Jammu and Kashmir youth throng army recruitment rally in Ganderbal

Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb 20(ANI): Thousands of youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir are taking part in an army recruitment rally being organized in several districts of the state, including Ganderbal and Bandipora.

The rally, which started on Saturday, will conclude on February 25.

The drive is being held to induct young aspirants from Ganderbal, Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.

"The people of Kashmir in general are very educated, very learned; they have a huge capacity and capability to be employed well and fruitfully over a period of time. And unfortunately, they go astray because of various compulsions, and because of lack of knowledge that is denied to them. In the opportunities that are available, the army is only facilitating this sort of employment to the majority," Brigadier Kamp Raj, commanding officer, said.

On Sunday, the rally in Ganderbal saw thousands of people waiting in queues for their registration.

Shabir Ahmed, an aspirant, said that the youth of the state was thankful for the army's initiative.

"Unemployment is a huge problem in Kashmir. Now the Government cannot provide employment to all, and that is why the Army has initiated this rally, so that we get settled well," Ahmed said.

"The recruitment is taking place in accordance to the educational qualifications of the candidates. Like some here are qualified just till eleventh or twelfth, these candidates are given jobs accordingly," he added.

In the first three days of the rally, the youth will be asked to fill up forms and complete other formalities.

The main event will be held on February 23, when the aspirants will be asked to go through the physical examination, which would include 400-meter race, high jump, and long jumps. By Afzal Bhat (ANI)