Centre rejects Mehbooba opposition to J&K govt deploying 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard vital sites

SRINAGAR: The Union govt has rejected PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s objection to the J&Okay govt approving the mobilisation of 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard vital infrastructure throughout the Union territory, saying retired Army personnel are extremely educated and in the perfect place to perform this job.Mehbooba had requested the J&Okay govt to rethink the initiative and recruit locals as an alternative.The Sainik Welfare Board of J&Okay had proposed mobilising ex-servicemen to safeguard vital infrastructure and govt permitted it.In a letter addressed to chief minister Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba stated whereas the service of army veterans is revered, static guard duties don’t require army experience and might be successfully dealt with by educated native 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 rethink, or not less than make clear the rationale behind the coverage, Mehbooba referred to as for extra inclusive fashions to tackle safety and socio-economic challenges in J&Okay.“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 stated the difficulty was past the UT govt’s jurisdiction because it got here beneath security-related expenditure (SRE).BJP spokesman Arun Gupta rejected Mehbooba Mufti’s opposition. He stated the Indian Army has formed these males into extremely succesful troopers educated to meet any eventuality. “We are extremely fortunate as a nation to have such manpower at our disposal,” the BJP spokesman stated.“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 stated.He stated the initiative wasn’t rolled out in a single day. “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.