The harsh midday sun beats down on the dusty firing range as Fatima (changed name) squints through the scope of her self-loading rifle (SLR). Her weathered hands, once used to kneading dough and tending to children, now grip the weapon with practised ease. She draws in a slow, measured breath, feeling the familiar weight of the rifle against her shoulder.
With her left eye closed, her right eye focuses intently on the distant target that seems to waver in the shimmering heat. Fatima’s mind flashes back to the terror-filled nights of the noughties.
Her index finger curls around the trigger, applying gentle, increasing pressure. In an instant, the rifle bucks against her shoulder, the report echoing across the range. The recoil is nothing compared to the emotional toll of those dark years when militancy tore through her village like a storm.
She is not the only one but one among many women who have decided to be a part of the Village Defence Guards to protect their community.
As Pakistan continues its efforts to destabilise the ongoing election process in Jammu and Kashmir, people are taking crucial steps to counter these threats. In various villages across the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar districts, women have assumed the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs), a vital move to protect their communities. The Indian Army is also supporting this initiative by providing them with essential training, including handling weapons such as the self-loading rifle, administering first aid for bullet wounds, and imparting crucial safety techniques.
“I have faced it. My family has suffered because of those days. We don’t want those days back. We are assured that they won’t succeed but if needed, we will also not take a backstep to fight and this time we have our guns against their guns,” said Fatima.
In a renewed effort to bolster security in the Jammu region, authorities are revitalising the Village Defence Guards (VDG) programme. This long-standing initiative, which arms and trains locals to protect their communities, has gained momentum following recent destabilisation attempts south of the Pir Panjal Range. Security agencies are now intensifying their focus on updating the VDGs’ capabilities. The modernisation drive includes replacing outdated 303 rifles with more efficient SLRs. Additionally, the programme is undergoing a review of operational protocols, with particular emphasis on improving communication strategies during crises.
In Rajouri itself, over 500 individuals, both men and women, have been receiving training on SLRs. It is not just firing but also the cleaning, handling and other necessary lessons that they need for their safeguard.
“Their role isn’t combat, but self-defence when necessary. Our aim to combat terrorism and their involvement ensures our efforts are properly directed. Having resided here for years, they have intimate knowledge of the jungle, its layout and all access points. Their exceptional courage, combined with these qualities, proves invaluable to security forces,” said an officer involved in training locals. “They consider women an easy target, but that’s no longer the case. Women are equally courageous and understand the consequences of militancy in the region. They want better education for their children and an improved lifestyle, which is why they have come forward to be part of these groups.”
Like Fatima, Razia (name changed) has joined a training programme. Travelling 30 kilometres from her remote village, Razia seizes the opportunity to invest in herself while her nine-year-old son attends school describing her participation as dedicating time to the “best possible cause”.
“The region has faced the worst conditions before the operations conducted by the Indian Army (hinting towards Op Sarp Vinash). No one wants those days back,” she said. “After Article 370, attempts are being made but we won’t let them succeed.”
Women are fewer in comparison to hundreds of men who are getting trained here. All of them, though, have almost the same version of the incidents.
“The incidents that are happening are not indicating the disturbance but are actually telling about the desperation of those who want this region to remain volatile. People, however, know what is good and bad for them. We are going to have a government and these incidents are the final flickers of a dying flame,” said Abdul, who has been getting training here.
Security forces have faced casualties in recent months, but they are now achieving success. Recent operations serve as a testament to this progress. Officers report that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are proving helpful, acting as eyes and ears not only for counterterrorism efforts but also for related activities such as illicit narcotics trade and other illegal operations.
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