SRINAGAR: The Union govt has rejected PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti ’s objection to the J&K govt approving the mobilisation of 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard vital infrastructure across the Union territory, saying retired Army personnel are highly trained and in the best position to carry out this task.
Mehbooba had asked the J&K govt to rethink the initiative and recruit locals instead.
The Sainik Welfare Board of J&K had proposed mobilising ex-servicemen to safeguard vital infrastructure and govt approved it.
In a letter addressed to chief minister Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba said while the service of military veterans is respected, static guard duties do not require military expertise and could be effectively handled by trained local youth. “Such employment could be a vital lifeline for educated but jobless youth in J&K. Prioritising retired servicemen, many of whom already receive pensions, over unemployed young people risks deepening the sense of alienation,” Mehbooba’s letter reads.
Urging the administration to reconsider, or at least clarify the rationale behind the policy, Mehbooba called for more inclusive models to address security and socio-economic challenges in J&K.
“This soaring unemployment is not just an economic issue but a social emergency. With few opportunities amidst utter despondency, many youngsters are falling into the grip of drug addiction and, tragically, some are even driven to suicide. We must come to their rescue by being more mindful of their future.”
Governing National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the issue was beyond the UT govt’s jurisdiction as it came under security-related expenditure (SRE).
BJP spokesman Arun Gupta rejected Mehbooba Mufti’s opposition. He said the Indian Army has shaped these men into highly capable soldiers trained to meet any eventuality. “We are extremely fortunate as a nation to have such manpower at our disposal,” the BJP spokesman said.
“We must recognize the unmatched training and discipline these personnel possess. Their deployment in sensitive civil installations is not just logical, it’s essential. Security today is not about hardware alone; it’s about the right people with the right experience,” the spokesman said.
He said the initiative wasn’t rolled out overnight. “It took three years of careful planning, clearances, and evaluation. The govt has acted with deliberation and responsibility, and the outcome reflects a strategic approach to both security and manpower utilisation,” he added.
Mehbooba had asked the J&K govt to rethink the initiative and recruit locals instead.
The Sainik Welfare Board of J&K had proposed mobilising ex-servicemen to safeguard vital infrastructure and govt approved it.
In a letter addressed to chief minister Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba said while the service of military veterans is respected, static guard duties do not require military expertise and could be effectively handled by trained local youth. “Such employment could be a vital lifeline for educated but jobless youth in J&K. Prioritising retired servicemen, many of whom already receive pensions, over unemployed young people risks deepening the sense of alienation,” Mehbooba’s letter reads.
Urging the administration to reconsider, or at least clarify the rationale behind the policy, Mehbooba called for more inclusive models to address security and socio-economic challenges in J&K.
“This soaring unemployment is not just an economic issue but a social emergency. With few opportunities amidst utter despondency, many youngsters are falling into the grip of drug addiction and, tragically, some are even driven to suicide. We must come to their rescue by being more mindful of their future.”
Governing National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the issue was beyond the UT govt’s jurisdiction as it came under security-related expenditure (SRE).
BJP spokesman Arun Gupta rejected Mehbooba Mufti’s opposition. He said the Indian Army has shaped these men into highly capable soldiers trained to meet any eventuality. “We are extremely fortunate as a nation to have such manpower at our disposal,” the BJP spokesman said.
“We must recognize the unmatched training and discipline these personnel possess. Their deployment in sensitive civil installations is not just logical, it’s essential. Security today is not about hardware alone; it’s about the right people with the right experience,” the spokesman said.
He said the initiative wasn’t rolled out overnight. “It took three years of careful planning, clearances, and evaluation. The govt has acted with deliberation and responsibility, and the outcome reflects a strategic approach to both security and manpower utilisation,” he added.
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