Aadil Abdullah
Baramulla, 11 November :- Thousands of young people from North Kashmir gathered in the Gantamulla area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday for an eagerly awaited Army recruitment rally. This significant turnout highlights a positive shift among the educated youth of the valley, who are increasingly seeking stable employment in government and central departments.
Baramulla, once known as a hotspot for militancy, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The enthusiastic participation of youth in the recruitment rally reflects a shift in focus from conflict to career aspirations, signaling a growing desire for secure livelihoods, stability, national service, and community development.
The recruitment drive, which began at 6:00 AM in Gantamulla, will continue until November 17, 2024, screening aspirants from various districts for different soldier roles within the Territorial Army. “From early this morning, candidates gathered here to try their luck at the Army recruitment drive. Thousands of candidates began arriving as early as 4 a.m., forming long queues,” observed one attendee.
Eligible candidates from various areas in the Kashmir Valley—including Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Budgam, and Bandipora—are undergoing document verification, physical screening, and medical examinations as part of the recruitment process. The Army has organized the schedule by district, with Baramulla’s candidates being screened on November 11-12, Ganderbal and Budgam on November 13, and Kupwara and Bandipora on November 14.
Positions available include Soldier General Duty, Clerk, Chef, and specialized trades like Artisan Woodworker and Equipment Repairer. Additionally, two reserved days, November 16 and 17, are set aside for completing pending medical exams. Notably, certain roles, including clerks and tradesmen, are open exclusively to residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
While speaking to the media, Mohammad Ismail Mir from Pattan Baramulla said, “I arrived here around 2 a.m., and a huge turnout was witnessed. We are very grateful to the Indian Army for organizing the recruitment drive after seven months. We are fully confident that we will be selected in the army, and we are ready to serve and protect our nation.”
Another young participant expressed, “I feel very happy to see such a large turnout. I had already planned to participate in the army recruitment drive, and I am confident that I will succeed. With improved conditions, we are now seeing significant participation in these Army recruitment drives.”
Local authorities have observed a substantial increase in participation in similar recruitment drives over recent years. The rally provided a platform for aspiring candidates to undergo various tests, including physical fitness assessments, interviews, and document verification. Thousands of hopeful individuals aim to secure a position within the Indian Army, viewing the armed forces as a path to a stable career and an opportunity to contribute positively to society.
