Kupwara District in the northern region of Kashmir Valley comprises some of the most remote areas of J&K. Many of them lie across the Shamshabari mountain range. The terrain is rugged and the surface communication is restricted to roads and tracks covering various passes along the formidable mountainous barrier. Heights range over 3000 mts. These passes remain closed during winter virtually cutting off areas beyond the Shamshabari from the rest of the valley for 5 to 6 months in a year. Development in the region is comparatively lesser and slower. The cumulative effect is a sense of isolation and neglect, compounded by ignorance amongst the population.

Operation Vajr Panther was an idea mooted by Maj Gen Rajinder Singh, GOC Vajr Division and put into action by the Thunder Bolt Brigade Commander, Brig HH Israni. The concept took shape after an in-depth study of the possible reasons for the alienation of the people living in the remote areas of Kupwara. The population of these areas are deprived of the benefits of development and progress making them easy targets of anti-national propaganda and other machinations from across the border. It was felt that the Army could assist in integrating some of the younger generation living in these remote areas with their counterparts in the plains. This could also go a long way in fostering goodwill.

Col JS Labana, Commanding Officer 1890 Lt Regt was given the responsibility to plan and conduct an excursion. Screening of the students was a herculean task since a large number of students were keen to participate in the excursion. After screening, 19 boys, 12 girls and 4 teachers inclusive of 2 lady teachers were selected to undertake the ‘pilgrimage’ under the leadership of Maj KK Mishra of 1890 Lt Regt. It was planned to take the students to Chandigarh, Delhi and Agra and give them an exposure to the ancient architecture and monuments which depicts rich heritage and culture. The students were also to witness the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

The journey of peace and unity was flagged off by GOC, 28 Infantry Division in the presence of local population and civil dignitaries.

At Srinagar, Brig IC Adm met the participants. They visited Jammu and Chandigarh enroute to the capital to witness the Republic Day celebrations. They saw the variety and diversity of India at the NCC contingent cultural programme. They also visited Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Vijay Ghat, Shantivan, Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. They visited the Rail Museum as none of them had seen a train before. They also visited Taj Mahal at Agra and Fatehpur Sikri before returning to Kupwara.

Within a span of three weeks, a small segment of the youth of Kupwara District were given an opportunity to widen their horizons, break their mental barriers and physical boundaries and take the first step to integrate themselves with the rest of the country. These young ambassadors returned to their homes to spread the message of peace and goodwill.