Fun times

 So, at 21 got commissioned in SF. Nothing, just wanted to. Didn't complete the probation and was sent back to my parent unit which was in in the erstwhile state of J&K. NPV, Non Para Volunteer. One phase of life got over within a month. Was sent to command a coy after all the usual what we used to call staying with the boys  now called'Line attachment ' anyway same wine in different bottles.

So, during the month that I stayed with the boys, we were on a post called 'Forward'.  Other stories apart, the CO and 2ic decided that I was good enough to take charge of an independent company.  They didnt have any other options. The unit was moving out and the advance party had left.

So, reached one of the biggest hotspots in the erstwhile state of J&K. An area in which it was rumoured that what Kashmir is to India, that area was to Kashmir, both in terms of Apples and beauty( both natural, the mountains and otherwise).

Reached there with the COs warning ringing in my ears, you will only go out in operations when I say so.

 Now let me describe the Company Operating Base(COB)where I reached. First and most important, it was away from the Battalion HQ, just one road connection, that too no ROP(Road opening parties, who secure the road) so, one could come to know if CO or 2ic or anyone were coming about 1 hr before they could reach my location. Second was  that area was govt  land, and all the area around was owned by the Pandits who had been forced to migrate. I'm sure all Kashmiri Pandits feel the pain even now. 

 One had a huge Apple orchard in front, some burnt out (Pandit) houses on the right with their walnut trees, and a fisheries department pond in the rear. And we were staying in a BDO office, since in those days, most employees of J&K had shifted to Jammu and only reported to office (in Jammu) to collect their salaries.

Now, when I reached the company, I found 4/5 sheep (bhedu) roaming around. So, the one star General (me) asked someone if these are of the locals, and if so, what are they doing inside the post? 

Incidentally, that was a Jat company and I remain connected to those guys even today. But in typical fashion was informed that these had come in rations( Meat on Hoofs or MOH as we call them) but since the Kasai of the village was ill, hence the company had not had any non veg for a couple of weeks. So, my first reaction was if you are non veg, then why dont you guys do it yourselves? No answers. Soon I came to know, those (Jats) who eat meat or even chicken, dont want to kill the animal. Weird logic if you ask me. They will kill terrorists, enemies, but they will not kill their authorized food that's in front of them. So, after understanding the issue, I decided to become the Kasai and we had only mutton for a week or so. Anyway, many more stories on this issue later.

The same principle didnt apply to fishes and the fisheries departments fish pond was exploited to the full. 

Now just imagine the life of a 21 yr old, who could get up anytime (jab Jago tab savera types), cross the track, eat the best of the apples, watch the beauty of the place, then fish for lunch. After that was a walk of about 5 odd kms every other day since our dak (letters, remember that time one wrote letters ) could not reach our COB and alternate days because self and the JCO had an agreement that since we were not to be allowed to go for ops, simplest way to take our exercise.

That we still managed to get the area commander of HM of the district is another issue altogether. 

But one thing remains etched in my mind is one Bull that would come to the apple orchard everyday. He would taste the apples from the trees, till he found one which he liked, and then he'd shake the tree till he had more than he could eat. It was a routine, everyday.

Anyway, all good things come to an end, and my fun times ended within four months and led to even more fun times later on.