Taking an initiative which was much appreciated by the civil society, Indian Army on Saturday launched its first community radio station in North Kashmir. Aptly named Radio Chinar it was started in Sopore, Baramulla district in North Kashmir to essentially bridge the gap between jawan and awaam.
It was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding (GoC) Chinar Corps Lt Gen BS Raju. As the tagline "Radio Chinar 90.4, Har Dil Ki Dhadkan", suggests, it will reach out to the people of be Sopore, Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
Addressing the media, Lt. Gen. Raju observed, “The main aim of this new initiative is to get connected to the local youth directly and Radio has the ability to reach out to the people living in remotest parts and makes them aware of various schemes and programmes of the Government.”
The radio station will have coverage around north Kashmir. It will be available at the frequency of 90.4 FM MHz.
An army official said the aim was to revitalise the connect within different segments of the community. “This will provide a good platform for a community dialogue, sharing of information, art and culture. It will build a community environment, which is better connected with issues which are local and important to the community," he said.
Sajid Ahmad a radio jockey sharing the details of the station, said, “Community Radio Station will primarily play all genres of songs starting from Sufi songs in the morning and as the day will progress, will gain tempo in the pitch of songs with a mix of Hindi and Punjabi.”
Another RJ Sahil feels that the initiative is great as at the end of the day radio connects directly to the hearts of people. “When we are able to entertain and reach the hearts and homes of people through radio and soundwaves, we also feel very good," he remarked.
This community radio station will be highlighting and showcasing the hidden talent of north Kashmir, especially local entrepreneurs, musicians, sportsmen and artistes, to the people of Kashmir and the rest of the world. The station will also be available on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Internet radio so as to provide uninterrupted service to a wider audience, the official added. PTI
Speaking to Republic Media Network, Lt Gen BS Raju said people of Jammu & Kashmir are looking for a change. ''I think we have seen a very stable environment. I have said this earlier that all the parameters of violence have come down, be it stone pelting, agitations, bandh calls. People in the valley are looking forward to more peace, they want to get the dividend of the change in the environment that is taking place. Even the COVID-19 cases have come under control as several economic activities are taking place, a large number of tourists are visiting the valley. I think we all are heading in the right direction.”
Both the residents as well as local councilors appreciated Indian Army’s initiative and said it will help in bringing the people and the uniformed personnel closer.
