Women in Kashmir trained in self-defence

RAJOURI - A special camp was organized by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri District on Friday to train women in the art of self-defence and use of firearms.

The camp organized by Indian troops in the border area, aims at enabling women and girls to defend themselves against attacks by terrorists.

“All the women of the region should learn how to handle and use a gun. This is to ensure their own safety and the safety of their loved ones from the rising extremism and militancy in the valley,” said Ayesha Parveen, one of the many young trainees at the camp.

“After the training, I feel confident that even if I do not have my gun, I can disarm a militant and use his own weapon against him,” she added.

Inspired by Jammu’s brave heart and winner of country’s second highest peace-time gallantry award, Kirti Chakra, Rukhsana Kousar, the other girls too want to get trained in self-defence and the use of weapons to strike back at the ultras.

“I am confident that I can defeat any militant who wishes to harm me or my family. My family members are also very happy that I am receiving the training as it enables me to defend myself from any untoward incident,” said Sumaiyya Khanam, another volunteer trainee at the camp.

Rukhsana along with her brother, Aijaz, shot to limelight after eliminating Pakistani terrorist Abu Osama in Kalsian area of Shadara Sharief in Rajouri on September 27, 2009, with an axe and the terrorist’s own AK-series rifle and won applaud and accolade from various quarters. (ANI)