In Dhangri, India, approximately 5,000 villagers, including civil servant Sanjeet Kumar, have joined all-Hindu militia units to fight off rebel attacks. These Village Defence Guards receive weapons and training from Indian forces, as India seeks to quell a prolonged insurgency in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir.
Last year, authorities announced the establishment of these militias following a series of murders targeting police officers and Hindu residents in Kashmir. Although the initiative has been generally well received by Hindu residents, Muslim villagers worry that arming only one community will further exacerbate tensions in the region.
Kashmir has been a disputed territory between India and Pakistan since the two countries gained independence 75 years ago. India has battled various rebel groups demanding independence or merger with…
