2 Village defence guards killed in Jammu; security forces launch massive search op

Two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were killed by militants in the forests of Mujila Dhar, Kishtwar in Jammu on Thursday night.

The deceased were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, residents of Ohli, Kuntwara. According to reports, they were in the forest grazing cattle when they were taken away and shot dead. The Kashmir Tigers, a group believed to be linked with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), claimed responsibility for the killings and shared photos of the deceased.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and paid tribute to Ahmad and Kumar. “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,” Sinha posted on X.

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the killings, calling it a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased,” they said in a statement.

The Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) in Kishtwar called for a bandh (shutdown) on Friday to protest the brutal killings and demand action against those responsible. 

Soon after news of the incident spread, the security forces launched an operation in the area to locate the bodies and track down the militants involved in the attack. The VDGs work in villages close to the Line of Control in Jammu, especially in Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, and Poonch. The government provides them with weapons, and they work in their respective areas against militant threats. They also participate in operations against militants and act as informers for the security forces.