Jammu. Following Operation Sindoor, security in Jammu and Kashmir has been strengthened down to the village level. Over the past year, more than 1,500 Village Defense Guards (VDGs) have been given special training in five districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, and Samba. These villagers are now working 12-hour duty hours alongside the army and police in border areas.

VDG members are now equipped with SLRs, bulletproof vests, and wireless communication sets, replacing the .303 rifles they previously used. Training includes weapons handling, tactical movement, surveillance, and emergency response.

According to Amit Kumar, a resident of Rajouri, there have been several infiltration attempts over the past year, but villagers have averted major incidents by alerting the army and police in time. Villagers also conduct joint patrols with security forces at night.

Security agencies claim that strengthening local networks has significantly impacted terrorist activities. Over the past year, there has been a 27.5% decrease in deaths from terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. From 127 deaths previously, this figure has now dropped to 92.

According to a police officer, 50 to 60 percent of search operations are based on human intelligence input from local residents. VDG members also played a key role in recent operations against terrorists in Kishtwar and Kathua.

Meanwhile, 190 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are returning to Jammu and Kashmir amid preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3. The administration is focused on strengthening security at tourist sites and highways.