Uri, August 28 (KNB): Rustam Battalion of Indian Army under the aegis of Pir Panjal Brigade of Dagger Division with the support of locals on Sunday organised its first ever cultural fest- Jashn-E-Rustam near Line of Control (LoC) here.
The Army in a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB said, this extraordinary event was organized to acknowledge the unwavering support of the local community and also as a testimony to the theme – Jawan Aur Awam – Saath Saath.
The aim of the event was to enhance the close relations between military and civilians by promoting the untapped tourism potential of border regions while providing local artists a platform to showcase their talent.
“This is for the first time that such a festival has been held near the LoC which witnessed a huge footfall of 15,000 including local and non-local audiences,” the statement said.
Rustam fest was held at a spot which used to be firing rang for the Indian Army once and was being bombed by the shells from across the border.
Locals said that this event was possible only after India-Pakistan armies agreed to maintain a ceasefire at LoCs.
The festival witnessed the amazing performances of the prominent artists like Tariq Pardesi, Masarat Naaz, Yemerzal Cultural Group, Kohinoor Band Baramulla, Raja Bilal, Shahi Mumtaz, Team 360 (Uri), Safri Farooq and versatile band, Aijaz Bhat, AGS Boniyar and various other schools.
Bollywood actor of Kashmiri origin Mateena Rajput was also present on the occasion.
The event was organized in collaboration with All India Radio (AIR) Srinagar unit.-KNB