Army sends militancy hit Krishna Ghati students on Sadbhavana tour

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), Jan.20 (ANI): Students from militancy hit backward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch District visited New Delhi this weekas part of the Indian Army's "Operation Sadbhavana" educational tour.

It was the first time that Deepak Sharma and Sartaj Iqbal saw the Delhi Metro and and an escalator. They said these have got etched into their memories.

Fourteen-year-old Deepak said: "It is for the first time that I saw a train and also the stairs which move on their own." There was a palpable happiness on his face. eepak said that he wished to become a doctor and help people in his area.

For Iqbal, it was a moment of introspection when he was asked about his experiences in Delhi.

Iqbal, who wishes to the join army and serve the nation, the fast moving cars and people enjoying in eateries like McDonalds was very thought provoking.

"I will study well so that I can also be a part of so many good things which I am able to see now." he said.

Deepak and Iqbal had come to Delhi with 21 other students of class nine and ten.

An army officer, a Junior Commissioned Officer and a teacher accompanied them.

The tour was organised by the Krishna Ghati Brigade under the aegis of 'Ace of Spade' Division.

The students hailed from the villages of Jhallas, Balnoi, Salotri and Dharuchian..

The army frequently organizes such tours to expose young students to developments taking place in other parts of the country.

During the current tour, the students will be exposed historical, religious and other important places. They will visit the cities of Agra, Bhopal and Gwalior.Operation Sadbhavana" was launched by the Indian Army in 1998 to not only expose the population of these militancy ravaged areas with developments taking outside, but also to win the hearts and minds of the population in Jammu and Kashmir.

Major Kapil, who accompanied the students, said: "It is to expose these young boys and make them think that they have much to achieve. The progress which these boys will see will act as a stimulus and will make them make efforts to become a part of this economic progress which our country is making."

The tour was flagged off by Brigadier Sunil Yadav on January 10 and the team returned to Poonch today. (ANI)