Thousands turn up at recruitment rallies, Kashmiri youth dream of donning Indian army uniform

Indian Army's recruitment rallies across various districts of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has turned out to be a ray of hope for thousands of unemployed youth across the valley. Thousands of young men are showing up at the recruitment venues in the region. For some, it's a huge employment opportunity, while for many, joining the Indian Army is a dream come true. 

These long queues of young Kashmiri men from all over North Kashmir's Baramulla district are hoping to serve the country and join the Indian Army. Over 20 thousand youth showed up at the 161 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army in the Gantmulla area of Baramulla district of North Kashmir. Some of the youth were not very happy as there were only 306 posts to be filled during these rallies.

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"It's a very happy moment for me, It has been a long time since the recruitment was not happening and I have been practising for over three years for this day and finally doing excellently here has given me great happiness. This has been my dream from the very beginning, since my childhood, and that's why I joined NCC. I am feeling very happy, this is not only a mode of employment but a proud moment for me and my family," said Syed Toufiq Geelani, a candidate.

Kashmir has been facing unemployment for decades. Most of the youth who had come to join the Indian Army were college graduates and postgraduates. Additionally, most of the youngsters requested the Indian Army to hold more such recruitment rallies in the Valley. A lot of these youngsters dream of donning the Indian Army uniform and serving the nation.

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“I have always been dreaming about joining the Indian Army. I have been coming for three days and waiting to get a chance to participate in the recruitment. I belong to the Pattan area. The Indian Army has been supportive while taking us tests. They have been motivating us and that's why I have got excellent remarks. Kashmir has a lot of unemployment, but you need to have passion. And I have it in me,” said Sahil Manzoor, a candidate.

Kashmir Valley witnessed a rise in terror attacks across the region in the last few weeks. Terrorist groups have not only attacked security forces but also killed and targeted civilians and non-locals working in the Valley. But despite that, huge numbers of youngsters have appeared at these recruitment rallies, defying any kind of threat.