Kashmiri girls on culture tour to Kolkata

In a bid to showcase the human face of the Indian Army, a group of 22 girl students from Uri in Jammu & Kahmir were brought to visit the Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata.

The girls who are on their maiden outstation tour and had never traveled beyond the Banihal Pass were accompanied by two female teachers. They interacted with Maj Gen Harsha Kakar, Chief of Staff, HQ Bengal Area and other officials about the army culture and career prospects.

The team left Uri on February 24, and visited Delhi and Lucknow before arriving Kolkata on 5th of March. They also visited a few tourist spots in the city .

The girls displaying zestful spirit surprised all at HQ Bengal Area present by breaking into an impromptu group dance playing their part as perfect ambassadors of Kashmiri culture, endearing and integrating themselves with fellow citizens. This was a part of the army’s sadbhavna intitaive to promote culture integration and human face of the Indian Army. They army has categorically been critized for severe incidents of human human rights violation and an anti Kashmiri feelings. With army deputed in civilian areas and the armed forces special powers act applicable in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, common people have been very critical of the Indian army. This was a move to portray the human face of the Indian Army to the kashmiri gilrs.