Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: Commending the role of Village Defence Committees in curtailing militancy in erstwhile Doda district, the Janata Dal Secular has asked the Government to further strengthen these VDCs for better results.
“Government should provide these VDCs more sophisticated weapons and powers to perform their duties in these militancy infested areas,” said Mast Nath Jogi, State president of Janata Dal Secular while talking to media persons, here today.
He said that these VDC members were instrumental in getting militancy almost eliminated from Doda region by working together with security forces and putting their lives at risk. “This is the only reason that some anti-national elements, whose bread and butter is being managed through militancy actions, are inimical to VDCs and demanding its disbanding,” Mr Jogi explained.
He also appreciated the working and role of SPOs in maintaining law and order under J&K Police and appealed the Government to increase their salary besides regularizing them.
Terming the Kishtwar violence as handiwork of anti-national elements, the Janata Dal Secular leader demanded that a Sitting Judge of Supreme Court should conduct the enquiry to know the truth behind the episode and do justice.
“The visits of all party delegations and so called peace marches will not restore peace and confidence of people but effective steps against the anti-national elements, who were behind this violence,” Mr Jogi said.
He also demanded that character antecedents of surrendered militants should be verified with guarantee from the parents and some responsible persons to check their recycling into militancy fold and involvement in anti-national activities.
In the press conference, Mr Jogi was flanked by State working president S Kulbeer Singh, who highlighted some other issues such as sky rocketing prices of essential commodities.