Published by Pawpaa | Inspired by a JAAGRUTI® report originally dated October 11, 2015
In 2015, a remarkable story emerged from the snow-laced heights of India’s Line of Control (LoC)—a story not of soldiers or strategy, but of stray dogs. Yes, you read that right. These unsung four-legged sentinels, often overlooked and unloved in our cities, were quietly proving to be frontline heroes for Indian soldiers stationed in some of the harshest terrains.
This heartwarming report, originally published on the front page of The Hindustan Times on October 11, 2015 and shared by the animal welfare platform JAAGRUTI® – An initiative to Inform.Share.Inspire®, spotlighted how strays were becoming invaluable companions and unofficial allies of the Indian Army.
The Canines of Courage
They weren’t elite sniffer dogs or pedigree breeds trained for combat. These were your everyday Indian mutts—resilient, intuitive, and alert. And in a region where danger lurks behind every boulder, they were making a world of difference.
According to Lieutenant General RR Nimbhorkar, then commander of the Nagrota-based 16 Corps responsible for 224 km of the LoC south of the Pir Panjal range:
“They are the best sensors and have helped foil infiltration bids.”
These dogs weren’t just barking at shadows. Soldiers noted how strays instinctively picked up unfamiliar scents and movements, alerting troops of potential threats—often faster than any mechanical sensor. Their presence was proving to be an unexpected tactical advantage.
Strays on Sentry Duty
At a post in Poonch, a media team from Hindustan Times observed a pack of robust stray dogs, mostly of the Bakharwal breed, baring their teeth and growling as the reporters approached. Their instincts immediately recognized unfamiliar scents, prompting them to alert nearby soldiers.
“They recognize our scents and consider you intruders,” a sentry explained.
These dogs, affectionately called “langar dogs” due to their regular meals from army kitchens, also played an emotional role—providing warmth and companionship in an otherwise isolated and high-stress environment.
An Army of Compassion
The story serves as more than a military anecdote. It is living proof of the potential of Indian street dogs when treated with kindness and care. As JAAGRUTI® rightly pointed out, these sturdy dogs—if vaccinated, sterilized, and shown compassion—can not only guard our homes but our borders too.
In an era increasingly obsessed with perfection and pedigree, this story from 2015 reminds us of a timeless truth: love, loyalty, and courage aren’t confined to breeds.
Credits & Source:
This blog is adapted from a 2015 report published by Rahul Singh in The Hindustan Times and shared by JAAGRUTI®.
Original article: “Yes, we can-ine: How strays are foiling infiltration bids along LoC” – https://jaagruti.org/2015/10/11/how-stray-dogs-are-foiling-infiltration-bids-along-the-indian-loc/
We salute these canine comrades—and the humans who chose to believe in them.
