@JournalistAadil
Srinagar: Living up to its motto of ‘Humsaya Hain Hum’, Indian Army camp Gujjarpatti organised an interaction with Gujjars, Bakarwals and Ikhwanis so that it helps the Commanding Officer, Indian Army to nurture a deep and closely connect with our brethren in the Lolab Valley.
The interaction was organised with an aim to acquaint them with the latest welfare schemes for Gujjars, Bakarwals and their families. The interaction commenced with a national anthem and a short brief on the value of Gujjar and Bakarwals culture by the Commanding Officer.
Thereafter, the Commanding Officer stressed on the need to focus on education of their children so that they make a positive progress in life and benefit from the career opportunities
The Commanding Officer further highlighted recent apprehension of one Over the Ground Workers (OGWs) in the area and requested the gathering to sensitize their neighbours and other villagers about the rising trend by tanzeems to lure youngsters to join ranks & pick up arms. He also said that summers are approaching and the Gujjar and Bakarwals planning to go to respective dhoks to take a clearance certificate from Army as well as Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) before proceeding.
He requested the Gujjar and Bakarwals not to provide any logistic support to terrorists if they approach their dhoks, if it is done due to fear of terrorist, they were told to keep the Army informed so that they don’t get caught on wrong side later.
A total of 215 Gujjars, Bakarwals and Ikhwanis attended the scheduled meeting, wherein they were also told about their role in the development of the society, initiatives to be taken by them to ensure normalcy in the area. They were also briefed to encourage their local youth towards positive engagement so that they remain in mainstream and progress in life.
The Commanding Officer taking this opportunity invited the Gujjar, Bakarwal and Ikhwanis community to join for the Iftar party planned on April 23 on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. In the end, the meeting culminated with a national anthem.
The Gujjar, Bakarwal and Ikhwanis conveyed that they are extremely satisfied and extended their gratitude to the Indian Army for taking care of them and their family in updating them with the latest welfare schemes and also in providing assistance whenever they required.
