Recruits of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment celebrate after the passing-out parade at an Army base on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday. Tribune photo: Amin War

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 5

As many as 242 recruits from J&K were inducted into the Army’s Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regiment at a colourful passing-out parade today.General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Satish Dua, who recently took over as the Colonel of JAKLI, reviewed the passing-out parade, which was attended by nearly 2,500 parents and relatives of the young soldiers. The soldiers of the regiment hailed from all regions of the state.Lt Gen Dua said soldiers from Kashmir had been proving their mettle in the Army and the number of local youth joining the Army was increasing.“I am myself from JAKLI. When these young soldiers join any regiment, they are no less than any other. They are better than the best. In JAKLI, we have approximately 300 soldiers who have been awarded with gallantry awards in the Kashmir region alone,” Dua told reporters on the sidelines of the function.He said the number of Kashmiri youth in the Indian Army was increasing. “.. All I can say that response to recruitment in the Army in different regiments is very enthusiastic. ..” he said.During his address to recruits, Lt Gen Dua congratulated the young soldiers for their immaculate parade.He asked the fresh recruits to work with dedication to take the name of the regiment to new heights.“Today you have become part of the Indian Army and JAKLI. We are all proud,” he said during his address.During the investiture ceremony, Lt Gen Dua also presented awards to the meritorious recruits.At the end of the parade, emotional scenes were witnessed as parents and relatives were seen hugging and kissing the new recruits. Some of them were seen taking pictures.“It is a proud moment for me and the family,” said a new recruit from north Kashmir whose sister was taking pictures with a mobile phone

Sher-e-Kashmir Sword of Honour for Rajiv Sharma

• Rajiv Sharma was awarded the Sher-e-Kashmir Sword of Honour for being adjudged ‘Overall Best Recruit’
• The Chewang Rinchen Medal was received by Iqbal Mohammad Baba of Baramulla for being adjudged “Best in Firing”
• Aamir Mushtaq of Bandipora bagged the Bana Singh Medal for being “Best in Drill”