Recreation hall for troops opened in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 8 (UNI) The Victor Force has opened a ''leadership and self development centre'' for troops, where they can relax after conducting counter-insurgency operations and other duties, in south Kashmir.

The centre has all facilities to provide relaxation to troops, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

He said Victor Force (VF) had always made concerted efforts in motivating and self development of soldiers.

It has also ensured that the troops on ground are looked after well in pursuance to the directions of the Chief of Army Staff, he said, adding the VF has made an attempt to institutionalise a leadership and self development centre within its location at Awantipura.

The centre, which has a state-of-the-art synthetic volley ball court, a gymnasium, a yoga centre, a recreation hall and a guest room for JCOs and other ranks, was formally inaugurated by GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen A S Sekhon.

Official sources said the step was taken to help security forces, working in extreme conditions, to relieve the mental stress.

More than three dozen security force personnel have committed suicide in the Kashmir valley during the past two years.

About a dozen other security personnel have been killed by their colleagues in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past.

UNI