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Srinagar: On Saturday at the far end of Chilla-i-Kalan, a weapon display was organised by the Indian Army for the people of Kupwara with a primary aim of acquainting them with the might of their security forces and providing an insight exposure of Indian Army to the youth of Kupwara.
Chillai Kalan or Chilla-i-Kalan, is a local name given to a 40-day harsh winter season period in Kashmir. The period usually lasts between December 21 to January 29 each year. Chillai Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chillai Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 30 to February 18; and a 10-day long Chillai Bachha (baby cold) occurs between February 19 to February 28.
The event was graced by Major General A S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC, Vajr Division and was attended by both the civil and military dignitaries. A large number of new generation equipment and weapons that included artillery guns, advanced technology radars, sophisticated close quarter battle weapons, latest mechanical transport fleet, bridging capabilities were displayed and information regarding the same was briefed to the locals by the highly qualified military instructors.
The inquisitiveness of the young generation and future leaders of Kashmir towards knowing the Indian Army’s world class fighting capabilities shows the changing norms in the minds of Kashmir educated class. The highly skilled dog training display organised at the culmination of the event was highly applauded by the mass gathering.
The event was the first of its kind that was ever organised in the long and enriching history of Kupwara. The event had a long lasting impact on the minds of the people of Kupwara, especially the students. The event as a platform was also utilised by the students in clearing their queries regarding their future career prospects in the Indian Army. Overall, the event was a grand success, manifested by attendance of 1500 civilians and was another giant leap towards creating awareness among the masses and also in cementing the civil-military relationship.
The civil administration thanked the Indian Army for the successful conduct of such a prestigious and eye-opening event and requested to conduct more such events in the future for creating awareness among the masses about their armed forces.
