Urging the State’s youth to rise above the rubble and become a part of the movement for peace and change, Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti has said the young generation should become a potent voice to denounce violence which has only brought miseries to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.“Violence has no religion and it just consumes everybody. I urge J&K’s youth to come forward and help us in making peace a reality in the State and ending the miseries of the people,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the participants of the Special National Integration Camp-2016 organised by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at JAK-LI Regimental Centre, here last evening.Minister for Education, Mr Naeem Akhtar was also present on the occasion.It was a very heart-rending day for me as immediately on my arrival here from Jammu this morning, I had to lay the ceremonial wreath on the mortal remains of the three BSF personnel killed in a dastardly militant attack near Bijbehara on Friday and then came this terrible news that two policemen ASI Bashir Ahmad of Laktipora, Aishmuqam and Constable Riyaz Ahmad of Utrasoo, Shangus were killed in similar circumstances at Anantnag,” she said and added that this senseless violence is not going to take us anywhere, except adding to the tragedies Kashmir has witnessed over the past more than two decades.
“We have to ponder over the gory saga of death and destruction being perpetuated in most of the Muslim countries around the world including neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan where even schools and hospitals are not spared by the perpetrators of violence,” Ms Mehbooba said and added that Jammu and Kashmir has distinct religious and cultural ethos and the emancipated people of the State will never allow to get entrapped in such an ominous situation. “And I am sure our well-informed and bright youth will lead us out of this gloomy scenario of death and destruction,” she said.Ms Mehbooba said despite passing through the darkest era of its history, the main source of J&K’s confidence is the substantial potential of building upon its young and enterprising human resource. “It is heartening to note that even after going through the most difficult times, our young boys and girls are doing us proud in whatever field they take a plunge,” she said and added that the Kashmir’s young population has suffered immensely due to the conflict and our youth now need to connect with the larger world outside to grab the opportunities available to their counterparts elsewhere.
Ms Mehbooba said in all efforts and initiatives, youth remain both the delicate and strategic assets. “Delicate because they are prone and susceptible to all sorts of influences both good and bad. Strategic assets because they constitute our future, and equally they are also very influential and energetic,” she said and added that in today’s world, youth are beset with social media networks and sophisticated cellular phones with advanced technology, which they can and should use to gain and spread knowledge.“J&K is blessed with a large population of talented youth, who need a vehicle to help them make their mark. I appeal our young boys and girls to take full advantage of the opportunities that are available to them and make their lives prosperous as they owe it to themselves, their families and the state, “she said and added that today’s youth are full of bright ideas and they simply need some support to turn their dreams into reality.
“Fortunately most of our young boys and girls have already started excelling in various fields and most of them are now getting admission in IITs and IIMs besides qualifying for IAS, IPS, IFS and other prestigious competitive examinations to give a flying start to their careers,” she said and added that with new opportunities unfolding for the State’s youth, they can not only strive to get gainful employment but also achieve new heights in professional careers.Lauding the role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for bringing the youth from across the country together to instil a sense of social cohesion among them, the Chief Minister appreciated its commitment in grooming of Future Leaders of the country.She said such programmes help the youth to inculcate the ability to participate in community development and other social uplift, live a healthy lifestyle free of substance abuse and other unhealthy practices, instil in them the sensitivity to the needs of poor and socially disadvantaged fellow citizens, inculcating habits of restraint and self-awareness and understanding the values of honesty, truthfulness, self-sacrifice, perseverance and hard work.
The Chief Minister complemented the cadets on the various accomplishments at international and national level and for highlighting environmental and social issues. She stressed the importance of organising such camps which help in understanding the vastness of the country’s rich culture, heritage and multiple languages. She urged the NCC cadets from various a states, attending the camp, to visit different parts of Kashmir to see its beauty and cherish the hospitality of its people. “And once they return to their native places they can become the real goodwill ambassadors for the State,” she said.Around 400 NCC Cadets and staff representing all states and union territories of the country are participating in the Special National Integration camp.
The Chief Minister, on her arrival at the camp was received by Maj Gen SS Jakhar, Additional Director General NCC J&K under whose aegis the Special National Integration Camp is being conducted. The CM was presented a Guard of Honour by NCC Cadets comprising young boys and girls.In his welcome address Maj Gen SS Jakhar informed the audience about the accomplishments of the NCC cadets from J&K, especially the girls. He said four NCC girl cadets from Ladakh recently scaled the Mount Everest and several NCC cadets have joined the Army as Commissioned Officers.The Chief Minister visited various motivational stalls set up by the NCC cadets of J&K depicting rich culture, adventure and social services undertaken by the NCC Cadets.Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Mr Hilal Ahmad Parray, Director School Education Kashmir, Dr Shah Faesal, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mir Altaf Hussain, SSP Budgam, Fayaz Ahmad Lone and senior officers of Army and NCC were present on the occasion.