In a significant development after a five-year hiatus, over 40,000 young aspirants participated in army recruitment rallies held in Poonch and Doda districts of Jammu Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.
The rally in Poonch, conducted at the Advance Landing Ground in Surankote from November 8, saw more than 26,000 candidates vying for 307 vacancies for soldier general duty and 45 positions for clerks and tradesmen in the Territorial Army.
Open to candidates from 31 tehsils in Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Jammu districts, the rally also welcomed applicants from across Jammu for clerical and tradesmen roles.
Separately, a rally at Dugga near Bhalra in Doda district, which began on November 11, drew over 12,000 enthusiastic youths from Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts.
“Over 26,000 candidates in Poonch and 12,000 in Doda showcased their physical and mental readiness to serve the nation during the selection process,” said an army official, expressing satisfaction at the overwhelming response.
The rallies involved rigorous physical tests, including a 1.6 km run, chin-ups, and endurance exercises, followed by medical examinations and documentation checks.
However, the massive turnout at these rallies underscores a deeper issue: the region’s soaring unemployment rate.
As one of the highest in the country, unemployment in Jammu Kashmir has particularly affected border districts like Poonch and Doda, where private-sector investment remains limited.
For many participants, the rallies were more than an opportunity to serve the nation—they represented a rare chance to escape economic insecurity and uplift their families.
“This is a crucial step in addressing unemployment in our region and fostering patriotism among the youth,” said Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Surankote. Aspirants like Mohd Asad and Mohd Iqbal expressed their hopes of joining the armed forces to not only serve the nation but also support their families.
The recruitment drive, according to the officials, aimed to provide employment opportunities and instill a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth, particularly in areas historically marginalized by economic challenges.
Approximately 4,000 candidates cleared the ground tests in Poonch and will now undergo medical evaluations.
The rallies, conducted with strict safety protocols, underscored the army’s commitment to strengthening its bond with the region and opening doors for youth to embark on a “glorious journey” as “sons of the soil.”
The recruitment rallies are expected to continue for the next few days, with officials hopeful of their success in creating new opportunities for the youth and contributing to the nation’s defense.