In a break from its normal role, the Indian Army  hosted a COVID-19 awareness programme at Sultanpur Kandi village of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district amid rising cases in the region.

"The COVID appropriate behaviours should be followed and be a part of COVID vaccination drive. Vaccines reduce the chance of severe infection," Army doctor Simrat Rajdeep Singh was quoted as telling ANI.

People, who participated in the event, appreciated the initiative.

Ghulam Muhammad, the representative of the Kandi village told ANI that he is thankful to the Army for conducting such a programme and hoped that similar programmes will be conducted in near future.

"People from more than 19 villages have gathered here for the COVID-19 awareness programme. People were made aware to save themselves and others from getting infected," Roshan Ara, a student at the awareness programme, told the news agency.

Also, the Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles started a coronavirus awareness and education campaign for the migratory population of the Gujjar and Bakarawal community in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Army personnel reached out to the communities traveling to the higher reaches of the Valley through the Mughal Road and distributed ration and COVID-19 safety kits that included hand sanitizers, masks and medicines.

"We are very grateful to the army who are helping us by spreading information about COVID-19. I am glad that the Army is thinking about us as well. They taught us how to maintain social distancing. They have distributed masks, hand sanitisers and ration to us," Shed Dil, a recipient of the army's aid, told ANI.

"The Romeo Force is taking care of the people of the Valley and we are very grateful. We have learnt how to maintain social distancing and will follow guidelines given to us by the army," he said.