Dhoni meets soldiers on Kashmir border

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday met soldiers on the Line of Control (LoC) on Jammu and Kashmir's border with Pakistan, an official said.

"He interacted with soldiers and saw how the Indian Army works in forward areas," defence ministry spokesman Col. RK Palta told IANS.

Dhoni, who is also an honorary Lt Col in Territorial Army, went to areas close to the border after arriving in Jammu.

The army was proud to have such "an international icon as its brand ambassador," Palta said.

Dhoni will visit forward areas like Bhimbher Gali, Hamirpur, Kalsian, Nowshera and some other positions in Poonch and Rajouri districts donning army uniform.

According to Palta, the visit seeks "to boost the morale of troops who work in most inhospitable condition and to motivate local youths to join the army".

Dhoni will spend Saturday night in Rajouri.

He will also visit the Siachen Glacier in the second part of the tour of the state, an official said.

The Siachen Glacier, claimed by both India and Pakistan, is known to be the world's highest battle ground at a height of 18,875 feet above sea level.

It will be the first visit by Indian Army ambassador to Siachen.

Dhoni is scheduled to visit Udhampur, headquarter of the Northern Command, Sunday before watching the final of the first phase of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) at Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley.

Dhoni's visit is divided in two parts. He will return to Delhi Monday. The next day he will fly to Ladakh and the Siachen. His visit to Kaahmir concludes June 7.