Governor Satya Pal Malik has discussed the issue of withdrawal of weapons to Village Defence Committee (VDC) member age above 60-yr with advisor Vijay Kumar and home secretary RK Goyal
the move comes after MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh brought it to notice of Governor the order to this effect issued by the police headquarter.
the Government is now considering three options Increasing the age for withdrawal of weapons from VDC members above 65-yr; withdraw weapons from members above 60-yr but give it to family members ready to join VDC ; If both conditions aren’t met then give weapon to a new VDC member in the same area
Police Headquarters has issued an order for withdrawal of weapons from VDCs above 60-yr. Order was getting implemented without new recruitment of VDC members
Dr Jitendra Singh said that both Central and State Governments were fully with the VDC members and increased honorarium of SPOs from Rs 3000 per month to Rs 12000 per month. One SPO is attached with every VDC and the amount is equally shared among them.
Many believe VDCs not only countered terrorism but didn’t allow minorities from these area.
The militancy has revived in Kishtwar and Doda and killing of Parihar brothers is an indication of it.
