Girl NCC Cadets, many from Srinagar, visit Suchetgarh’s Octroi BOP

Jammu: In a significant and memorable experience, a group of 245 for young NCC cadets—many of them from Srinagar—embarked on an educational tour to the Border Observation Post (BOP) on the historic Suchetgarh border.
The visit was organized as part of the ongoing Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) S-20 under the 9 J&K Girls Battalion NCC Group Srinagar headquarters. The contingent, led by the Commanding Officer 9 JK Girls Bn Col Sharad Sharma and accompanied by instructional staff, travelled to the Octroi Border Observation Post (BOP), one of the prominent border points along the India–Pakistan international boundary.
For many of the cadets, particularly those from Srinagar who had never before seen a border post, the visit proved to be a profoundly enlightening experience. Witnessing the Retreat Parade at Octroi BOP offered them a close and realistic glimpse into the precision, discipline and unwavering commitment of the personnel who stand guard at the nation’s frontiers. The ceremonial lowering of the national flag, carried out with utmost respect and coordination, left a deep emotional impact on the students.
The opportunity to observe border security operations up close provided the cadets with valuable insights into the challenges faced by the armed forces and the responsibility they shoulder in safeguarding the country. This firsthand exposure helped bridge the gap between theoretical training and practical understanding, reinforcing the importance of national integrity and unity.
The visit was not only an academic extension of their NCC training but also a powerful moment of inspiration. Many cadets expressed that the experience strengthened their resolve to serve the nation in meaningful ways—some aspiring to join the armed forces, while others hoping to contribute through civil services or community leadership.
The Battalion’s initiative to include cadets from Srinagar in this tour has been widely appreciated, as it offered them a rare opportunity to witness national borders, interact with security personnel and engage in an activity that fosters patriotism. The trip successfully ignited a sense of pride, belonging and responsibility among the young participants, making it a memorable chapter in their NCC journey.