Jammu: The discovery of a male dead body in the Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu on Thursday morning has intensified concerns about the rising number of such incidents since the activation of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, officials confirmed that the body, likely belonging to a Sikh man, was discovered on the main road in Nai Basti. The body has been moved to a hospital in Jammu for medico-legal procedures. Authorities have registered a case under Section 194 BNSS, and investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a troubling trend observed since the deployment of VDGs in the area. Reports indicate an increase in mysterious deaths, especially in regions with significant militarization or where VDGs are active. Critics argue that the militarization of civilian areas under the pretext of security is fostering an environment of fear and lawlessness, contributing to such occurrences.