Jammu:Indian Army has always been known for its ethos, values and traditions of highest order. Be it times of crisis, any natural calamity or normalcy, our Army has always been at the forefront and has forever stood next to its fellow citizens. The professional and humane face of Indian Army is well known and is always praised and commended. Following its ethos and traditions, Indian Army has been at the forefront and working alongwith the Awam in their fight against the COVID Pandemic. To support the people from remote areas Pir Panjal Ranges of Rajouri and Reasi Districts (J&K), Indian Army at Samote distributed 350 COVID and Ration Kit to Gujjars and Bakarwals who are migrating to higher reaches and moving across to Kashmir valley.
COVID pandemic took the whole nation to a standstill. However, Indian Army has been at the forefront to ensure that the second wave of this pandemic doesn’t effect this region. In continuation of its efforts to fight against COVID pandemic, Indian Army at Samote carried out a COVID kit and Ration Kit distribution in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal Ranges of Kandi, Budhal, Khawas and Darhal of Rajouri district and areas of Chasana and Mamankot in Reasi district on 26 May 2021. Said Kit was distributed to 350 needy Gujjars & Bakarwal families incorporating NGO GOONJ, which is a pioneer NGO in disaster relief, humanitarian aid and community development all across the country. The COVID kit and Ration Kit was distributed to the poor and needy populace, keeping in mind the difficulties being faced by them during second wave of COVID-19 global crisis. This activity also facilitated necessary rations and COVID protection kit for the migratory population which will be migrating towards higher reaches of Pir Panjal and few of them crossing over to valley. Each Ration Kit comprised of 10 Kg Atta, two Kg Dal Chana, one Kg Salt, one Ltr Mustard Oil and 250 grams Tea Lipton and each COVID Kit comprised of Hand washing Soaps, Detergent soaps and Face Masks. This event also gave an opportunity to spread awareness amongst the populace on COVID protection and importance of COVID vaccination.
Provision of essential COVID kit and Ration Kit to 350 needy Gujjars and Bakarwal families has generated a lot of goodwill in the area. Locals have heartily appreciated the timely assistance given by the Indian Army to the poor and needy Awam and have conveyed their sincere thanks and gratitude for this noble gesture.