Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 27 (ANI): The Balnoi battalion of the Indian Army's Krishna Ghati Brigade organised a talent hunt competition for students as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking the victory in the 1965 'Battle of Operation Hill' at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students belonging to remote and economically weaker areas of Mankote tehsil. The competition aims to encourage young talent, provide them with a platform to showcase their skills, and commemorate the valour and sacrifices of soldiers who fought during the historic battle.

Imtiaz Waseem Hashmi, Principal of Mankote School, appreciated the initiative of the Indian Army, stating that such programmes play a vital role in identifying and nurturing the hidden potential of students from rural backgrounds.

'A spectacular talent hunt was held here, with children from two clusters within the Mankot tehsil participating. The competitions included painting, singing, and dancing... The children here are from remote areas. They are poor and have limited qualifications, but they have no shortage of talent. If programmes like this continue, the children here will bring glory to this region across India,' Hashmi told ANI.

The Battle of Operation Hill was a military engagement between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the 1965 war between both countries from November 2 to 3 in the Mendhar-Balnoi sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, on August 20, the Balnoi Battalion of the Krishna Ghati Brigade also celebrated Diwali with civilians along the extreme Line of Control in the Balnoi-Mendhar sector of Poonch district. The celebration was marked by interaction between army personnel and local residents, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and civilians.

During the celebration, the army personnel boosted the morale of the locals and expressed gratitude for their continued support. Army families also joined the festivities with children in the Tangdhar sector along the LoC, where the students appreciated the Indian Army's role in providing computer education and other facilities.

Speaking to ANI, one of the students said, 'The Indian army has provided us with various facilities and courses. And today we are also celebrating Diwali.' (ANI)