161 youths recruited in Ladakh Scouts regiment

As many as 161 recruits -- all hailing from the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir -- have been inducted into the army after rigorous training, a defence official said here today.

An impressive passing-out-parade was held at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh, yesterday to mark the entry of 161 well-trained recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as young soldiers, Srinagar-based defence spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia said.

The ceremony was reviewed by Lieutenant General Y K Joshi, Col of the regiment. The event was attended by a spectrum of military dignitaries, war heroes of the regiment and parents of the recruits, the spokesperson said.

The young soldiers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, took oath in unison to serve the nation, he said.

Gen. Joshi exhorted the young soldiers to continue to strive hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the nation against all odds in the true spirit, he added.