Other States - Jammu & Kashmir   

Village panels in J&K to be strengthened

By Our Staff Reporter

JAMMU MAY 19. The Centre has decided to strengthen the Village Defence Committees and provide them the latest sophisticated weapons and communication equipment to fight militancy. This was disclosed by the Union Minister of State for Defence, Chaman Lal Gupta, in Doda district today.

The committees were formed in the mid-Nineties and the locals were provided arms after they became vulnerable to militant attacks. The concept, initiated first in Doda district, was later extended to other parts of the State.

Over the last few years, the committees pressed hard for upgrading the arms given to them, as the .303 rifles given to them could not stand against the sophisticated weapons of the militants.

Addressing the local people, the Minister said: "The concept proved successful in meeting the militants' challenge. It is because of the presence of the committees people have not migrated from far-flung areas." He said the Centre would soon provide them latest weapons and fulfil their needs.

Prof. Gupta said that the militants would try to sabotage the peace initiative taken by the Government of India but the security forces and police with the help of local people would thwart such efforts.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Talks must for ending J&K violence: Mehbooba
• Village panels in J&K to be strengthened
• Involve Kashmiris in talks: Hurriyat

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu