Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 19: Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti today wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing serious concern over the Government’s decision to deploy 4,000 ex-servicemen for guarding critical infrastructure across J&K.
In a letter addressed to Omar, Mufti said while the service and discipline of veterans is valued, the decision raises important questions, particularly at a time when “lakhs of educated yet unemployed youth are struggling to find opportunities in J&K.”
“Static guard duties do not require military expertise and could very well be performed by trained local youth, for whom such employment could be a vital lifeline,” she wrote.
Mufti warned that prioritising ex-servicemen-many of whom already receive pensions-over jobless youth “risks deepening the sense of exclusion among the youth” and undermines efforts to build trust.
The PDP president also argued that the policy appears to be a short-term security measure that fails to address long-term social and economic stability in the region.
“Engaging local youth in such roles not only generates employment but also fosters a sense of responsibility, inclusion, and participation in maintaining public safety,” she noted, urging the Government to reconsider or clarify the rationale behind the move.
“I urge your office to reconsider or clarify the rationale behind this policy and to explore inclusive models that also benefit the unemployed youth of the region.”
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