SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: In order to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a group of local women today visited CRPF camp of 144 Battalion at Boulevard here and tied rakhis on the wrists of the officers and soldiers who are posted away from their homes. On the occasion, the women exchanged sweets with the soldiers while the Jawans exchanged gifts with these women. Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Verma, second in command (2IC) of 144 BN, said that Raksha Bandhan is a festival to celebrate the bond between a brother and sister where brother takes the pledge to protect his sister. He added that as the soldiers remain away from their homes so the local women today visited our Battalion and tied rakhis on soldiers’ wrists who reciprocated by giving away gifts to them. He also expressed gratitude to the women who visited here and tied rakhis on their wrists and said that they feel honored by the gesture and affection. The event was organized by CRPF 144 BN in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

DODA, AUGUST 22: The Rashtriya Rifles located at Bhadarwah under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) organised Raksha Bandhan celebration at Bhaderwah (Sarna) included villages Bhalla and Gundoh today.

Raksha Bandhan festival of love and bond between brothers and sisters was celebrated as love and brotherhood between the soldier on duty and local school going children.

A total of 20 girl students from PG College, Bhaderwah and Jawans were present on the occasion. The students interacted with the Army personnel in an informal atmosphere.  The students and teachers expressed their gratitude towards the Rashtriya Rifles for organising the event.

The event commenced with receiving girl students and staff of NCC, 2 JK (I) Company NCC, Bhaderwah, Government PG Degree College, Bhaderwah.

The girl students brought Raksha Sutra (Rakhis) along with them and tied it on wrists of jawans symbolising the respect and love which the locals share towards the Indian Army.  A group song was also presented by the girl students and staff.  In reciprocation the girl students were presented with gifts as a token of thanks and promise of their protection.  The event concluded with the serving of tea, refreshment and group photographs.

Speaking on the occasion Prof Prithavi Raj Associate NCC Officers PG College, Bhaderwah said that the Rashtriya Rifles over the years has focused on bringing normalcy in the region and made valuable efforts towards development of the locals.  The efforts of the Army have finally brought peace and brotherhood back to Bhadarwah and its adjoining areas.  By organising such events the Rashtriya Rifles further strengthened the bond that it shares with the locals and once again confirmed its firm commitment towards lasting peace and brotherhood in the area.