Girls in Rajouri get arms training to fight militants

Rajouri, Jan 18 (ANI): Girls in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district are being imparted special arms training by the paramilitary 63 Rashtriya Rifles to counter militancy in the State.

Young girls, who generally lead sheltered lives, are now coming forward to fight for their own security.

"Girls have been given training so that even they know about self-defense and if male members are not at home and there is a militancy attack, then they can protect themselves, and even fight with the terrorists," said Uttam Singh, Commanding Officer, 63 Rashtriya Rifles.

"Things that we learnt today, we liked them. And we'll use it in future and counter militancy on our own," said Aafrin, a trainee.

Other villagers were also given training on using AK-47 rifles.

In 2009, a teenage girl, Rukhsana Kauser, had bravely fought off three militants who had invaded her home in Kashmir, and had started beating up her parents. Kauser and her brother had shot the militants, who made their escape when the two turned on them. (ANI)