Srinagar, 23 Aug 2021. On 23 Aug 1998, a group of 23 young Kashmiri boys were apprehended, while attempting to cross the LC in Gurez sector. These young boys were compelled into militancy through delusion of falsehood by a fellow Kashmiri by the name of Abdul Hamid Gada @ Bambar Khan resident of Ganderbal for joining into militant tanzeems and were being taken to POK for getting trained in militant activities. Over a period of 10 days from 04 Aug to 14 Aug 1998, Bambar Khan with the help of local OGWs had collected these 23 young boys all within 18 years of age, either by force or through radicalization and had kept them in dense jungles of Ajas. Thereafter the group moved across the Shamsha Bari range into Gurez Tulail Valley with the end state that the entire group was to cross over into POK and train in militant activities and to reinfiltrate into Kashmir to enact the agenda of the masters of Separatists i.e Pakistan.
On 23 Aug 1998 someone informed Brigade Headquarters that a large number of youth were seen in the jungles near the Kishenganga River. An operation was led by then Capt Budhwar and this group of youth was sighted in the lower reaches of the forest, fortunately the soldiers held fire as the militant accompanying these youth, had run away taking cover of the thick foliage and vegetation. These young boys immediately surrendered to Indian Army soldiers. The troops quickly took control of the situation and helped them to cross the river which was in spate and escorted them to Gurez where they were medically examined and were given food, water and warm beds to sleep. These boys were reunited with their parents to join main stream by Gen VP Malik, then COAS at BB cantt in front of the civil administration.
It is important to note that each one of them today is a good parent to a sum total of 43 children and are leading a normal and happy life as good citizens of India.
To commemorate this day an event was organised at Manasbal lake, wherein the rescued individuals along with their families attended the event in presence of Lt Gen YK Joshi, GOC-in-C Northern Command and Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps.
A cultural event consisting of Audio Visual Clip of memories of these individuals of their harrowing experience with the militant in jungle and a skit on their experiences were showcased. The event culminated with Army Commander felicitating the rescued individuals and interaction with their family members.
On the occasion, Army Commander said that the youth on the path of terrorism will be given a second chance to come back and integrate with their families and join the mainstream and lead a normal life like these individuals had done two decades back. He also reiterated that parents have an important role to play in ensuring that their children do not follow the path of violence, which only brings pain and misery, not only for the ones who join terrorism but also for the immediate and extended family. He said Army in steadfast on ethical conduct and ensuring full support to those who want to leave the path of violence.
