In what could be termed as silver lining for the troubled State of Jammu & Kashmir, eleven youngsters from the State successfully completed their training and joined as officers in Indian Army. On Saturday, these proud young officers took pledge to serve the country till their last breath. For all of them, lieutenant Umar Fayaz who was abducted and killed by terrorists in Kulgam district on May 10 is a hero. Incidentally, lt Fayaz passed out from the academy in December last year and he was known to all cadets of the present batch in the IMA which passed out on Saturday.
Shortly after the Passing out Parade (POP), lt Shahnawaj of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir was surrounded by his proud parents and other family members. He did his schooling in Doda district and joined army as soldier in the year 2008.
After joining the Army, the young Shahnawaj got motivated to become an officer and his dream was fulfilled when he was selected in Army Cadet College (ACC) wing. Interacting with the media persons, the young officer said that it is good that more and more youths from the state are joining the armed forces. On a solemn note, he said that the Kashmiri youths should find their role model in lieutenant Umar Fayaz who, according to him, personified courage of conviction for a great cause. He further said that the youths of the valley should cease to look up to the militants as their heroes.
He remembered lt Umar Fayaz as an energetic and inspirational person. “He was my senior in the academy and even our battalion (Maneakshaw) was the same. The news of his death was very shocking for all of us in the academy,’’ he said.
Shahnawaz who would join armoured regiment said that he is eagerly waiting for a posting in Kashmir.
Mixed emotions of happiness, pride and concern appeared on the face of the father of Shahnawaz, Mohammad Ashraf when asked about how he is feeling. He said that many youngsters of neighbourhood feel motivated by the success of Shahnawaz. Md Ashraf owns a small hotel in Doda town and has nine daughters and sons. “ Shahnawaj is the eldest of my four sons. Now, his younger brothers would also be motivated to join armed forces and serve the nation,’’ he said, eyes sparkling with a pride. However, it was unmistakable that he was a bit concerned about the safety of his son.
Fayaz Ahmed, who is an instructor in Indian Military Academy (IMA), was also with the family in its happy moment. Hailing from militancy- torn Anantnag district, Ahmed said that the government should recruit more and more youngsters from the valley to the armed forces.