In a significant development for youth recruitment, the Army conducted a major recruitment rally in the border district of Poonch, which attracted over 26,000 young aspirants after a five-year hiatus. The event, held at the Advance Landing Ground in Surankote, began on November 8 and was aimed at filling vacancies for soldier general duty, clerks, and tradesmen positions in the Territorial Army.
The enthusiastic response was not limited to Poonch alone; a separate rally held in Dugga near Bhalra in Doda district drew more than 12,000 eager youths ready to contribute to the nation. Candidates from 31 tehsils within Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Jammu districts, were eligible to apply for soldier general duty roles. In contrast, aspirants from across Jammu and Kashmir were invited to compete for clerks and tradesmen positions.
During the ten-day recruitment rally, participants underwent a rigorous selection process comprising physical tests such as a 1.6 km run, chin-ups, and various endurance exercises, followed by essential medical examinations and documentation checks. An official from the Army recruitment office remarked on the impressive turnout and the candidates’ preparedness, noting that around 4,000 individuals cleared the ground tests and would advance to the medical examination phase.
Local sentiment towards the recruitment drive has been overwhelmingly positive. Prominent Surankote citizen Syed Imtiaz Kazmi hailed the event as a critical move towards addressing unemployment in border areas, fostering a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth. Army officials ensured that the rally observed strict safety protocols, effectively managing the large gathering in an organized manner.
The recruitment process is slated to continue for another three days, reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to strengthening ties with local communities by providing new employment opportunities in regions where job prospects have historically been limited. Young aspirants expressed their hopes and determination to join the armed forces, with many viewing the opportunity as a pathway to serve their country while supporting their families.
Local resident Mohd Asad, participating in the rally for the first time, expressed his eagerness to serve. “I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army,” he stated. Similarly, another aspirant, Mohd Iqbal from the Haveli area of Poonch, extended his gratitude to the Army for facilitating this chance to serve the nation. The recruitment rallies represent a significant initiative to empower youth in challenging regions, while simultaneously bolstering the country’s defense services.
