Recruits during a passing-out parade on the outskirts of Srinagar. Tribune Photo: Yawar Kabli

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 29

Over 140 youth from the state were inducted in Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment at a colourful passing out parade on Tuesday.A defence spokesperson here said: “143 recruits successfully completed strenuous training regime of 11 months at the JAKLI Regiment Centre at Rangreth.”“The passing-out-parade was attended by over 2,500 parents and relatives of the young soldiers from the state along with a number of civil and military dignitaries. The parade was reviewed by Major General BK Jain,” the spokesperson added.Major General Jain congratulated the young soldiers for their immaculate parade and impressed upon selfless service towards the nation.He also praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from J&K to come forward to join the security forces and also highlighted the vital role played by the parents in motivating their wards to join the noble profession.Major General Jain also presented awards to the meritorious recruits, who excelled in various facets of training, said the spokesperson.Shabir Ahmed of Reasi received the Chewang Rinchen Medal. He was adjudged ‘best in firing’. Iftikar Beigh of Jammu was conferred the Bana Singh Medal for being ‘best in drill’.The JAKLI Regiment came into being as Jammu and Kashmir Militia in 1948 when the volunteers rallied to the clarion call given by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah from the historical Lal Chowk for fighting the Pakistan-backed raiders.