J&K - 67,000 applications for 698 police jobs
Amid severe protests in the state against the police and army, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a record 67,000 applications for 698 police jobs. 67,218 candidates applied for 698 sub-inspector positions in the state police. Last year 25,000 candidates had applied for positions in the state police force. The numbers expose the paradox of ethics against practicality faced by Kashmiris.
Recent rise in clashes with youth
Recently there has been an increase in police-youth conflict in the state. The killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and the alleged high-handedness of police in handling a youth protest recently have increased tensions in the state.
Unemployment in Kashmir
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti recently revealed that Kashmir has over 15 lakh unemployed youth. The dearth of viable employment opportunities and the employment security associated with government jobs has made such recruitment drives attractive avenues for youth in Kashmir. This often comes in conflict with sentiments of "freedom" for Kashmir which is ingrained in youth by separatist propaganda.
Details of applicants
"31,496 of these candidates are from Jammu province, as many as 35,722 hail from Kashmir...64,625 candidates have applied for positions in the executive/armed police wing." The physical evaluation of the first 2000 applicants has begun.
