Guardians of the hills: How women Village Defence Guards protect Jammu’s isolated villages

A special civilian force has emerged as a crucial defence for local communities in the rough hills of Jammu's Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, where severe winters can cut off villages for months.

These are the female members of the Village Defence Guards (VDGs), who are trained to handle weapons, maintain security, and deal with terrorist threats in areas near the international border and the Line of Control.

Hundreds of women from these isolated hill districts have volunteered to defend their villages since the early 1990s, frequently when men leave the area in search of employment. During long winters, when access to security forces may be restricted, their role becomes even more crucial.

The women VDGs are trained by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in security tactics, guerrilla warfare tactics, and patrolling duties. They perform these tasks all year round, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Village Defence Guards have grown to be an essential part of the area's security system over time, offering vital assistance to the military and the police.

In some of the most isolated and difficult areas of the Jammu division, these women represent bravery and resiliency by juggling the demands of rural life with the duty of protecting their communities. They are always prepared to face threats and make sure their families are safe.