Hill Kaka Day celebrated with patriotic fervour in Poonch

Army Commander, HS Dillion of 6 RR and other officers and Jawans paying respect to martyrs of Hill Kaka operation in Poonch.
Army Commander, HS Dillion of 6 RR and other officers and Jawans paying respect to martyrs of Hill Kaka operation in Poonch.

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, June 1: Hill Kaka Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at Kulali and Hill Kaka Post in Poonch district by the Indian Army’s 16 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of 6 Sector Rashtriya Rifles.
The event was organized to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during ‘Operation Sarp Vinash’, one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in the Pir Panjal region.
The celebrations commenced with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony and Guard of Honour at the newly established Hill Kaka War Memorial and Kulali. Army officers, veterans, civil dignitaries, students, and local residents gathered to honour the martyrs and remember their courage and sacrifice.
A variety of cultural and community outreach programmes marked the occasion. Local artists and school children presented colourful Gojri and Pahadi cultural performances, patriotic songs, and a special theatrical play depicting the events and sacrifices of `Operation Sarp Vinash’. The performances were widely appreciated by the audience.
Members of the Village Defence Committees/Guards (VDCs/VDGs) were felicitated for their unwavering support in maintaining peace and security in the region. The Army acknowledged their dedication and valuable contribution towards safeguarding their communities.
The event also featured a painting competition for students, a free medical camp for local residents, and an interaction programme aimed at strengthening the bond between the Indian Army and the local population.
Addressing the gathering, Commander, H S Dhillon of 6 Sector Rashtriya Rifles highlighted the significance of `Operation Sarp Vinash’ and recalled how the operation successfully eliminated terrorist presence from the Hill Kaka region. He stated that the sacrifices made by the security forces paved the way for lasting peace and stability, allowing local residents to live in a secure environment.
Dhillon further noted that the region has witnessed considerable development over the years and expressed confidence that progress would continue in the future.