Srinagar, May 19 (UNI) PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to reconsider the Jammu and Kashmir government's recent decision to employ 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard key installations across the Union Territory.

Mehbooba expressed her deep concern over the rising unemployment crisis warning that overlooking their plight in favour of retired personnel could exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges.

“Wrote to Omar sahab urging him to reconsider his government’s decision to employ 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard key installations. While I have utmost respect and gratitude for our ex-servicemen, we mustn’t & cannot overlook the mounting crisis of unemployment afflicting youth in J&K whose numbers have now crossed into lakhs,” Mehbooba said in a post on X.

“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,” she added.


Mehbooba was responding to reports that the Sainik Welfare Board of Jammu and Kashmir had proposed a plan to engage retired military personnel to safeguard vital infrastructure. The J&K government has reportedly approved the proposal, paving the way for what is being described as a unique collaboration between veterans and civil authorities.
According to these reports, 4,000 ex-servicemen volunteers have been identified under the plan.

UNI MJR PRS