Dogs in high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg, could also be simply strays for locals and the military institution, however for troopers, who patrol the LoC, the canines are not solely their companions, but additionally their “early warning system”.
Snow or solar, they are at all times with the lads patrolling the Line of Control (LoC), stated a soldier. Temperatures in Gulmarg can drop to minus 10 levels Celsius in the course of the winters, and harsh winds and several other ft of snow makes patrolling a frightening job, however troopers stated the dogs are at all times there to accompany them and their barks warn them of the risks forward.
“If there is anything untoward ahead, they act as an early warning system for us. They are very helpful to us,” the soldier stated as a small pack of dogs walked forward of him and his group going for a ski-patrol of the ahead space alongside the LoC with Pakistan.
“These dogs are with us today, tomorrow they will be with the next unit (which will be posted in the area),” he stated Irrespective of the climate situation, these canines prepared the ground for troopers and someday comply with them again to their camps.
The troopers look after these canines as in the event that they have been part of their households, an officer stated. In high-altitude areas, coated by snow and accessible solely by foot, troopers share their restricted provides of biscuits and water with the canines, highlighting the character and power of their bond, he stated.
Major General Ajay Chandpuria, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 19 Infantry Division, stated there was nothing uncommon within the friendship between the troopers and the canines.
“Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend and that’s true especially in winter. When the situation gets adverse and when there is a lot of snow, they are the best companions in winters,” Maj Gen Chandpuria stated.
ALSO READ |Â Jammu And Kashmir: NIA attaches property of Hizbul terrorist in Sopore
ALSO READ |Â Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist killed in encounter in Pulwama