence in Loyee Dhar village.
The mishap took place on Saturday night while Pyare Lal was cleaning his rifle at home. The bullet struck Anuj, a Class 10 student, causing his immediate death. Authorities swiftly responded, transporting Anuj’s body to Chatroo hospital for post-mortem examination.
Inquiry procedures are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting. The firearm has been confiscated for forensic analysis, and statements from Kumar’s family members are being documented by officials.
Village Defence Committees (VDCs), also known as Village Defence Guards (VDGs), were established in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s to equip and train villagers for self-protection, particularly against threats in remote areas. These committees, consisting of ex-servicemen and locals, serve as a vital defense mechanism by utilizing local expertise and are currently being restructured under the VDG initiative for vulnerable zones.
Initially developed in the hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir to counter insurgent activities, VDCs offered security in regions where security forces encountered challenges in reaching isolated villages. Comprising teams of 10-15 volunteers, including former military personnel and youth, overseen by a retired officer and supervised by the police, VDCs have now evolved into Village Defence Groups (VDGs).
Under the revised VDG framework, members receive monthly compensation and are provided with self-defense training and firearms, such as .303 rifles, to safeguard against terrorism. These defense groups play a crucial role in the fight against militancy, often serving as the primary defense line.
