Over 26,000 candidates participate in army recruitment meet in J&K’s Poonch – Times of India

JAMMU: Over 26,000 young aspirants took part in an Army recruitment rally after a gap of five years in the Poonch border district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The recruitment drive began on November 8 at Advance Landing Ground in Surankote to fill 307 vacancies for general soldiers and 45 vacancies for clerks and traders in the Territorial Army, they said.
The meeting was open to the candidates from 31 Tehsils of Jammu division including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu districts for general soldier duties while the candidates from across Jammu and Kashmir were eligible to apply for the positions of Clerks and traders.
“More than 26,000 enthusiastic candidates from across the region participated in the selection process, demonstrating their physical and mental readiness to serve the nation during the 10-day meet,” said an Army Recruitment Bureau official, expressing satisfaction over the response of youth. .
He said the recruitment drive was organized with the aim of providing employment opportunities and encouraging youth to join the armed forces.
The aspirants underwent various physical tests, including a 1.6 km run, pull-ups and other endurance exercises, followed by medical examinations and documentation checks, the official said.
“The response from the local youth has been tremendous. It is heartening to see so much enthusiasm and passion to join the Indian Army. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process,” said a Territorial Army officer.
He said around 4,000 candidates have cleared the ground test and will participate in the medical examination.
Locals praised the army for organizing the recruitment drive in the border district.
“This is an important step towards tackling unemployment in the border areas and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth,” said Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Surankote.
The officials said the event was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure smooth conduct of the grand gathering.
The recruitment process is expected to continue for the next three days, they said. This recruitment rally marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its bond with the people, providing new opportunities to the youth of the region who have historically faced challenges in employment and development.
Many young aspirants expressed their hopes for a place in the prestigious armed forces, with dreams of serving the nation and supporting their families.
Mohd Asad, a local resident of Poonch, said he was participating in the rally for the first time. “I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army,” he added.
Another aspirant Mohd Iqbal from Haveli area of ​​Poonch thanked the Army for providing an opportunity to serve the nation.