Wednesday 13th May, 2026
TAJAMUL SYED
Thousands of youngsters in J&K are idling away without jobs despite having a string of degrees; corruption and conflict are said to be the main reasons.
Recently, there were intelligence reports regarding the polarisation of the youth in the Valley. Whether any action was taken by the government and corrective measures were initiated in this regard is not known.
The polarised discourse and flip-flop regarding talks with Pakistan provided oxygen to the separatists to fuel the situation for the worse. The intensity of the youth unrest, particularly in Southern Kashmir, is a matter of serious concern
The multifaceted challenge it offers requires a comprehensive approach to contain the situation in the short run and ensure lasting peace. We must see to it that terrorism and terrorists are dealt with firmly and there is no compromise on matters relating to national security and, at the same time, we must ensure that the youth in the Valley remain insulated from the influence of the extremists and from across the border.
Lasting peace in the Valley can be ensured when it is both a state sponsored initiative and rooted in the structure of the community, particularly the youth. There is no doubt that the Indian security forces are committed to protect the unity and integrity of our country and to safeguard people. Both the military and the government should ensure that no opportunity is given whereby their sacrifices are exploited by those who intend to subvert India's interests and the development of the state.
First of all, the military needs to assess the number of terrorists and their operational details and, accordingly, the counter terrorist operations may be planned to avoid loss of civilian lives in the operation.
Another area that needs immediate concern is the high rate of unemployment among the Kashmiri youth. With the number of registered unemployed youth crossing six-lakh mark, Jammu and Kashmir has the highest unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent in comparison to its four neighboring states.
A serious thought should be given to provide employment opportunities to the youth in the region, both educated or otherwise, which cool down the temper.
Probably, the prime minister should experiment his Skill India and Start Up India missions in Jammu and Kashmir.