Bandipora, Dec. 9 -- The Indian Army's skill development center at the Youth Centre in Bagtore has been a lifeline for border residents of Gurez Valley for several years. The initiative, led by the Army's Rana Battalion, focuses on improving the quality of life in one of North Kashmir's most remote and sensitive regions along the Line of Control.

The center offers six-month training programs in tailoring, crewel work, sozni embroidery and basic computer skills. These courses are helping young people and women build practical skills that can translate into reliable income sources. In Kanzalwan, the Army is also providing livelihood training to local women under the Kishangana Women Empowerment Initiative "Hasmukh Sheen," where participant...