Week After Lance Naik Rather was killed by terrorist, 134 men from Jammu and Kashmir joined army
A week after Kashmiri soldier Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather who was killed in the ambush of an army convoy in south Kashmir's Shopian, young cadets from Jammu and Kashmir took oath to serve the nation at the army's passing-out parade in Srinagar.
One of those who passed out, 20-year-old Tousif Ahmad is a picture of pride in his combat fatigue and a red turban. Rifleman Tousif took the oath with 134 recruits to join the army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment. From a remote village in south Kashmir's Anantnag, Tousif broke many barriers in his journey to becoming a soldier.
Stories such as Lance Naik Rather's supreme sacrifice - the 35-year-old had taken six bullets in his leg and died of excessive bleeding - continue to inspire the young recruits.
"I am feeling proud that I am associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, we have performed very well here and hope to perform well in my platoon in the future as well", said Rifleman Tousif Ahmad.
The army says more youth from the Kashmir valley are joining the army despite a spike in militancy in the state. It provides them a stable and dignified career. The soldiers are put through a rigorous one-year-long training before they are deployed to take a lead role in anti-militancy operations.
Just two years back 20,000 aspirants turned up to fill up 55 vacancies in Kashmir. Last year, 242 cadets passed out to join the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment.
Rifleman Sajid Ali from Rajouri drew his inspiration from others who joined the army from his district. "I will do everything for my country when I get a chance," said Rifleman Sajid Ali.