Shopian, March 12: Iftar gatherings organised by the Indian Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) at several mosques in Shopian district during the holy month of Ramzan have drawn participation from local residents, including youth and elders, officials said on March 12.
The gatherings were held in Shopian town and adjoining areas including Awaneera, Shadimarg, Chitragam Kalan and Imam Sahib, where Army personnel and residents assembled at the time of Iftar to break the fast together. The events were organised by the 44 RR unit as part of its outreach activities in the district.
According to officials, soldiers and civilians shared the traditional Iftar meal at local mosques, followed by interactions among participants. The gatherings were attended by community members from different age groups.
During one such event at Molu Chitragam, residents, including senior citizens and children, interacted with the Commanding Officer of 44 RR. Participants were seen engaging informally with Army personnel during the programme.
Videos and photographs from the gatherings were circulated on social media platforms by local residents and content creators. One such video shared by a local page titled “South Kashmir Express” showed scenes from an Iftar hosted by 44 RR and received significant online engagement.
In addition to the Iftar events, the Army organised a medical camp coinciding with International Women’s Day, during which a lady doctor examined local women and provided medical consultations. Officials said the camp was aimed at facilitating access to basic health services and strengthening engagement with the local population.
Shopian district in south Kashmir has witnessed security challenges in previous years. Officials stated that community outreach initiatives, including religious and social gatherings, are being conducted to maintain communication with residents and facilitate interaction in areas where Army units are deployed.
Authorities said recruitment into militancy in the region has declined in recent years. They added that community-level programmes are part of broader efforts to maintain stability and encourage public participation in peace initiatives.
The Iftar gatherings concluded after the breaking of the fast and subsequent interactions between Army personnel and local residents.
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