More than 26,000 youth candidates participated in a recruitment rally organized by the army after a gap of five years in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch, officials said on Sunday. He said that the recruitment rally started on November 8 at the Advance Landing Ground in Sorankot to fill 307 posts for Sepoy General Duty and 45 posts for Clerks and Tradesmen in Territorial Army.

The rally was open to candidates from 31 tehsils of Jammu division including Poonch, Rajouri, Riasi and Jammu districts for constable general duty while candidates from all over Jammu and Kashmir were eligible to apply for the posts of clerks and traders.

Expressing satisfaction at the response of the youth, an official of the Army Recruitment Office said, “More than 26,000 enthusiastic candidates from the region participated in the selection process, sacrificing their physical and mental skills to serve the nation during the 10-day rally. Prepared.” .

He said that the objective of the recruitment drive is to provide employment opportunities and encourage youth to join the armed forces.

Candidates underwent various physical tests including 1.6 km run, chin-up and other endurance exercises, followed by medical examination and document verification, the official said.

A regional army officer said, “The response from the local youth has been overwhelming. It is heartening to see such enthusiasm to join the Indian Army. We are committed to providing a fair and transparent selection process”. He said that around 4000 candidates have cleared the ground test and will take part in the medical test. Locals praised the army for conducting a recruitment drive in the border district.

Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Sorankot, said, “This is an important step towards tackling unemployment in the border areas and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism in the youth.”

Officials said the event was held with strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the large gathering was managed smoothly.

The recruitment drive is expected to continue for the next three days, he said, adding that the recruitment drive marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationship with the people. It provides new opportunities for the youth of the region which it has historically faced. Challenges related to employment and development.

Many young aspirants expressed their hopes of getting a place in the prestigious armed forces with dreams of serving the country and supporting their families.

Muhammad Asad, a local resident of Poonch said that he joined the rally for the first time. He further said that I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army.

Another candidate from Haveli area of ​​Poonch, Muhammad Iqbal, thanked the army for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation.