Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 11: Thousands of young people attended a recruitment drive organized by the 161 Territorial Army in the Gantamulla area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district today.
Attendees praised the Army for organizing the drive, emphasizing that, at a time when unemployment is high, they see it as a hopeful opportunity to support their families and serve the nation.
Nasir Malik, a youth from Tehsil Boniyar, shared his enthusiasm, saying he has always wanted to serve the nation, and the recruitment rally has given him a chance to fulfill that dream.
“People living near the LoC are passionate about serving the country and I am no exception. With unemployment at an all-time high, these drives provide hope for the unemployed youth,” he said.
According to estimates, nearly 4,000 youth participated in the recruitment drive. Attendees noted that the last drive was organized by the Army in 2019.
Another participant, Mubashir Farooq, who studied at an Army school, said the discipline taught by the Army has always inspired him, and he has long aspired to join.
“The youth of Kashmir, especially, never want peace to be disrupted, as it directly affects us. We would never want such disruption,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the drive, which he noted was held after nearly seven years, and stressed that similar drives by both the Army and the police should be organized regularly.
“More such rallies should be held so that the youth stay focused and aren’t led astray. We urge the government to hold more recruitment rallies for both the police and Army to address unemployment.”
Officials stated that the rally offers a well-organized platform for eligible candidates from Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Budgam, and Bandipora to undergo document verification, physical screening, and medical examinations.
The Army has scheduled the recruitment process, with Baramulla candidates being screened on November 11-12, Ganderbal and Budgam on November 13, and Kupwara and Bandipora on November 14.
Available positions include Soldier General Duty, Clerk, Chef, and specialized trades such as Artisan Woodworker and Equipment Repairer. Additionally, two reserved days on November 16 and 17 will allow for any pending medical exams to be completed.
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