The Line of Control (LoC) is a point where the land under the control of any Country ends. The boundary in every country witnesses a huge presence of the military forces, who risk their lives to protect and secure the country.
Many times, the border also witnesses huge rush of visitors from different parts of the Country, who throng to the places especially on festivals and other special events to participate in the functions, being organized by the Army, and other security forces.
A few of the posts along the Loc in Jammu and Kashmir are famous for its panorama and the valor of the soldiers. Kaman post in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is among the LoCs, which is famed for many things especially for its beauty.
The post located at ‘Kaman Aman Setu’—Friendship Bridge between the two neighboring countries in Uri district is the last point of the India-Pakistan border. Kaman post is one of the major attractions for visitors, especially motivational tours of Schools and Colleges. The post is especially popular for its view across the Line of Control.
Kaman post, named after the Late Lieutenant Colonel Kaman Singh Pathania, MVC, is the first post of Indian Army on National Highway 1A, the Baramulla-Kaman road and lead to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK).
The Army, who is protecting the border by risking their lives, has made the post further beautiful by installing a 60-feet national flag there. Besides protecting the land, the Army has renovated the Cafeteria at Kaman post and also installed a 60-feet National flag Pole.
As part of the Confidence Building Measure (CBM), the trade and bus service between the two countries was conducted through the Kaman trade point established on this point.
People have appreciated the role played by the Army by taking this initiative. It was after four years that this Cafeteria was restarted after the renovation by the Army.
This initiative cleared the picture before the people and the world that the Army has been on the forefront in ensuring development of the country. Besides maintaining peace and order, the Army is also taking a lead on ensuring the development of the border areas, where a huge population is also residing.
By taking this initiative, the visitors would not only have a glimpse of the beautiful border places, but can also have food from the Cafeteria as well. Moreover, the installation of a 60-feet national flag has added to the serenity of the environment.
To simplify, the initiative has added to the charm of the border.
In a process of making the LoC more attractive, the initiative is all set to help the border dwellers in generating their income. The ponywals and people affiliated with different trades can earn their livelihood easily as the initiative is all set to increase the rush of the visitors to the place.
The initiative is nothing less than a ray of hope for many border dwellers, who were not able to earn their livelihood in the past as the flow of tourists can certainly pave the way for them to earn bread and butter for their families.
This initiative of the Army is one among the hundreds taken so far in Jammu and Kashmir under its mission ‘Operation Sadhbhavna’. The Army has not only ensured development of the far-off villages especially close to the Line of Control, but has been on the forefront in imparting education about skills and other things among the youth.
The Army, besides ensuring peace, is bringing respite among the vast population of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by coming up with different and favorable measures. Though it is holding arms in the hands, but has been playing an active role in ensuring pen and books in the hands of the poor children across Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides, many children are getting education free of cost due to the Army’s Operation Sadbhavna. One cannot even imagine the steps and initiatives taken by the Army in Jammu and Kashmir for the wellbeing of its people.
In continuation of its measures for the wellbeing of the J&K people, there is a need to come up with more plans like that of Kaman post to help the local populace to earn their livelihood.
(The writer is executive editor Lake City Times and can be reached at [email protected])
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