Jammu, Oct 17 (KINS): The BJP Village Defence Guard (VDG) Cell has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide immediate financial assistance and a government job to a family member of late Swami Raj, a VDG member who lost his life while performing duty in the Bhatwal area of Billawar.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, Basant Raj Thakur, State Convener of the BJP VDG Cell, was accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, and Ramesh Katoch, Co-Convener of the VDG Cell.
Thakur said that late Swami Raj was the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes his wife Sato Devi, three sons, and a daughter, and his untimely death has left them in severe emotional and financial distress.
He appealed to the government to provide a government job to one of the family members and to transfer the government-issued weapon of the deceased VDG to his wife, ensuring her safety and a sense of security.
“Swami Raj laid down his life protecting his village and fulfilling his duty as a VDG member. It is the moral responsibility of the government to stand by his family during this difficult time,”
— Basant Raj Thakur, BJP VDG Cell Convener
He further emphasized that VDGs serve as the first line of defence in remote and border areas vulnerable to terrorism and infiltration, including Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Udhampur, Samba, Reasi, Billawar, Basohli, Rajouri, and Poonch.
Thakur called upon senior government officials to recognize and honour the sacrifices of VDGs by providing timely support to their families. He urged authorities to expedite formalities and respond with compassion and urgency.
“VDGs are protectors of our villages. Their families must never feel abandoned in times of grief. The BJP VDG Cell stands firmly with Swami Raj’s family and all other VDG families who have sacrificed for the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir,”Thakur concluded.(KINS)
