Former Kashmir terrorists run for peace

Jammu, Jan 31 (IBNS) While the entire Kashmir valley is reeling under severe winters and the temperatures have plummeted down to below minus degree Celsius and most of its residents have fled to relative warmer places, Kashmir's former terrorists ran shoulder to shoulder with 300 other Kashmiri youth recently with the objective to usher in a peaceful 2012 in the violence-hit region.

Braving biting cold, 35 former terrorists who once ruled the roost, on Sunday participated in a 'Run for Peace' which was organised in 35 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of HQ 12 Sector RR.

The run was organised from Budgam to Aripanthan in Central Kashmir. People from all strata of society including officers from the civil administration, educationists, doctors, engineers, policemen, Army persons and youths from 20 villages of Beerwah and Khag Tehsil, took part in this run.

"It was extremely heartening to see the active participation of surrendered militants of this region who pledged to ensure that this year would remain peaceful," said Kashmir´s prominent cleric Mirwaiz Central Kashmir, Maulvi Syed Abdul Latief who flagged off the event.

A total of 300 highly motivated youths and 35 surrendered terrorists reached the venue on time defying all odds and chilling weather to run the 5 km stretch from Beerwah to Aripanthan.

Mohammad Ashraf Dijoo, BDO, Khag, later distributed prizes to the top five participants.

The event, which was very warmly appreciated by the villagers who cheered on the participants throughout, certainly brought the Awam and the Army closer together.