SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

Suspected militants shot dead two members of a government-funded civilian militia in the Jammu province of Indian-administered Kashmir.

Kuldeep Kumar and Nazir Ahmed were abducted from Kishtwar area by militants of Kashmir Tigers outfit who released the purported photos of their bodies on social media, evoking condemnation from the region’s Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.

“No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDG members in Kishtwar. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits & avenge this barbaric act,” Sinha’s office wrote on X.

Formerly Village Defense Committees, Village Defense Guard (VDF) is a militia comprising both civilians and former servicemen and retired policemen, which was formed in the 90s to arm primarily Hindu populations in the mountainous districts of Jammu province against militants. Each group functions under the supervision of the district police chief concerned.

The members are supposed to work voluntarily for the militia and are paid between INR 4,000 and 4,500 ($47-$53) per month. Dozens of VDCs have been killed since their formation over three decades ago.

Meanwhile, in the Kashmir valley, two suspected militants were killed after a nightlong military operation in the northern town of Sopore.

The gunfight started Thursday evening but after an overnight lull, the exchange of fire started this morning, leading to the killings.

There has been a spurt in violence since the new elected government took office, after a gap of six years. More than a dozen civilians besides six militants and two soldiers have been killed in the past fortnight.

India and Pakistan rule the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region in parts, but claim it in full. The territories are recognized as Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Kashmir.