Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 30: Former MLA and BJP spokesperson Ranbir Singh Pathania today demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh and a permanent Government job for the Next of the Kin (NoK) of the Village Defence Guard (VDG) from Dudu-Basantgarh area who attained martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists the other day.
Pathania was addressing media persons in the town where he paid tribute to the fallen hero for protecting the mother land and condemned the efforts of divisive elements disrupting peace in the region.
He praised the Government’s initiatives to counteract terrorism, corruption, and separatism in the UT.
He stated that the improvements in Jammu and Kashmir’s security and governance are signs of a visible change on the ground.
During the press conference, Pathania was accompanied by notable local figures, including Pinky Devi, DDC Latti-Marothi; Jattu Ram, DDC Ramnagar; Uttam Chand, UT co-Convenor, VDG Union; Vijay Kumar, District Convenor VDG Union among other people.
They called for better training, modern equipment, robust surveillance and fair compensation for the VDG members.
They also highlighted the need for the quick return of civilian-owned weapons previously deposited with authorities and called for the expedient resolution of pending gun license applications to reaffirm the community’s right to self-defense.
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