111 youth from Jammu and Kashmir join Army

Srinagar, Apr 22 (UNI) One hundred and eleven youth from the militancy affected state today joined the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI), one of the most decorated Infantry Regiments of the Indian Army.

Emotional scenes were witnessed when the new recruits were greeted by their relatives after the passing out parade and oath taking ceremoney held at the Bana Singh Parade Ground of the JKLI Regimental Center here.

A total of 111 recruits took the oath of allegiance to the nation. Of these recruits 48 were from the Kashmir Valley while the rest from the Jammu Division.

The regiment has one Param Vir Chakra, one Ashok Chakra, 11 Mahavir Chakras, One Kirti Chakra, two Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, seven Ati Vishishth Seva Medal, 42 Vir Chakras, 15 Shaurya Chakras, two Yudh Seva Medal, 161 Sena Medals, 12 Vishisht Seva Medal and several gallantry awards to its credit.

This regiment came into being as the J&K Militia in 1948 when the volunteers in the Valley rallied to the clarion call of Sher-e-Kashmir and other local leaders and successfully stalled the Pakistan 'evil design' in 1947-48.

The Passing Out Parade cum oath taking ceremony depicts the graduation of a raw recruit into a trained soldier after rigorous training at the Centre.

Brig Shakti Prashad, Commandant JKLI Centre, reviewed the parade and congratulated the young soldiers for the very high standard of the parade.

He expressed his best wishes to the young soldiers and asked them to be ready to make any sacrifice for the nation.

Young soldiers were awarded medals for excelling in Physical Training, Drill and firing by the Reviewing Officer.

The sword of honour for best all round soldier of 74th Course was presented to Recruit Arun Sharma while Recruit Bishan Lal commanded the parade.

The Regimental Centre recruits its General Duty soldiers only from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre also conducts preparatory classes for aspiring candidates from the state for the recruitment, with the aim of adding to the healing touch drive undertaken by the Government and the Indian Army.

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