Srinagar/Kishtwar, 08 November 2024: Two village defense guards (VDGs) were kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said on Friday. The incident follows a recent grenade attack in Srinagar that left at least 12 people injured, raising concerns about a potential surge in militant activities across the region.
Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, the victims, were reportedly abducted from the Munzla Dhar forest area in Adhwari on Thursday while they were out grazing cattle. “They were shot dead shortly after being taken. A large-scale search operation has been initiated to track down the perpetrators,” an official stated.
Prithvi, Kumar’s brother, expressed his grief over the tragic loss. “We received information that both my brother and Ahmad were kidnapped and murdered by terrorists. They were on their regular routine of grazing cattle when it happened,” he said.
The VDG program, which had been dormant for years, was revived in 2022 by the Government of India. The initiative aimed to bolster local defenses and assist security forces in countering the growing militant presence in the Pir Panjal, Chenab, and Jammu regions.
Meanwhile LG Sinha condemned the killing saying: “No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members in Kishtwar. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits & avenge this barbaric act.”
