Army trains villagers in upper Doda as anti-terror preparedness intensifies

Amid an increased focus on terrorist activity in the Chenab Valley in Jammu, the Army on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) provided step-by-step training to local civilians who have volunteered to work as Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to counter potential terror attacks.

Officials said 17 remote villages located in the hilly Bhalessa area of Doda district, at an altitude of around 7,705 feet, are being covered under the training programme. The villagers are being trained in the use of high-calibre and self-loading rifles. Scores of men and women have enrolled as VDGs in the district.

“Earlier, the movement of terrorists would instil fear in us. The ongoing training programmes by the Army this month in operating rifles will go a long way in dissipating fear and enabling us to take on these terrorists,” a resident of Bhalessa said.

Over the past week, the Army has trained around 150 local villagers, including women, in handling automatic rifles. Officials said the VDGs were also imparted basic training in self-defence and in taking positions inside bunkers. They were additionally trained in forest and mountain combat techniques.

The latest round of training comes amid increased inputs about terrorist movement in the Chenab Valley, comprising Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. Officials said areas of Doda close to the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh were also being covered.

“Significant steps were taken this year to ensure that no terrorist-initiated incidents occurred in Doda. Operating bases were established at various locations on mountain peaks and rugged terrain, where our personnel have been deployed continuously for the past eight months, enduring harsh winter conditions,” Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mehta said.

Meanwhile, an anti-terror operation remains underway in adjoining Udhampur district, where a constable was killed on December 15 during an encounter with terrorists.

“Security forces have launched a manhunt to eliminate Pakistani terrorists hiding in the region. The joint operation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and the CRPF has been underway for the past 15 days,” Udhampur Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure said.