Jammu, village defence and governance

Source– The post is based on the article “Jammu, village defence and governance” published in The Hindu on 7th February 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance– Security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

News– There is a rise in terror-related strikes in the relatively peaceful Jammu division, especially in the border districts. Recently, the government decided to revive Village Defence Committees(VDCs).

What are some facts associated with VDCs?

VDCs were set up to instil a sense of self protection. The district’s superintendent of police was mandated to exercise command and control.

VDCs have played a crucial role in containing militancy in the Jammu division, after being set up in the mid-1990s.

VDC presence was concentrated in remote areas. Their difficult terrain and a meagre presence of security forces made chances of successful operations remote.

VDCs were trained to hold the front against militants till the arrival of security forces.

What were issues with these VDCs?

In several cases, the VDCs have proved to be counterproductive. There were instances of cadres abusing their authority. They faced allegations of human rights violations.

A ‘false notion of power’ developed in the minds of the VDC cadre. It led to potentially adverse fallouts. leading to the decision to revive them.

What are improvements needed in VDCs?

Command and control– State policy on the VDGs must now aim to mitigate the negatives. The issue should be viewed through the prism of human resources management of the cadres.

There needs to be an evolution of a hands-down command and control mechanism. The present methodology of being under the superintendent of police may not be the ideal arrangement.

A good control mechanism is needed to ensure that cadres remain motivated and focused.

Strengthening Panchayats– The revival of the VDG should be used as an opportunity to empower the local bodies. Panchayats are most suited to understand local dynamics in a conflict zone.

Panchayats could be entrusted with the task of assisting the local police in an institutionalised manner.

This will create advantages such as quality checks on the character of VDG cadres during the selection stage, monitoring their activities and consolidated control through oversight and deterrence.

Operational level measures– The VDGs should not be involved in proactive intelligence and tactical operations. They must instead remain confined to ‘self defence and deterrence roles’.