Kashmir Digits

Srinagar skies are thundering fighter jets and gunship helicopters as Indian Air Force (IAF) begin preparations mega airshow over Dal Lake of Srinagar on Sunday .

As part of the event, Russian built Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets, MiG 21 Bisons and US made Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters are part of the airshow.

IAF’s skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’, Suryakiran Aerobatic and Display Team will be conducting what officials expect to be “jaw-dropping” manoeuvres in the skies over Dal Lake.

Entire 11 kilometre stretch of Boulevard from Dalgate to Nishat has been declared out of bounds for locals. Only tourists will be allowed to move on the Boulevard for two days on September 25-26, a traffic police handout said.

However, according to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole, nearly 700 to 900 students would witness the show.

Students, who will witness the show, will be familiarised with the new technological advancements achieved and incorporated by the IAF in the past few years.

The theme of the show is ‘Give Wings to Your Dream’, besides motivating youth to join the Indian Air Force it would also promote tourism in the region. The event will be flagged off by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) overlooking the Dal Lake, an official spokesman said.

“Already 16 youth from tribal communities in J&K have been selected for the pilot training and their names will be announced on September 26,” the Divisional Commissioner added.

Stalls will be established at SKICC where students will be informed about the achievements of the Air Force, employment opportunities in the IAF, recruitment rules and eligibility criteria. The event would also consist of a photo exhibition depicting the history of the IAF.