Good-will gesture

Army organizes cricket tournament at Patnazi Bonjwah

Kishtwar: Army organized a cricket tournament in Patnazi village of Bonjwah, once known as hub of militancy. Army has been actively involved in organizing various extra curricular events & campaigns to promote awareness amongst locals & especially the youth in the state. In one such occasion, 26 Rashtriya Rifles (KUMAON) under the aegis of Headquarters 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles organized ‘Sadbhavana Akhtar Memorial Cricket Tournament at Devigol, Patnazi (Kishtwar) from 03 June 2010 to 09 June 2010. A total of 16 teams of Kishtwar region participated in the Cricket Tournament. A total of 19 matches were played. The finals were played between Friends Cricket Club, Patnazi & Mohammaden Cricket Club, Jarwar which was very keenly contested match. Team of Friends Cricket Club, Patnazi won the toss & elected to bat first. They made a total of 135 runs in 15 overs. In reply, Jarwar team was all out for 42 runs. The event was witnessed by approximately 500 locals who cheered up both the teams. Commanding Officer 26 Rashtriya Rifles (KUMAON) distributed the prizes & handed over the Trophy to Winners & Runners Up team on behalf of Commander 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles. Master Sunil Kumar was declared the Man of the Match for his excellent performance in the finals. Devigol is a remote area of Kishtwar & till about a few years back dominated by the militants. By the concerted efforts of the Army, the area has got rid of militancy. On the request of locals, a Cricket Tournament was organized for the first time by the Army in the area. Such gestures by Army are aimed at motivating the youth to join progressive mainstream activities thus inculcating the spirit of bonhomie, sense of belonging & togetherness & slowly weaning them away from terrorism. Holding a Tournament of such a magnitude in a remote area in which 16 teams participated shows that era of peace & tranquility has ushered in the region. The local populace appreciated the Army’s humane approach & commitment towards engagement of youth in sports activities. Such events carry the message of peace, harmony & progress & motivate the youth to become an integral part of the society.