The local youth of Jammu and Kashmir gave a pleasant surprise to the nation at large with as many as 575 joining the JK Light Infantry regiment of the Army. Their induction, coming quick in the heels of the Centre's move to abrogate the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370, in a way served as a strong rebuttal to the naysayers who had claimed that the decision has sent J&K into a spiral of turmoil for a long time to come.

Their passing out parade as JKLI recruits in full vigour of a solider at the Bana Singh Parade Ground in Srinagar on Saturday also mocked at reports in Western media of disaffection among local youth against the Indian government.

"My father was in the Army. I was inspired to join the forces as I was impressed with his uniform. There is a lot of discipline in the Army, with which I was also impressed. The Army prepares you both physically and mentally," said one of the cadets, Yaseer Ahmed Mir.

The induction ceremony in full Army splendour was attended by parents of several cadets who had arrived in Srinagar from several parts of J&K and Ladakh. The passing out parade was attended and reviewed by Lieutenant General Ashwani Kumar.

"We are happy to have completed the training successfully. Now, we only look forward to work with our regiment with full dedication and sincerity. It is a great honour to be a part of such famed regiment," another cadet said. The young soldiers who excelled in varied facets of training were also felicitated at the ceremony.

Happy at the turnout and dedication of new recruits, Lt Gen Kumar said there is no lack of motivation among the local youth. "The JJKLI regiment maintains good relations with the local population. I spoke to families of many cadets. It's not that they are joining the Army simply because they don't have any source of employment. They also have passion to serve the country," added Lt Gen Kumar.