CHAI-PE-CHARCHA INTERACTION, HUMANE FACE OF INDIAN ARMY

Shyam Sood
Jammu March 25:–The first image of a soldier may be that of a uniformed person with weapons, but soldiers have a humane face too,- this was said by the Prime Minister.
This has been proven many times by the soldiers in providing solace to the civil population, whether it is earthquake, flash floods, accidents, fire incidents, or other natural calamities.
Nobody can forget the role of soldiers during the 2014 J&K floods, the worst in the century, when in the month of September they conducted searches, rescue, relief, relocation, humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation missions.
During peace time Army has been providing every possible help to the people in remote/ border areas.
In one such initiative troops of Romeo Force today organised ‘Chai-Pe-Charcha’ (interaction) at 5 different locations with the members of the migratory community namely Gujjars & Bakerwals.
“The interaction was aimed at listening to the problems and issues faced by them during their migration to higher reaches, their basic requirements pertaining to documentation for migration, issues related to the Forest Rights Act of 2006, problems faced due to COVID pandemic and the education of their children” said an officer.
The interaction prior to their migration was aimed at listening to the problems and issues faced by the migratory community during their migration to higher reaches, their basic requirements pertaining to documentation for migration, issues related to Forest Rights Act of 2006, problems faced due to COVID pandemic and the education of their children.
Gujjars and Bakarwals are one of the most rustic, ethnic groups of the Himalayas and are considered as one of the most historical tribes of the region due to their rich culture and ethnic traditions.
Gujjars & Bakerwals tribes constitute 11% of the population of UT of J&K and a large number of these tribes follow the Nomadic lifestyle.
Every year, many of these Gujjars and Bakarwals migrate to the higher reaches of Pir Panjal Ranges as part of their customary migratory practice.
“To maintain contact with these tribes and to listen to their issues prior to their movement to the higher reaches, 60 RR based at Samote (in Rajouri district) organised ‘Chai-Pe-Charcha’ interaction with members of these tribes in the areas of Darhal, Kandi, and Khawas (in Rajouri) & in the areas of Chasana-Mamankot (Reasi)” said an officer.
The Indian Army has always been at the forefront of helping this migratory population during migration as well as during their stay at the higher reaches by providing necessary medical and veterinary assistance, providing education for their children, and providing other basic necessary items especially during COVID pandemic.