A group of 15 children of the personnel of Western Naval Command participated in the week-long camp organised at Srinagar as part of operation Maitree under the aegis of 15 Corps of Indian Army. The operation is an enduring effort to forge a spirit of camaraderie and understanding among the children of Kashmir and the rest of the country. This was for the first time that the children of personnel of Western Naval Command participated.

The children joined a group of 500 children drawn from all over the country - both boys and girls in the age group of 12 to 16 years. The children stayed for about ten days with the children of the Valley. During their stay in Kashmir, the children visited Gulmarg and remote villages like Sular, Momar and Ganderbal. They also visited Chashm-e-Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple and Parimahal.

A cultural show organised by Kashmiri children was the main attraction during the visit. It was witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Mufti Mohammed Sayeed flagged off a Maitree-Race especially conducted for these children. The visit gave a unique opportunity to children to interact with Kashmiri children.