Community-Based Counterterrorism in Conflict Regions: An Empirical Assessment of Village Defence Committees and Village Defence Guards in  Jammu and Kashmir

Jewan Lal Dhar; Shamboo Nath

Community-Based Counterterrorism in Conflict Regions: An Empirical Assessment of Village Defence Committees and Village Defence Guards in Jammu and Kashmir

Author(s)	Dr. Jewan Lal Dhar, Dr. Shamboo Nath
Country	India
Abstract	Community participation has emerged as an important dimension of contemporary counterterrorism strategies, particularly in conflict-affected regions where geographical constraints and limited state presence hinder conventional security operations. Jammu and Kashmir provides one of India's most significant examples of institutionalized community-based security through the establishment of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in 1995 and their subsequent restructuring into Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in 2022. This study examines the historical evolution, institutional framework, operational effectiveness, and governance of the VDC–VDG model within the broader framework of community-based counterterrorism. Adopting a mixed qualitative case-study approach supported by field data from 150 respondents across Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts, the study combines documentary analysis with empirical evidence to assess the contribution of VDCs/VDGs to local security, intelligence generation, community resilience, and coordination with security agencies. The findings indicate that the VDG framework has significantly strengthened localized security by enhancing intelligence sharing, improving rapid response capabilities, and fostering greater cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies. However, persistent challenges relating to training, logistical support, volunteer welfare, accountability, and human rights continue to affect institutional effectiveness. The study argues that community-based counterterrorism initiatives can function as effective force multipliers only when embedded within transparent legal frameworks, professional supervision, democratic accountability, and continuous institutional reform. The experience of Jammu and Kashmir contributes to the broader international discourse on localized security governance by demonstrating how community participation can complement professional security institutions while remaining consistent with constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Keywords	Keywords: Community-Based Counterterrorism; Village Defence Committees; Village Defence Guards; Jammu and Kashmir; Community Policing; Internal Security; Participatory Governance.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-31

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Community-Based Counterterrorism in Conflict Regions: An Empirical Assessment of Village Defence Committees and Village Defence Guards in Jammu and Kashmir

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