BJP seeks govt job, financial aid for village defense guard's kin

BJP’s VDG Cell state convener Basant Raj Thakur on Friday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately provide a government job to a family member of the late Swami Raj, a Village Defense Guard (VDG) member, who lost his life while performing his duty in Bhatwal area of Billawar.

Addressing the mediapersons, Thakur said that Swami Raj was the sole breadearner for his family, which includes his wife Sato Devi, three sons and a daughter. His untimely death has left the family in deep distress, both emotionally and financially.

In light of VDG’s sacrifice, Thakur made a strong appeal to the government to not only provide a job to one of the family members but also to transfer his government-issued gun to his wife to ensure continued security and a sense of protection for the family.

Thakur said that Swami Raj laid down his life protecting his village and performing his duty as a VDG member. “It is the moral responsibility of the government to stand by his family in this time of crisis. A government job to one of the family members would provide them financial security and dignity. The transfer of his weapon to his wife will serve as both a symbolic and practical step to ensure her safety,” he said.

Thakur further emphasised the critical role that VDGs play in safeguarding vulnerable border and rural areas from terrorism and infiltration, particularly in regions like Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Udhampur, Samba, Reasi, Billawar, Basohli, Rajouri, Poonch and many more areas. He added that the government must recognise and honour the sacrifices made by VDGs, many of whom serve in extremely dangerous and challenging conditions. He called upon senior government officials to expedite the necessary formalities and act with compassion and urgency.

“VDGs are the first line of defense in their villages. Their families should never feel abandoned in times of grief,” Thakur said.