Indian Army Launches Six-Month Tailoring Program to Empower Border Girls in Gurez Valley In a continued effort to empower women and promote self-reliance among border residents, the Indian Army’s Rana Battalion has launched a six-month tailoring training program for girls at Bagtore, a remote border village in the Gurez Valley of Bandipora district. The program was inaugurated by the Commanding Officer of the Rana Battalion in the presence of local senior citizens and community members. Unlike previous years, when similar courses lasted only three months, this year’s program has been extended to six months to ensure participants receive more comprehensive training, better practical exposure, and improved job opportunities. Local girls and their families expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Army, especially the Rana Battalion, for its continuous efforts to uplift women in the region through education and livelihood initiatives. Speaking to the media, a local girl said, “We are thankful to the Indian Army for starting this training program. Earlier, we had very limited avenues to learn skills, but now we can gain proper training and earn for ourselves. This initiative will make us more confident and self-reliant.” Residents of Bagtore praised the Army’s commitment to community welfare, saying that initiatives like these not only empower local women but also strengthen the enduring bond between the Army and the people of Gurez. Army officials reiterated their commitment to promoting education, skill development, and social progress in far-flung areas, emphasizing that empowering women continues to be a key focus of their outreach efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.