The Indian Army gave step-by-step training to local volunteers to become Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the Chenab Valley region on December 31, 2025. Around 150 villagers from 17 remote villages in Bhalessa, Doda district, at 7,705 feet altitude, learned to use high-calibre and self-loading rifles. Both men and women took part in the training. A Bhalessa resident said, "Earlier, the movement of terrorists would instil fear in us. The ongoing training programmes by the Army this month in operating rifles will go a long way in dissipating fear and enabling us to take on these terrorists." Besides firearms, the VDGs were taught self-defense, how to hold positions in bunkers, and techniques for forest and mountain combat. The program responds to rising terrorist activity warnings in Chenab Valley's Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts. Areas near Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district are also covered. Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mehta noted, "Significant steps were taken this year to ensure that no terrorist-initiated incidents occurred in Doda. Operating bases were established at various locations on mountain peaks and rugged terrain, where our personnel have been deployed continuously for the past eight months, enduring harsh winter conditions." Meanwhile, in the nearby Udhampur district, an anti-terror operation is active after a constable was killed on December 15 during a clash. Udhampur SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure said, "Security forces have launched a manhunt to eliminate Pakistani terrorists hiding in the region. The joint operation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and the CRPF has been underway for the past 15 days."