Army names Sainik Institute after martyr Naik Neeraj Kumar

SRINAGAR: Army today named a facility for soldiers and general public in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir after Naik Neeraj Kumar, who was awarded Ashok Chakra posthumously on the occasion of Republic Day.

"To commemorate the phenomenal efforts towards growth and well-being of the Awaam (people) residing in and around Machhil Sector, the frontier Kupwara Division dedicated 'Neeraj Sainik Institute' at Kalaroos," a defence spokesman said.

Naik Neeraj of 57 Rashtriya Rifles was awarded Ashok Chakra on January 26 for his pivotal role in elimination of four militants at Gurdhaji Village on August 24, 2014.

Maj General Paramjit Singh, GOC 28 Infantry Division, jointly inaugurated the Institute with son and brother of the martyr.

Neeraj Sainik Institute was conceived by Brigadier Ranjan Mahajan, the Commander of Machhil Brigade, in response to the requests from the soldiers and people, the spokesman said.

He said the institute is furnished with multifarious state of the art facilities such as health club, a range of indoor games like Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis and internet facilities.

"The institute was envisioned to act as a platform for development of individual capabilities," he added.

The spokesman said an ATM is being established next to Neeraj Sainik institute for use by Jawans and civilians.