SRINAGAR: Over 400 freshly-trained youths from Jammu and Kashmir were on Saturday recruited into the Army at a passing-out-parade here, the first such parade of the force after the erstwhile state became the Union territory.

The passing-out-parade of the soldiers, belonging to different areas of Jammu and Kashmir, was conducted at the regimental centre of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) at Rangreth in the outskirts of the city here, an Army official said.

The parade, which was reviewed by the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, was attended by hundreds of parents and relatives of the young soldiers.

The official said, "404 young soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir were recruited into the Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment after completing one year strenuous training."

Congratulating the new recruits, Lt Gen Dhillon impressed upon selfless service towards the nation.

Later, the corps commander felicitated Ilyas Ahmad, an honorary Captain of the JAKLI who has retired from the service but continues to work for the betterment of the people.

"Avalanche rescue is Ahmad's speciality. He has been awarded two Sena medals, has been awarded commendation card by the Chief of Army Staff five times. He is a very brave Jawan hailing from Tangdhar Kupwara," Lt Gen Dhillon said.

"He recently retired from the services, but even then, he was part of the rescue mission of the Jawans who came under an avalanche recently in Tangdhar. I congratulate him. He is our real hero, who has the spirit of bravery and Kashmiriyat in him," the GoC told reporters.