Report by:Mir Arif

Watlab:in a first of its kind and in continuation with the efforts of Indian Army’s 26 Assam Rifles to connect with local populace and to extend a helping hand,a convenience for women was constructed at Baba Shakurudin Shrine (Dargah) complex by Paribal Battalion.

It is pertinent to mention that Baba Shakurudin is a 15th century shrine and is revered by all segments of society.

In a friendly gesture Army’s 26 Assam Rifles took up a project of constructing two toilets with all modern facilities for convenience of ladies and also installed waste collecting dustbins in the premises and after the inauguration two fully operational toilet blocks were handed over to the shrine authorities.

The convenience was inaugurated by a prominent lady and BDC Chairman Dr Fareeda Khan and during the event she told Greater Now that it is an excellent step towards tackling the issues faced by women pilgrims during their visit to shrine and these efforts by army will set an example of bonohomie between people of all religions.

Block development chairman Dr Fareeda Khan who inaugurated the convenience was accompanied by CO 26 Assam Rifles, and other dignitaries from administration.

Made to serve the convenience of physically challenged and especially women the electrical lights have also been installed to meet the requirements of sufficient power supply in the toilet all along and In order to address the issue of waste disposal, the whole system has been connected with underground sewer lines already existing at the place.

Commanding officer 26 Assam Rifles interacted with locals and assured them for additional military civic action projects in the area in the future as well.

Speaking to Mir Arif of Greater Now, a women pilgrim said, “I express my gratitude to Assam Rifles for undertaking such noble endeavours and We are thankful to Army’s 26 Assam Rifles for providing us with a toilet. In absence of a toilet, we used to face problems because we know how difficult it is for womens to access public urinals and such toilets should be built in other parts of the area.”

Locals while thanking Army’s 26 Assam Rifles appreciated the efforts and friendly gesture of Army and told that this concious and humanitarian effort by Assam Rifles
is a progressive move which indeed brings us hope and this will go a long way in strengthening the relation between Army and local populace.