‘You are the future of India’s Army’: CM Omar tells Agniveers at JAKLI parade

Srinagar, Dec 4: At the passing-out parade of the maiden batch of Agniveers on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment, recalling its historic role in defending the nation’s borders.

Speaking at the JAKLI Regimental Centre in Rangreth, Omar described JAKLI as “our regiment,” noting this was his first visit to a passing-out parade at the Centre. “You are joining a regiment with deep ties to Jammu and Kashmir,” he told the new Agniveers.

Highlighting its legacy, he said, “From that day to today, whenever the country needed you—whether in wars or during tribal incursions—JAKLI has played a major role in defending our frontiers.” He added that JAKLI soldiers and officers have always been willing to make sacrifices when duty called.

Congratulating the recruits, the Chief Minister said completing the 31-week rigorous training was a significant achievement. “You are fortunate to be part of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Agniveer Batch-06 and JAKLI Territorial Army recruits will forever have their names inscribed in the proud history of this regiment,” he said.

Omar expressed confidence in their abilities, calling them the Army’s future. “I am not only hopeful but am confident that you will continue to excel beyond your abilities. You are the future of the country’s Army, and you will have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. To fulfill this responsibility, not only the Indian Army but the entire country has great expectations from you. I am sure you will fulfill all these expectations well.”

After the parade, Omar interacted with the Agniveers over tea and appreciated their dedication.

Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, GoC 15 Corps; Javed Anjam, Director Airport Srinagar; V. K. Purohit, IDES, IFA HQ 15 Corps; Som Raj, Joint Director Airport Srinagar, and other senior officers attended the ceremony.

In a statement, the Army said the 711-member batch had been “barely a week into training when Operation Sindoor commenced,” exposing them to high-intensity operational drills that served as real-time battle conditioning.

The Army added that the passing-out parade was more than a ceremonial formality. In the backdrop of recent terror-related incidents, it stood as a powerful show of unity and resilience — “a clarion declaration and a testament to India’s unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.”