BSF conducts another round of weapon handling training for VDG members

Irfan Yattoo
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19 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 19: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday conducted another round of weapon handling training programmes for Village Defence Group (VDG) members at various border outposts across the Jammu region to enhance preparedness and security at the grassroots level. A spokesperson said that BSF Jammu organised a weapon handling training at a border outpost under Tehsil Suchetgarh in Jammu district, with participation from VDG members of adjoining border areas. The training focused on operational readiness, safe handling of weapons, and strengthening self-defence capabilities. On the same day, another training session was conducted by BSF Jammu at a border outpost under Tehsil Ramgarh in Samba district. Five VDG members from border areas took part in the programme, which aimed at improving familiarity with weapons and basic defensive drills. The spokesman said that in Sunderbani, they organised a weapon handling training for six VDG members at a border outpost under Tehsil Paragwal in the Akhnoor sector. The session emphasised weapon safety and preparedness during exigencies. A similar training was conducted on December 15 by BSF Sunderbani at the same border outpost in Paragwal, Akhnoor, with ten VDG members from bordering villages participating. Officials said the training programmes are part of BSF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with Village Defence Groups and reinforce the security framework in the border areas of the Jammu region. He said that similar sessions will be held across multiple BOPs in the coming weeks. The curriculum includes handling of 303 rifles, SLRs, and other authorised weapons, identification of suspicious movement, night-patrolling basics, and communication protocols during emergencies. “The involvement of VDGs helps build a layered, community-assisted security mechanism. This is vital for border safety,” he added. Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat said VDGs are the first tier of border and are displaying exceptional courage in counter-terrorism operations. They may be considered for induction into the regular police force, he said.