PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has strongly opposed the decision of the Government of Jammu-Jammu and Kashmir, which deploys 4,000 ex-servicemen to protect the major infrastructure, giving it an opportunity to address unemployment among the youth of the region.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mufti said that while the service of military giants is respected, stable guard duties do not require military expertise and can be effectively controlled by trained local youth.
He wrote, “This type of employment can be an important lifeline for educated but unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.” “Priority to retired soldiers – many of whom already receive pension – more unemployed young people take risks to deepen the sense of isolation.
Mufti warned that the move could be seen as a short -term security fixed which fails to contribute to long -term peace and stability. He argued that confusing local youth in these roles will not only create employment, but will also increase the sense of inclusion, trust and share responsibility in maintaining public system.
While urging the administration to reconsider or clarify the argument behind the policy, Mufti asked for more inclusive models who address both security and socio-economic challenges in the center region. (KNS)
