Srinagar, March 8 (IANS): A total of 256 recruits from the state were inducted into the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment at an impressive passing out parade here Saturday.

Over 2,000 parents and relatives of the young soldiers attended the parade held at Bana Singh Parade Ground at the JAK LI Regimental Centre in Srinagar.

"Singing their regimental song 'Balidanam Veer Lakshman', the voices of the young soldiers echoed in the valley.

"The passing out parade, depicting transformation of a recruit into a young soldier was reviewed by P.S. Sandhu, IPS, inspector general of the Border Security Force (BSF) and was attended by over 2,000 parents/relatives of the young soldiers along with a number of civil/ military dignitaries," a defence spokesman said here.

"In the investiture ceremony, recruit Azim Malik of Udhampur district, who distinguished himself in all disciplines of training, was awarded the Sher-e-Kashmir, sword of honour and the Triveni Singh medal for being adjudged as the overall best recruit in the course.

"He was also conferred the Maqbool Sherwani medal for being the best recruit in physical training," the spokesman added.

It must be mentioned that the passing out parade by recruits belonging to different parts of the state was a far cry from the early days of separatist violence in Jammu and Kashmir when locals shied away from joining the Indian Army.

All recruitment rallies held by the army and the paramilitary forces in different parts of the valley are now widely attended by youths aspiring to join the armed forces of the country.