The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government's decision to deploy 4,000 ex-servicemen to guard vital installations has sparked opposition, primarily from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. While the central government has not officially commented on the matter, the J&K government appears firm in its decision, leading to a growing debate over the appropriateness and potential implications of this move.
Mehbooba Mufti has voiced strong objections to the plan, arguing that it overlooks the critical issue of rising unemployment among the youth of J&K. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mufti expressed her "deep misgivings and concern" regarding the decision. She emphasized that while she holds the utmost respect for ex-servicemen, the government must not disregard the "mounting crisis of unemployment afflicting youth in J&K," whose numbers, she claims, have crossed into lakhs (hundreds of thousands).
Mufti contends that static guard duties do not necessitate military expertise and could be effectively performed by trained local youth. She argued that providing such employment would serve as a "vital lifeline" for educated but jobless young people in the region. Furthermore, she cautioned that prioritizing retired servicemen, many of whom already receive pensions, over unemployed youth could deepen the sense of alienation and exclusion among the latter. Mufti also suggested the government would "miss a crucial opportunity to build trust and engagement" with the local population.
Highlighting the socio-economic dimensions of the issue, Mufti warned that the policy could be perceived as a short-term security fix that fails to address long-term stability. She believes that engaging local youth in these roles would not only generate employment but also foster a sense of responsibility, inclusion, and participation in maintaining public safety, which she considers "an essential pillar of peace-building in the region." She urged the Chief Minister's Office to reconsider the policy and explore more inclusive models that benefit unemployed youth.
The decision to hire ex-servicemen comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with complex security challenges. While official figures indicate a decrease in violence since the revocation of Kashmir's partial autonomy in 2019, recent events suggest that the security situation remains volatile. In April 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of at least 26 tourists, prompting strong condemnation from the UN Security Council and renewed concerns about the region's stability.
Moreover, escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan have added another layer of complexity to the situation. Accusations of cross-border firing and drone attacks have led to heightened security measures and increased vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC). These developments underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to security that addresses both internal and external threats.
The J&K government's decision to deploy ex-servicemen likely stems from a desire to bolster security in a cost-effective manner, utilizing the experience and training of former military personnel. However, critics like Mehbooba Mufti argue that this approach overlooks the importance of addressing the root causes of instability, such as unemployment and alienation among the youth. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and whether it will consider alternative approaches that prioritize both security and socio-economic development in the region.
