A meeting to discuss the role of the Village Defence Party (VDP) was held in Mawlaiteng village under Lumdiengjri Police Station.
The programme was organised by the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi District.
Additional Superintendent of Police, GW Lyngdoh said the VDP is like a pillar of the society that maintains law and order in every village.
He highlighted the Meghalaya Village Defence Organisation Rules, 2008 and cited 10 duties and functions of the VDP. He said three duties are most important for the VDP to follow, that is, to assist the police in the maintenance of law and order, peace and tranquility when needed; to carry out patrol arid watch in the area allotted for the party to prevent theft, burglaries, dacoities and other unlawful activities for protection of public lives and properties and to render necessary assistance to the police in rescue and relief work connected with natural calamity.
He said that the VDP has been given such functions, since it is a group which protects the public and has information and experience about the village and its residents.
The Additional Superintendent of Police also said that with the presence of the VDP in a village, theft, burglaries, dacoities and other unlawful activities can be contained. Its presence is also important whenever there are cases of harassment against women and children, he added.
Meanwhile, Khrawbok Sohkhlet Honorary Adviser, Village Defence Organisation, East Khasi Hills district said that with the passing of time people doing illegal activities are becoming smarter.
Sohkhlet also said that members of the VDP work in cooperation with members of the Dorbar Shnong and other organisations like the Seng Kynthei and the Seng Samla.
“The VDP is like the right and left hand, which will help in the functioning of the police department and curb illegal activities in the society,” he said.
The police department handed over torch lights to the VDPs of Diengiei area.
