The role of the Indian Army in Kashmir has been a complex and a long-standing one, marked by its involvement in maintaining law and order, counter-insurgency operations, and border security. Since the 1990s, the situation in Kashmir has had a graph that’s been far from normal. With rampant insurgency, the Army has had a tough job at hand for long decades, having to contain the situation. And now, after toiling across the years, it has successfully and peacefully managed to contain the law and order situation in Kashmir and finally, the backbone of terrorism has been broken here.
After having played a role in maintaining law and order, conducting search and cordon operations and assisting the civil administration in restoring normalcy, the role of the Indian Army has witnessed a paradigm shift. Besides counter-insurgency operations, it has been participating in providing assistance during natural disasters, in infrastructural development for education, development of roads and bridges in remote areas, imparting skill education to the youth of Kashmir and yes, playing a crucial role in making far-off and remote places in Kashmir accessible to tourists.
In a continuing effort to foster goodwill and support among the local population in Kashmir, the Indian Army has been actively implementing various welfare policies and schemes aimed at enhancing public welfare and infrastructure development in the region. Despite the challenges posed by the terrain and security concerns, the army’s initiatives have significantly improved the lives of Kashmiri residents.
Humanitarian Assistance and Community Development
One of the recent examples of the Indian Army’s public welfare initiatives is the establishment of medical camps in remote areas of Kashmir. These camps provide essential healthcare services to residents who lack access to medical facilities due to geographical constraints. The army medical personnel, along with civilian doctors, offer free medical check-ups, distribute medicines, and conduct awareness programs on health and hygiene.
Additionally, the army has been actively involved in community development projects, including the construction of roads and bridges in far-flung areas. This infrastructure development initiative has not only improved connectivity but has also facilitated economic activities and eased the daily lives of the local populace.
Education and Skill Development
Recognizing the importance of education and skill development, the Indian Army has taken steps to promote literacy and vocational training in Kashmir. Several schools have been established and supported by the army, providing quality education to children from economically weaker sections. Moreover, vocational training centers have been set up to impart essential skills such as carpentry, tailoring, and computer literacy, empowering youth with sustainable livelihood options. Initiatives like Super-50, scholarship offers, sports events, developmental work are some remarkable achievements of the Army here.
Also, tailoring which acts as Self-employed set up is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project funded by GENPACT through the coalition of NGO REACHA and SRUJNA. The project helps women learn the tailoring trade by providing them free latest and modern machinery.
Sports and Youth Engagement
Sports have emerged as a vital tool for engaging Kashmiri youth and channeling their energies constructively. The Indian Army regularly organizes sports events and tournaments, encouraging participation from the local population. These initiatives not only promote physical fitness but also foster camaraderie and goodwill among participants, irrespective of their backgrounds.
To keep the youth away from drugs, the famous cricket tournament of North Kashmir, the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), was one of the prominent tournaments organized by the Army. The KPL witnessed participation of 224 players and is being viewed as one of the best tournaments in the region organized by Army. The matches were broadcast live on Facebook to involve a larger audience from the rest of the country and the Union Territory in particular.
Innovation and Sustainability
The Indian Army has embraced innovation and sustainability in its welfare efforts. Projects like solar energy installations and water conservation initiatives have been implemented to harness renewable resources and promote environmental consciousness among the people of Kashmir. Apart from focusing on innovation and human health, the Indian Army organized a free veterinary camp in the Gujjar Warsun area of North Kashmir to treat the livestock after the vicious Lumpy-skin disease. In these border areas, where providing veterinary services is an uphill task, the Army conducted the drive to gauge the health of animals in order to minimize the effects of the viral disease.
Community Outreach and Cultural Integration
The army’s public welfare programs also emphasize community outreach and cultural integration. Regular interactions and cultural events are organized to bridge the gap between the armed forces and the local population, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Stretching possibilities for tourists
The role of the Indian Army has been huge when it comes to tourists exploring places like Bangus, Keran and Machil. Its role primarily involves facilitating and ensuring safety and security of tourists, besides supporting infrastructural development and conservation efforts in these areas. All these newly-turned-touristy places are in close proximity with Pakistan which poses a security challenge also. The Army has the responsibility of maintaining a secure environment for tourists, including holding regular patrols, manning check-posts and constant surveillance.
Youth Centers
Founded with a noble objective to empower the youth, infuse corporate culture, and provide modern amenities, the youth centers like, Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre Kupwara is more than just a physical space; it’s a promise for a brighter future. Boasting a plethora of facilities – ranging from a library stocked with diverse books to spaces for studying, group discussions, and career counselling, this centre is designed to cater to every possible need of the young minds it means to serve.
De-radicalisation drive
With the sarpanch, Panchayat members, elders and students by its side, the Indian Army organised a three-week de-radicalisation drive in the militancy affected areas of Kashmir. The Army raised awareness about the ground realities of Pakistan and the nefarious designs of the country to destabilize India and the peace in Jammu and Kashmir. During this largest gathering in Kupwara last year, the Commanding Officer addressed the people and informed them about the various progressive initiatives the Army was taking up throughout the region.
The Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to public welfare in Kashmir continues to be a beacon of hope for the region. Through its multifaceted initiatives spanning healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community engagement, the army has not only improved living standards but has also laid the foundation for sustainable development and peace. These efforts underscore the army’s dedication to serving the nation and its people, resonating with the ethos of unity and progress.
(Author is a columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])
