259 youth from J& K join Army

As many as 259 youth from different parts of restive Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday pledged to “invigorate the nation with every drop of our blood” after formally joining the Army, the officials said.

The latest batch of its passing out young soldiers was showcased by the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry ( JAK LI) at its regimental centre in Srinagar’s Rangreth area. The recruits were attested on the completion of “strenuous training” spread over one year, said defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia.

The passing out parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a young soldier, was reviewed by General Officer Commanding 9 Infantry Division Major General M. K. Das and Colonel of the Regiment and was attended by over 1000 parents and relatives of young soldiers, the spokesman said.

“The dauntless young soldiers of the regiment hailing from all regions and religions of the State of J& K, marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting their lives in service of their nation, singing their Regimental Song ‘ Balidanam Veer Lakshnam’, inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Kashmir Valley,” the spokesman said. He added, “Their salute to the tricolour with national anthem playing inspired patriotic ardour in all present.”

Maj. Gen. Das congratulated the young soldiers for their “immaculate” parade and urged them to get ready for selfless service towards the nation.