Indian Army’s Khairiyat Patrol Brings Relief to Border Residents Ahead of Winter in Gurez Sector The Indian Army’s Rana Battalion on Thursday conducted a Khairiyat patrol at Dassi village, located near the Line of Control in the Gurez sector of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, as part of its ongoing outreach and security efforts in border areas. During the patrol, Army personnel carried out house-to-house visits and interacted closely with residents living along the LoC. The soldiers enquired about the issues faced by locals ahead of the harsh winter season, with special focus on the availability and storage of essential services and ration supplies in the border villages. Residents shared concerns related to winter preparedness, including access to basic necessities during periods of heavy snowfall and prolonged isolation. The Army personnel patiently listened to the grievances and assured the villagers of all possible assistance, along with coordination with the concerned civil authorities. Notably, the Gurez Valley remains cut off from the rest of the world for at least three to four months every winter due to heavy snowfall accumulation, making advance preparedness crucial for border residents. Speaking to the media, local resident Mohd Sultan expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its proactive approach and consistent support to the people of Gurez during every winter season. He said Army personnel visited houses door to door to listen to the grievances faced by residents and assured them of full support during emergencies ahead of winter. Such Khairiyat patrols reflect the Indian Army’s commitment not only to safeguarding the borders but also to the welfare and well-being of civilians residing in vulnerable frontier regions, Sultan added.