DIG Jammu-Kathua Range Assures Security, Strengthens Village Defense Groups in Billawar Amid Protests

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

MEHVISH MUMTAZ 

BILLAWAR MAR 09:-Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Jammu-Kathua-Samba (JKS) Range, Shiv Kumar, IPS, has concluded a crucial visit to Billawar, where he addressed protesting locals from Malhar, Malad, Marhoon, Deota, and Billawar town. The visit comes in the wake of recent security concerns and the recovery of deceased individuals from the region’s challenging terrain.

DIG Shiv Kumar, who camped in Billawar, engaged directly with the protesting residents, assuring them that all necessary security measures would be implemented to fortify the area.

The key initiatives announced include strengthening village defense groups (VDGs). The induction of more VDGs in remote villages, equipped with semi-automatic weapons, will be prioritized.

The enhanced comprehensive training programs, encompassing anti-terrorist operations, will be provided to the VDGs by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The establishment of more police, SOG, Army, and CRPF camps in the region is planned.

Furthermore frequent police-public meetings will be organized in the villages to foster better communication and address local concerns.

During his visit, DIG Shiv Kumar, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Shobit Saxena, IPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Billawar, Neeraj, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Operations Malhar, Station House Officer (SHO) Billawar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Billawar, Vinay Khosla, and Tehsildar Malhar, Amit Kumar, met with the families of the deceased. He expressed deep condolences and assured them of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s unwavering support during their time of grief.

“The bodies of their relatives were recovered after a massive joint search operation by the Police, Army, CRPF, SOG, VDGs, and locals of the area from very difficult terrain,” DIG Shiv Kumar stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in the recovery.

Following the DIG’s assurances, the protesting locals dispersed. The Jammu and Kashmir Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the region’s residents.