Jammu: There is now a reign of fear in the border areas of Jammu as tensions rise between the two communities. The return of civil militia branded as ‘Village Defense Groups’ (VDG) has aroused fear among Muslims, while the recent Dangri incident has alarmed Hindus. The fragile peace that once united them is now in jeopardy, as unease spreads like wildfire and the winds of change threaten to destroy all they hold dear.
The tranquil border community of Dangri comes to life as the golden tones on the horizon disperse the night. This border village appears to be in a different universe from the busy cities since it is hidden away in the rolling hills and surrounded by lush green forests. However, there is a sense of unease as soon as one enters the village’s boundaries since after the Dangri incident, which has rocked the community to its core.
One can see men roaming the streets with vigilant eyes and steady trigger fingers as they carry guns. They are in charge of everyone’s safety as the village’s guardians. These men are members of the civil militia known as village defence groups, which were established in the neighbourhood following what locals regard as the deadliest massacre in history, which claimed seven lives. “We would not let history repeat itself,” says Rahul from Danrula Panchayat, one of the members of the civilian militia, his voice firm and resolute. “We won’t let what happened in Dangri happen here. We will do whatever it takes to protect our village and our people.”
Even as life goes on as usual for the villagers, the presence of the armed men serves as a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk around.
“It’s not easy living like this,” says Rajpal Singh, another member of the militia, his eyes flicking across hills that surround the village. “Every day, I wake up wondering if this will be the day that something happens. But I won’t run. I won’t leave my home and my people vulnerable to harm. VDGs are not scared despite security deteriorating with each passing day,” he says.
Militants attacked Rajouri’s Dangri village on January 1, killing seven people and injuring 14. Two children were among those who died after an improvised explosive device (IED) the assailants left behind detonated. “I am horrified by what the security personnel did and witnessed here when they arrived. Two of our children were killed by an IED planted on our property. We could have rescued two people if they had done a thorough check,” said Sarooj Bala, the mother of two children killed in the IED attack.
This story was originally published in newsclick.in . Read the full story here
