SRINAGAR: On the occasion of Children’s Day, JKPDP President Mehbooba Mufti extended her heartfelt wishes to the children and youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
She expressed deep concern over the unique challenges, which according to Mehbooba, they continue to face, shaped by decades of conflict, instability, and lost opportunities.
Mufti emphasized that the impact of ongoing strife has overshadowed the dreams of many young people in Jammu & Kashmir, depriving them of the peace and promise that every child deserves. “Their lives have been marred by conflict, but in recent years, the crisis has compounded as recruitment policies and processes are marred with irregularities, scams, and mismanagement, leaving lakhs of talented youth disillusioned,” she stated.
Mufti highlighted how flawed recruitment practices and a skewed reservation policy have not only failed to create fair opportunities but have also placed the futures of thousands of youth at risk. The recent approach to reservations has left many qualified and deserving candidates marginalized, creating a pervasive sense of injustice and discontent. She called for a rationalization of the reservation policy to ensure that it benefits those truly in need while allowing merit and talent to be recognized and rewarded fairly.
Mufti warned of the serious consequences, highlighting the risk of increased despair and the vulnerability of youth to addiction, violence, and non-democratic influences if these issues are not addressed with urgency and integrity.
“Jammu & Kashmir is one of India’s youngest states, and we have a critical responsibility to empower and uplift our young people. We must nurture these minds, fostering a sense of purpose and guiding them away from despair,” Mufti said. “It is crucial that they feel a sense of belonging and belief in democratic institutions so that they can work within the system to build their dreams without fear or frustration.”
Mufti reiterated her commitment, and that of the JKPDP, to advocating for a transparent, fair, and just recruitment process that prioritizes merit, ensures fairness in reservations, and restores faith in institutions. “On this Children’s Day, let us pledge to work together for a future where our youth are empowered to contribute to society with optimism and confidence, believing in the power of democracy and the promise of a better tomorrow.”
