Militants operating in the mountainous terrains of terror-infested Bhaderwah will now have to deal with one more front -- girl students who are being trained by the army in handling of weapons and explosives.
In order to instill a sense of confidence in the fairer sex in the district, the army is training them in the handling of weapons.
"During the training, all girl students showed keen interest and displayed a lot of confidence," Commanding Officer, 4th Rashtriya Rifles, Col Paramjeet Singh told PTI.
"I initially feared that the gun in my hand might go off, but gradually I gained confidence. This experience has given me a chance to build my confidence with which I am ready to face any eventuality," said Farhanaz, a Class X student of Government High School, Ghoshti.
"Though I initially felt that weapons training was important for men, but now I believe it is important for women too in order to protect themselves," said another student Durga Padha.
The girls were trained for three days as part of a programme organised by 4 RR in various schools of Bhadarwah sub-division.
More than 300 girls were provided basic weapon handling and shooting skills during the programme.
The girls were imparted basic knowledge regarding handling of guns like AK-47, 303, pistols and even machine guns, beside teaching them techniques of targeted shooting, Col Singh said.
Most of the trainee girls belonged to government high schools in Ghoshti, Sartingal and Malothi, which are situated in inaccessible areas.
Surprised at the level of confidence displayed by the girls, their teacher Atiqa Begum said self defence is very important for the fairer sex to deal with any kind of situation.
Bhaderwah is Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's native place and assembly constituency.