Aadil Abdullah

Bandipora, Nov 04: An Indian Army-supported initiative in north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley is providing women from remote border villages an opportunity to become financially independent through the manufacturing of detergent powder under a local brand, Gurez Shakti.

The initiative, operating from Harmukh Shine at Kanzalwan in Bandipora district, aims to promote women’s empowerment and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in villages located along the Line of Control (LoC).

Women from different villages across the valley are participating in the manufacturing process, acquiring skills and engaging in small-scale entrepreneurship in a region where employment opportunities remain limited.

The initiative seeks to enable women to earn an independent income while contributing to their families’ financial well-being.

Speaking to reporters, former Block Development Council (BDC) chairman of Kanzalwan, Mukhtar Ahmad Lone, said the project had opened new avenues for women in the remote region.

He said women who previously had limited opportunities to earn independently were now involved in manufacturing a local product, which was helping them develop confidence and become financially self-reliant.

Lone appreciated the Indian Army for extending support to the initiative and said such efforts could bring meaningful changes to the lives of people, particularly women, living in border areas.

Gurez Shakti, a homegrown detergent brand, is gradually reaching markets across the region, with local consumers showing interest in the product, he said.

The initiative also highlights the potential of small-scale manufacturing and locally driven enterprises in generating employment and strengthening the economy of remote communities.

Gurez, owing to its difficult geographical terrain and limited access to economic opportunities, faces challenges in providing sustainable livelihood options to its residents.

The Army-backed project aims to address some of these challenges by promoting skill development, entrepreneurship and women’s participation in economic activities.

With growing market interest, the initiative is expected to provide a platform for local women to expand their entrepreneurial activities and strengthen their financial independence.

The project represents an effort to promote self-reliance among women in the border region through locally manufactured products and community-based economic activity.