Northern Army commander greets soldiers, people of Jammu and Kashmir on occasion of Id-ul-Fitr

On the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, Lt.Gen. D S Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command, extended his warm greetings to the all Army personnel and people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt.Gen.Hooda said that the joyous celebrations of Id-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan would bring with it happiness and a feeling of brotherhood. On the occasion of this holy festival, he looked forward to the strengthening of peace, cohesion and prosperity in the state.

July is a particularly auspicious month for the Kashmir Valley since it is witnessing celebration of Id-ul-Fitr and the pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Shri Amarnath ji.

Both religious festivals are going on simultaneously with active participation of one and all. Terrorists had attempted to derail the festivities by threats and some incidents of violence, but they have been unsuccessful due to the enhanced security vigilance and the unflinching faith of the people.

It is mainly the local Muslim community that provides administrative support to the Shri Amarnath Yatra terms of food, shelter, ponies and even bearers. There would be many who have kept the Ramzan fast and are still putting in the extra effort required to ensure successful conduct of the pilgrimage.

The enthusiasm with which the Army in Kashmir celebrates both festivals is a yearly ode to its secular credentials. Not only the Army Commander, each soldier posted in the Valley goes forward to extend good wishes and celebrate Eid with the Muslims who are in touch with him and his establishment. Units and organizations organize special functions to mark the holy occasion.

Similarly, for the Amarnath Yatra the army not only provides security but extends all sort of administrative support including free kitchens, medical aid, casualty evacuation, lost and found cells and other emergent requirements that come up from time to time.

"The spirit of brotherhood and secularism prevalent in the Kashmir Valley at the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Fitr and the pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath shrine is truly exemplary," says Dr. Simrit Kahlon, an academician and columnist who takes active interest in affairs of Jammu and Kashmir.