Syed Mehraj Ahmed
“Iron fist in a velvet glove” the expression first used by emperor Napolean Bonaparte has been practiced by the Indian Army operating in the valley over decades now. Time stands testimony to the fact that the iron fist had and continues to be as firm as ever. The velvet glove, which was once a passive gesture has come a long way in recent years. The army has gone leaps and bounds in contributing towards the development and welfare of different parts of Kashmir. One such flourishing example is Gurez. North Kashmir Gurez was one of the most volatile areas close to the Line of Control. It was the traditional route of terrorists and was hit by continuous ceasefire violations. Indian Army has conducted various successful operations in the valley killing large no of local and foreign terrorists. The local population had always seen the men in uniform firing weapons and lobbing grenades in the past. The atmosphere in the valley had sunk in the gloom of terror for a long time until the need was felt to uplift the spirits of the people since then Indian Army has been relentlessly perusing the dream of a better Gurez.
The untouched captivating beauty of Gurez is a unique blend between the stark barrenness of Ladakh and lush greenery of Kashmir. The sweet mix of both terrains conjures up exceptional sceneries at every turn. Isolated far from onslaught of modernization, the locals here have somewhat managed to return their unique traditions, lifestyle and cultural identities. Local administration along with Indian Army has significantly increased the tourism potential in the valley. It not only promotes large scale tourism but also generates job opportunities for local population. Today, there are number of hotels, coffee shops, homestays, camping sites etc in Gurez which provide a safe and mesmersing experience to the tourists. One classic example is the AFSARA Homestay, the first homestay of Kanzalwan, a result of locals and Army working side by side. Recently Gurez valley has also been awarded as India’s best off beat tourist destination, the results speak for themselves.
The Indian Army and local administration have joined hands in order to educate the youth of Gurez right from the grass root levels. Children are taught, inspired and motivated by the Army. Almost every school of Gurez has hosted one or the other event by the Indian Army for their students. Since not all children come to School, the army had started the concept of a ‘Mobile Teacher’. The Mobile Teacher sets up his classes in remote areas of the valley on a daily basis. Army’s regular Area Domination Patrol ensures the attendance of children by motivating parents and providing basic stationary requirements. Since the primary source of income in Gurez still remains agriculture and life stock, The Indian Army has found means and ways to reach out to the local people and help them, The area being snow clad for more than six months a year has a very short period for farming. Major occupation of the populace being farmers, awareness and effective ways of farming is essential for the villagers. Army has been conducting “Agriculture Seminars” in which latest agriculture practices and techniques are taught to the locals. With time people have understood the importance of such seminars and now participate with great zeal and enthusiasm. Local population of Gurez has been keen in learning the benefits of new agriculture techniques. They also bring up various problems faced by them during climate change. Under ‘Bakkarwal Resource Management Initiative’ the Indian Army had launched various ‘Veterinary Vaccination Drives’ in the region. In conjunction with the animal husbandry department the Indian Amy has managed to vaccinate a large no of ailing animals and spread awareness among the locals regarding the same. These steps definitely foster the feeling of inclusiveness with mainstream society and strengthen the bond between Army and civil population of Gurez.
Along with regular medical assistance provided by the Army in the valley which includes free medical checkups, medical camps and distribution of medicines. The Army also ensures holistic welfare of the community by setting up mobile advance medical camps in which locals of Gurez requiring advance medical assistance are brought to army establishment and treated in MI rooms. Daily Area domination patrols keep on interacting with the locals which have now learned to approach Indian Army regarding their issues. A large chunk of local population dwells in Deras distributed remotely. They are people who prefer staying in their confined areas and lead a simple life. As a part of outreach campaigns, ‘Medic on Foot’ patrols are conducted by Indian Army so that the doctor could reach out to the old and the needy in such far off Deras. These efforts of the Army have touched the people of Gurez and they are often found expressing their gratitude toward Indian Army.
In order to guide the youth of Gurez in the right direction Indian Army has made deliberate efforts to keep exposing the young minds to new arenas of learning, personal development and noble career options. In recent memory, an awareness programme was launched by the Indian Army about ‘The Agnipath’ scheme introduced by the Govt of India on 14 June 2022 Youth eligible to be Agniveers were shown a documentary after which discussion took place. The youth took part in discussion with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Expressing high positivity towards the Indian Army. Currently most of these candidates are under selection process. Indian Army being a secular organistaion in its purest form cascades its effect on the people of Gurez. Every festival/ occasion is respected and given due importance in the valley. During festive season even the ethnic groups of Gurez are seen exchanging pleasantries with Indian Army. Civil administration and Indian Army come together to organise various events at schools and colleges during National days. In order to conserve this cordial bond Indian Army makes a point to educate and celebrate all international days with students as well. World Yoga Day and World Food Safety Day are few such example.
The undying resolve of our security establishments and the commendable support of the people of Gurez have proven that we are heading in the right direction. If one starts searching ‘Hostility in Gurez’, on the internet today, the AI suggestion automatically shows ‘Hospitality in Gurez’. This huge change is a result of the conduct and approach taken by Indian Army over the past few decades. Like other states of north India say Himachal Pradesh, no army convoy in Gurez passes through local population without the greetings of innocent smiles and waving hands of the children.
