Aadil Abdullah
Bandipora, Dec 25 : The Snowbound Gurez Valley, nestled near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, came alive with festive cheer on the eve of Christmas.
With, children from border villages, braving the cold of the Chilli Kalan, joined Indian Army soldiers in the Bagtore sector for a heartwarming celebration, marking the spirit of togetherness.
Despite the harsh winter conditions with temperatures dipping below freezing, the children participated in a snow art competition and turned the frosty landscape into a vibrant display of creativity.
The snowy canvas captured the imagination of young artists, displaying colorful masterpieces against the stunning backdrop of the snow-covered valley.
Organized by the Indian Army’s Rana Battalion in Bagtore, the event offered local children a rare opportunity to interact with soldiers, fostering camaraderie and strengthening ties between the Army and the border community.
A local resident Shabir Ahmad appreciated and said, “This festival has really brought lots of glee to the faces of our children and also bridged the gap between the Army and our locality. It is just an heart-warming affair,” they said.
Another local child Shazaib Tahir also expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army for organizing the event and giving them a chance to celebrate Christmas with the soldiers. The child acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers, who perform their duties far from home to protect the nation and its citizens.
It may be noted that this initiative continues to build good will as it creates memorable moments for the people of Gurez and the adjacent villages.
