Assam to modernise Village Defence Parties: Sonowal

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said the state government has decided to modernise the Village Defence Parties (VDP) to help them negotiate with emerging challenges emanating from different sources.
"The state government is committed to make Assam an insurgency-free state and VDPs have to work in tandem with the security agencies in that respect," Sonowal said at a function organised on the occasion of the 68th Assam Village Defence Day here.
For the progress of villages in Assam, VDPs have to work in synergy with the people and police forces, he said.
Stating the Centre and the state government have been taking several steps for development of rural areas, he said for successful implementation of the schemes there should be robust law and order situation and VDPs can play a great role in this regard.

The VDPs, apart from generating a sense of security, have to work to create a sense of belongingness among everybody, he said.
All the units of VDP would get Rs 3,000 in place of the present Rs 1,500 every month for contingencies and there would be regular training of the VDPs at the Dergaon police training school, Sonowal said.

"For attaining trust, the government has to work with dedication for creating harmony between two villages inhabited by different ethnic communities. The energies can be transformed into might if everybody irrespective of all affiliations can work together for the advancement of Assam," he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikash', Sonowal said the state government was committed to welfare of all sections of people and Mahatma Gandhi's Ramrajya can be made a reality through peace, tranquillity and humanity among all, he pointed out.
Families of two VDP martyrs were felicitated and given financial assistance apart from medals given for Best Circle Organiser and Best village Defence Party.