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Army's Pir Panjal Winter Festival Engages J-K Youth, Combats Drug Abuse

The Indian Army's Romeo Force is organizing the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch's Surankote town, featuring various sports and cultural competitions. The event, running from February 3 to 16, 2026, aims to constructively engage the local youth. Officials like Rajinder Kumar highlight the festival's role in instilling discipline and confidence in children while combating drug abuse. Participating students have expressed gratitude for the Army's efforts in providing a positive platform.

Key Points: Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch by Indian Army

  • Festival organized by Indian Army's Romeo Force
  • Aims to engage youth constructively
  • Combats growing drug abuse habit
  • Features sports like Kho-Kho, cricket, volleyball
  • Includes cultural and drawing competitions
2 min read

Army organises Pir Panjal Winter Festival in J-K's Poonch

Indian Army's Romeo Force organizes Winter Festival in Poonch with sports & cultural events to engage youth and steer them away from drug abuse.

"I thank the Indian Army for organising the Pir Panjal Winter Festival, which provides a great platform for children. - Rajinder Kumar"

Poonch, February 13

The Pir Panjal Winter Festival, organised by the Indian Army's Romeo Force 6 Sector, included a girls' Kho-Kho competition in Surankote Town, Poonch District, as part of the ongoing celebrations. The festival, which began on February 3, is scheduled to conclude on February 16, 2026.

A variety of sports and cultural events were part of Winter festival 2026, including cricket, volleyball, Kho-Kho, drawing and painting competitions, and singing contests.

The festival aims to engage youth in constructive activities and steer them away from drug abuse.

Rajinder Kumar, Naib Tehsildar in Surankote, said the festival helps children develop discipline, confidence, and patience through sports, while also guiding youth away from drug abuse.

"I am pleased to have come here today. I thank the Indian Army for organising the Pir Panjal Winter Festival, which provides a great platform for children. In sports, whether big or small, children learn a lot of new things, instilling discipline, confidence and patience in them. We are seeing that many of our youth are developing a drug abuse habit," he said to ANI.

"To prevent this, the government is working on it. Many government departments and agencies are working on this. It is our responsibility to bring our children back on track for those who are involved in drug abuse. With immense enthusiasm, children participated in this festival," he added.

Students participating in the event expressed their gratitude for the Indian Army.

One student said, "We are here to participate in the Pir Panjal Winter Festival. Last year, too, we came here and won. We thank the Indian Army from the bottom of our hearts for organising tournaments in Kho-kho, volleyball, cricket, and many other sports. Today we won again, and we felt very good here. The arrangements here are very good."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy to see girls participating in Kho-Kho! Sports empower young women and give them confidence. More such events are needed across all districts. Kudos to the organizers.
R
Rohit P
The focus on combating drug abuse is crucial. Our youth in border areas need positive engagement. The Army is doing a great service beyond just security. Respect.
S
Sarah B
While this is a wonderful event, I hope the follow-up is consistent. One festival a year is good, but sustained community programs are what truly create change. The intent is commendable though.
V
Vikram M
Bringing drawing, singing, and sports together is brilliant. It caters to different talents. This is nation-building at the grassroots level. Proud of our armed forces.
K
Karthik V
Heartwarming to read the student's quote. When children feel happy and safe, that's the real success. More power to the youth of Poonch! Let's support such efforts.

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