Srinagar, Mar 03: The political parties from Kashmir valley criticized the directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with regard to the constitution of Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in the Union Territory.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti said the formation of VDGs is contrary to the Government of India's claims regarding normalcy in J&K.
In a tweet, she also stated that such a move will create a wedge between the communities here.
National Conference (NC) spokesman, Imran Nabi Dar opposed the move saying it is a stark acceptance by the government of India that the situation is not good in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The other important thing is that the group should not be formed in a way that would put communities against each other as has happened in the past. We are witness to incidents earlier wherein some VDC members used their weapon against their own persons, Dar said.
Apni Party spokesman, Javid Hassan Beig stated that the government should have instead strengthened the security grid rather than providing weapons to the civilians.
Peoples Conference (PC) spokesman, Adnan Ashraf termed it as a disturbing development as the actions of VDCs in the past are known to all and it creates a perception that one community is being armed and supported by the government, which in result may not be conducive for maintain peace in mixed populations.
CPI (M) senior leader and former Kulgam legislator, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami said that the decision must be revisited as it is unwarranted amid the government claims about normalcy and decline in violence.
