VHP holds camp to train J&K girls in arts of self-defence, fight 'love jihad'
Jammu, Jul 9: VHP-affiliated 'Durga Vahini' held a training camp for girls in Jammu and Kashmir to teach them the arts of self-defence and how to keep their own during terror attacks, the right-wing outfit claimed here on Sunday.
Girls, all aged about 18, from 12 districts of the Union Territory participated in the week-long camp that started on July 3.
A VHP member said the camp was also aimed at making girls aware of 'love jihad'-- a term used by right wing activists to refer to an alleged conspiracy to convert Hindu girls to Islam by marrying them.
"We organised a seven-day training camp from July 3, focusing on self-defence and personality development," Shabnam Khajuria, the head of Durga Vahini, told PTI.
The primary objective of this initiative was to enhance girls' self-confidence and prepare them to combat all types of threats from terrorism to disasters in the region, she claimed.
"In addition to yoga and non-weapon techniques, the participants were trained in handling rifles and swords, enabling them to handle any situation effectively," Shabnam said.
In all, 82 girls, all aged 18 and above, hailing from 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the border areas, participated in the camp, the group claimed.
Aditi Gupta, one of the trainees shared her experience saying, "The training in martial arts and weapon handling has made us physically and mentally strong. It has given us the self-confidence to face any situation. This is a lifelong learning process."
Another trainee Asmita Gupta said that the girl will go back to their native places and teach others about such practices.
'Durga Vahini' is affiliated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad, a right-wing group which fervently champions Hindu supremacy.
"It serves as the female counterpart of the Bajrang Dal, a subsidiary of the Hindu nationalist organisation VHP, established in 1991. Women aged 18 to 35 are eligible to join and receive training in the camp," Shakti Dhar Sharma, vice president, J&K VHP, told PTI.
He said they are educating women on the issues of love jihad and the challenges being faced by Hindus.
The camp operated from 4 am to 10.30 pm, dedicating four hours to the women's mental and physical development, Sharma said.
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Balasaheb would have broken his mouth: Eknath Shinde on Arvind Sawant's 'imported maal' remark
Thane: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant for his comment referring to Shaina NC as "imported maal." Shinde asserted that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he "would have broken his mouth" for making such a remark. Calling Sawant's statement "unfortunate," Shinde condemned the disrespect toward women, saying, "Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough."
Shinde expressed that the women of Maharashtra would ensure Sawant faces consequences in the upcoming elections, highlighting that such remarks reveal the character of those making them. Following Shaina NC’s complaint, a case has been registered at Nagpada Police Station, listing charges related to defamation and outraging the modesty of a woman.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also criticised Sawant’s remarks, affirming that derogatory comments against women have no place in society and contradict Maharashtra's values of respect and dignity.
In response, Sawant clarified that he did not directly mention Shaina’s name and claimed his remarks were misinterpreted. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with vote counting on November 23.
