Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), July 13: In an effort to channel the energy of local youth into positive pursuits, the Indian Army’s 49 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Romeo Force organised the Cricket Premier League (CPL) in Keri Kangra along the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch district on Sunday.
Held in the rugged terrain of the hilly Tarian ground, the event saw enthusiastic participation from 16 teams and was widely appreciated by the local community. Youths and residents praised the Indian Army for fostering sportsmanship and strengthening ties with civilians.
BJP Mandal President of Balakot, Manavar Hussain Khan, lauded the initiative, saying, “This tournament was sponsored by 49 RR in collaboration with civil society. On behalf of the community, I thank the Commanding Officer and especially Major Utsav Kumar. The Indian Army is not only fighting at the borders but also sponsoring events that uplift rural youth.”
He further emphasized the message of the event: “Our aim is to keep the youth away from drugs. The Army shares the same goal, and we must all stand united for our country.”
Local residents like Khalid Mehmood Khan and Taufiq Khan echoed the appreciation, with Khan noting, “We live on the LOC and face various challenges. Yet, the Indian Army has always stood with us. This tournament has brought joy and unity.”
The CPL was organised shortly after a significant security operation in the region. A joint team of Romeo Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) recently uncovered a cache of explosives, arms, and ammunition in the Khanater area. The consignment, dropped by drone, included Chinese grenades, Pakistan-made pistols, IEDs, and a remote control.
The successful detection came during a search operation in the dense forests of Khanater Top, showcasing the Army’s vigilance in tackling cross-border threats.