Author: Indo-Asian News Service
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: September 20, 2004
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1016057,000900010002.htm
A group of 30 women from the Kargil
border area in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnessed a conflict with Pakistan
in 1999, is set to tour the northern part of the country under a programme
arranged by the Indian Army.
The women belong to the Batalik
and Chor Batla region of Kargil, which witnessed fierce battles between
Indian soldiers and Pakistan-backed intruders during the Kargil conflict.
The women -- eyewitnesses to the
mini war between India and Pakistan -- whose world is confined to the barren
mountains of Kargil will now travel to a different world. They will be
taken to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and meet dignitaries like Defence
Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
"The aim of organising the tour
for these women from Ladakh is to expose them to the diverse culture, traditions
and lifestyles of people in different regions of the country," said an
army spokesman.
