A swift response by a vigilant Village Defence Group (VDG) member in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district set off a significant anti-terror operation involving the army and police on Friday night. The incident underscores the critical role of local security volunteers in the region's counter-insurgency grid.
Alert Civilian Sparks Security Response
The chain of events began when the VDG member observed suspicious movements near his residence in the Dessa area of Doda district. Acting promptly, the member fired several warning shots from his service rifle to alert authorities and deter the suspects.
Following this alert, a joint team of the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K police was immediately mobilized. Reinforcements were dispatched to the area to launch a comprehensive search and cordon operation, a police spokesperson confirmed.
Authorities Issue Advisory to Residents
In the wake of the operation, local officials have advised residents to maintain a high state of vigilance while remaining calm. The public has been asked to cooperate fully with security agencies and to avoid any unnecessary movement in the area to facilitate the ongoing efforts and ensure their own safety.
This incident is not isolated. It follows a strikingly similar event that occurred just days earlier, on Wednesday, in the Rajouri district. In that case, a VDG member also reported suspicious activity in a village, firing warning shots and prompting security forces to launch a combing operation in the surrounding area.
A Pattern of Vigilance in Jammu Region
These back-to-back incidents highlight the active and crucial role played by the Village Defence Groups in the Jammu region. Composed of local volunteers, these groups act as the first line of defence in remote areas, providing early warnings and bolstering the security apparatus.
The repeated pattern of suspicious movements being reported by civilians points to ongoing security challenges in the region. The seamless coordination between VDG members, the J&K Police, and the Army demonstrates a layered approach to counter-terrorism, aiming to swiftly neutralize threats.
Security operations in both Doda and Rajouri districts were ongoing as of the latest reports, with forces conducting intensive searches to sanitize the areas.
