Opinion | Establishing “Vale Tigers” in the Indian Army

The Impact of Recruitment Rallies on Kashmiri Youth and the Establishment of “Vale Tigers” as a Unit in the Indian Army.

The recent army recruitment drive was a historic event, highlighting various aspects that define Kashmiri youth. It not only boosted the morale of the youth and brought hope to their parents but also introduced several historic changes. In Kashmir, this initiative is unprecedented in many ways. It brings the army closer to the community, bridging the gap between soldiers and civilians. Moreover, it has cleared many misconceptions about the Indian Army in the minds of the youth through the recruitment process.
Firstly, it brought the youth closer to the army and helped them understand its discipline. These recruitments showcase the talent of the youth, their enthusiasm, and their interest in the army. It also provides training to those who could not qualify. It has sent a message that Kashmiris are not different from the rest of the country. Additionally, it helps the youth understand that the army is not against them but against violence. It has also demonstrated that the youth are not interested in violence. Their socio-economic problems have misled them and made them tools of radicalization and violence.
Secondly, it made parents very interested. The video of a mother calling her son to go and qualify for the test went viral, as did another video showing a mother walking alongside her son during the recruitment process. This time, it was a huge recruitment drive with massive participation. More than 24,000 participants showed their interest in joining the army. It has transformed army camps into civilian-friendly spaces and removed the sense of threat and fear of the army in the minds of the Kashmiri people. It sent a message that the army has a bond with Kashmiri youth and is always working towards positive development in Kashmir through various initiatives.

Thirdly, there is another aspect to the story. This was the first large-scale recruitment rally in the valley, and it is considered a successful step towards building the careers of youth in the Indian Army. Not only that, but it has also sparked interest among the youth. Notably, Kashmir has not seen such a significant recruitment rally in the past three decades due to various reasons. Now, circumstances have improved; people want peace, and the youth seek engagement. Army recruitment can be a solution to many problems faced by the youth of Kashmir.
To start showing more positive results among the Kashmiri youth, we need to empower them more and more so that they can become contributors to the progress of Kashmir. If one such rally can change the minds of thousands of youths, imagine the impact if similar rallies are conducted at the district level through the respective army camps.
First, we need to understand the youth of Kashmir, their problems, and their frustrations. The youth were radicalized due to various reasons and issues, which are now being addressed as the situation in Kashmir improves and the enemies of peace are exposed. During the radicalization of Kashmiri youth, there was no one to guide, lead, or engage them in positive activities. Kashmir was like a riderless horse, and the youth were drawn into various social crimes. It takes time to come back from such a state. It takes time to make a new start. It takes time to begin afresh. All this requires a conducive environment, and the army has created such an environment in Kashmir by introducing people-centric initiatives.
Recognizing the various efforts of the Indian Army for youth development, the recent recruitment drive was hailed by all Kashmiri people. What I suggest is:
Establish a separate army recruitment cell exclusively for Kashmiri youth.
Provide a special package with reservations to ensure more and more youth can be engaged.
Create a separate unit for Kashmir under the name “Vale Tigers,” with an attractive recruitment package.
Sanction at least 10,000 posts in each district, and conduct recruitment at the district level through the respective army camps.
Let “Vale Tigers” work towards further positive development in Kashmir and address the remaining issues in the region. This initiative will empower Kashmiri youth, instil a sense of responsibility, and turn them into nation builders. It will make the youth of Kashmir free from violence, tension, and terrorism while boosting the morale of others. Ultimately, they will stand against social crimes and the enemies who have exploited the youth of Kashmir so far.
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