Jammu, The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reportedly begun training Hindutva-inspired women in Doda district, Jammu, to join the Village Defence Guards (VDGs), a move seen by some as an effort to bolster local security forces.

According to Kashmir Media Service, an initial group of 250 women in the mountainous Doda district are undergoing training to become members of the VDGs. This training includes firing and other tactical skills, purportedly to strengthen the sense of security among the local population in Hindu-dominated areas of the Jammu region.

The report states that there are over 6,000 members currently in the VDGs, who receive regular payment from the Indian government. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Doda has been quoted saying that these VDG members assist the police and other Indian forces in monitoring “anti-national elements”, a term used to refer to pro-freedom groups in the region.

The SSP also mentioned that police have established firing ranges in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Gandoh to facilitate the training and routine firing practice of these VDG members.

This development comes amidst a complex and long-standing conflict in the region, with various groups and governments involved in the dispute over Kashmir.