Opinion | Indian Army Winning Hearts in the Hills of Kashmir

Indian Army’s community outreach, from fire relief in Karnah to Health Camps for Gujjar-Bakkarwal Nomands.

From border infiltration, terrorism, shelling, drug-peddling, and human trafficking, the Indian army has not only stood firm on these fronts but also responded to the call of every border resident. Border residents face huge problems. From heavy snow to heavy rains, landslides, and road blockades, the army has become a source of support from top to bottom in the hills of the nation.

The recent viral video of lifting a pregnant woman from heavy snowfall in Karnah has become very popular in Kashmir. This video shows how the Indian army lifted the pregnant woman in a chopper and took her to the hospital. Not only did they protect these nomads, but they also provided them with immediate assistance. These border people were uneducated, lacked protection, transportation, security, and safety. The army not only provided them with safety, security, and assistance but also freed them from the fear of terrorism, as all the infiltration was carried out from the borders, and these people had become victims of terrorism.

The Indian army is not in Kashmir for just one reason. There are many reasons, one of which is border protection, that is, the line of territory shared with other nations that have posed danger to the people of the nation from time to time. So, the Indian army is in Kashmir because Kashmir is strategically important, sensitive, and significant. The military presence is not in the urban or rural areas but on the borders of Kashmir, where every day we hear shelling, killings, and infiltration. If our jawans leave the borders of Kashmir, terrorism will reach New Delhi. So, security and safety are essential and must be maintained on the borders of Kashmir.

Those living outside Kashmir and claiming Kashmir is a militarized state must visit where the military presence actually is. It is not in the state capital, not in the cities, and not even in the towns; it is primarily in the rural areas and terrorist-affected areas. I guarantee, if the army camps established in these places today were removed, it would create a situation like the 1990s because all these locations occupied by the Indian army are important for the integrity of the nation. Kashmir is not an easy place; it is very sensitive and very dangerous. If India takes any wrong step, it will have serious negative impacts.

Winning the hearts of the Kashmiri people during terrorism, turmoil, crises, and violence was not easy for the Indian army. They won the hearts of the Kashmiris through huge sacrifices and dedicated service. They made their service available to the common people, whether it was during terrorism, tourism, trade, peace, or violence. Their presence was always available, and they sacrificed their whole lives for the Kashmiri people. Today, what we are witnessing is the result of their immense service.

Last but not least, the Indian army, the most disciplined force, has proven itself in Kashmir. Despite many crises and stone-pelting, they have restrained and motivated the youth and deradicalized them through their professionalism and service. They have become a source of peace in Kashmir through various initiatives, civilian programs, schemes, workshops, and assistance during emergencies. By putting themselves in danger, they have become heroes for the Kashmiri people.

vadaiekashmir@gamil.com