Army's Iftaar diplomacy in Valley

This Ramzan the Indian army is exploring gastronomical route to win the hearts and minds of the people in the restive Jammu and Kashmir.

From Rajouri to Gool and from Kupwara to Tangmarg, the army is throwing Iftaar parties in remotest corners of the state to celebrate Ramzan with the common people. The sub-text of the Iftaar bashes is to uild bridges and improve its image amongst the general public.

“The tradition of Iftaar or breaking fast together and joint prayers goes a long way in bringing about an atmosphere of sharing each others joys and difficulties,” said a defence spokesman at Srinagar.

The highlight of the Iftaar this year was the bash thrown by the army in the Gool area of Ramban district. Four people had died in Dharam village of Gool area when Border Security Force and police fired on the protestors following alleged desecration of Quran on July 18.

Leaving behind the past, the army tried Iftaar diplomacy to win the hearts and minds of the people of Gool area. From wazwan (multi-course mutton dish) to desserts, the army played a perfect host to the locals to win back their confidence.

“The Rashtriya Rifles battalion, located at Gool under the aegis Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), organized and invited all locals and civil administration officials to its camp to host the Iftaar party,” said SN Acharya, officiating defence spokesman at Jammu.