The high mountains, dense forests, and snow-covered trails of the Jammu division… life here becomes even more difficult in winter. At a time when employment compels men to leave their villages, the security of these areas quietly falls into the hands of women. These are the women—Village Defence Guards (VDGs), who silently serve as the shield for their villages.
In sensitive areas like Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Bhaderwah, villages become virtually devoid of men during winter. In such circumstances, terrorist threats increase, but this void is filled by armed female VDGs, who monitor their villages day and night.
According to Bhaderwah Superintendent of Police Vinod Sharma, these female VDG members have received special training from the police and other security agencies. Armed with .303 rifles, these women not only patrol but are also fully prepared to deal with any emergency. Despite difficult geographical conditions and limited resources, they have proven that security is not just about strength, but also about courage.
Officials say that the presence of female VDGs in villages has strengthened the security system. This is not a new tradition. In 2009, Rukhsana Kausar of Upper Kalsi village in Rajouri brought national attention to the bravery of these women by killing a terrorist. That incident proved that village women can also take charge if needed.
In winter, conditions become extremely challenging in many villages of the Chenab Valley. Men migrate to states like Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Mumbai for employment, leaving behind the elderly, children, and women. In such situations, women VDGs become the villages’ first and last line of defense.
Shivani, a 21-year-old VDG member from Sivili village, says, “We have been trained to face any threat. When there are no men in the village, we have to protect our homes and our people.”
VDGs include women from both Hindu and Muslim communities. This shared responsibility is also becoming an example of social unity in these areas that have suffered the dark days of terrorism.
Bhaderwah MLA Dilip Singh Parihar says that women in the hilly areas already live difficult lives. Collecting wood from the forests, gathering fodder for animals, and managing their families—among all this, they are now also shouldering the responsibility of protecting the village.
He said, “These women have emerged as protectors not just of their villages, but of the entire region. The stories of Rani Lakshmibai are reflected here not just in books, but in life.”
These female VDGs, patrolling dense forests and rugged terrain, may not be seen in the headlines, but the true security of Jammu’s hilly villages during the winter rests on their shoulders.
This is a story of courage, responsibility, and the women who silently guard the nation.
