M A I N   N E W S

Modern weapons for VDCs, SPOs
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Nov 17 — Members of the village defence committees (VDCs) and Special Police Officers (SPOs), engaged in anti-insurgency operations in Doda, Rajouri and Udhampur districts, would be provided sophisticated weapons shortly.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of Police (DGP), Mr Gurbachan Jagat, while addressing VDC members at Gandoh in Doda district and Chasana in the Mahore area of Udhampur district during the past two days. Mr Jagat flew to these remote areas to instill confidence among the VDC members and SPOs who had felt handicapped on account of lack of sophisticated weapons when they had to fight militants equipped with modern arms.

He appreciated the role of the security forces and said that the security personnel, policemen and VDCs had killed more militants in Doda district and other areas during the past one year than the number of rebels killed during the past 10 years.

The DGP emphasised the role of VDCs and SPOs not only in eliminating militants but also gathering reports about the hideouts and plans of foreign mercenaries. He awarded Rs 60,000 to the local special operation group of the police on the spot and promoted three constables out of turn for their courage in fighting militants. He also ordered the appointment of eight SPOs as constables.

In Chasana, he sanctioned Rs 1.50 lakh for VDC members for their good work in counter-insurgency operation. He also ordered the recruitment of eight VDC members as constables.

The ongoing extensive tour of Mr Jagat to hilly and far-flung areas is part of his plan to review the situation and revamp the security agencies for launching an offensive against the militants.