Srinagar: Even as Kashmir Valley continues to boil over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, as many as 308 youth from different parts of the State joined the Indian army at an attestation parade in Srinagar on Thursday.
A statement issued by the army said that the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre at Rangreth on the outskirts of the summer capital showcased its latest batch of 308 graduating recruits from the state.
Under the army’s recruit course serial number 106, these recruits, after completing one year of strenuous training attested in a solemn parade at the Bana Singh Parade Ground of JAK LI regimental centre.
Their graduation parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a young soldier, was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narendra Nath Vohra. Over 1500 parents and relatives of the young soldiers, as well as senior civil and military officials were also present, the statement said.
"This attestation parade also formed a part of the regimental reunion of the JAK LI and was, therefore, attended by many serving and retired officers of the Regiment including Lieutenant General Satish Dua, GOC of Srinagar-based 15 (Chinar) Corps and Colonel of the JAK LI Regiment. “As a mark of solidarity with the people of Kashmir these sons of the soil and their families lit candles and prayed for calm and peace to return to the Valley at the earliest," the statement said.
It added, “The dauntless young soldiers of the Regiment hailing from all regions and religions of the state of J&K, marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting their life in service of their nation, singing their Regimental song ‘Balidanam Veer Lakshnam’, inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Valley. Their ceremonial ardour and salute to the tricolour with the national anthem playing, inspired patriotic vigour in all present”.
The Governor congratulated the young soldiers for their “immaculate” parade and impressed upon them selfless service towards the nation. “He praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from J&K to come forward to join the security forces, and also highlighted the vital role played by their parents in motivating their wards to join this noble profession,” the statement said.
It further said that the young soldiers who distinguished themselves in varied facets of training were also felicitated by the Governor. Recruit Rishu Sambyal of J&K’s Samba district received the Sher-e-Kashmir of Honour and Triveni Singh Medal for being adjudged ‘Over all Best Recruit’. Recruit Muhammad Razzaq of district Udhampur bagged the Bana Singh Medal for being ‘Best in Drill’.
“As a mark of respect, gratitude and recognition of contribution made by the parents of these young soldiers, they were also presented with the Gaurav Padaks instituted by the Army,” the statement concluded.
