Despite threats, 67,000 apply for 700 police jobs in Kashmir

Despite militant threats and the growing confrontation between a section of Kashmiri youth and the security forces, over 67,000 candidates have applied for almost 700 vacancies to Sub Inspector posts in a recruitment drive of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. 

Out of this, more than 6,000 applications are from girls. On Saturday, the applicants lined up at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium for the physical standard test. "A total of 67,218 candidates from various districts of the state have applied for the posts of 698 Sub Inspectors," a police spokesperson said.

Interestingly, candidates from the unrest-hit Valley outnumber those from the relatively peaceful Jammu region. While 35,772 candidates are from the Valley, 31,496 are from Jammu. The massive participation of Kashmiri youngsters in the recruitment process comes despite diktats from the Hurriyat and militants to boycott jobs in security agencies. 

The enthusiastic response also comes just days after Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz was abducted and shot dead by militants in Shopian district, in a warning to those aspiring to join



security forces.

"I want to become a police officer, so that I can help women in distress. Women have been the worst sufferers in the last three decades of violence," said Rafia, a candidate from old city Srinagar.

Rafia, who appeared for the test with her friends, said she won't hesitate to fight militants if she gets selected. "A police officer's job is to fight anyone who tries to harm the society. Violence has no scope in a civilised society. If people have grievances, they should be redressed in a peaceful manner," she said.

The attitude of these youngsters is in complete contrast to what Kashmir is witnessing these days. Young boys and girls of the same age group have been throwing stones at the security forces.

South Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag and Pulwama remained the epicentre of unrest in the Valley last summer, which started with the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. According to police figures, nearly 100 youths from these four districts joined militancy in the last one year.