Kashmir Leaders Clash Over Decision to Deploy Ex-Servicemen on Guard Duty

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has questioned the rationale behind engaging 4,000 ex-servicemen to secure vital installations in Jammu and Kashmir, sparking a war of words with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The decision, reportedly taken by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's office, has been criticized for prioritizing veterans over unemployed youth struggling to find opportunities in the region. Mehbooba, in a letter to Omar, expressed deep concern over the decision, citing concerns about exclusion and lack of trust among the youth. She argued that static guard duties can be performed by trained local youth, providing them with a vital lifeline and fostering a sense of responsibility and inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

• The decision to deploy 4,000 ex-servicemen on guard duty in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked a war of words between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti.
• Mehbooba questioned the rationale behind the decision, citing concerns about exclusion and lack of trust among the youth.
• The decision reportedly taken by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's office has been criticized for prioritizing veterans over unemployed youth struggling to find opportunities in the region.
• Mehbooba argued that static guard duties can be performed by trained local youth, providing them with a vital lifeline and fostering a sense of responsibility and inclusion.
• The decision could be perceived as a short-term security solution that fails to address long-term social and economic stability in the region.

Statistics:

• 4,000: The number of ex-servicemen reportedly deployed on guard duty in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Lakhs: The number of educated yet unemployed youth struggling to find opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
• 2025: The copyright year of ABP News, which first reported on the story.

Sources:

• AbP News, Copyright 2025 ABP Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com