Srinagar, Sep 17: In a gesture of hospitality and community support, traders and residents of border town Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have come forward to provide free food, refreshments and accommodation to youth arriving from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the ongoing Agniveer recruitment drive.
The initiative has been led by Uri Beopar Mandal President Haji Mohammad Shafi along with members of the Traders Association, with several religious and commercial establishments opening their doors to the visiting aspirants.
Among those extending support are Jamia Masjid Noor Uri, Jamia Masjid Jumma Uri, Masjid Habib, Jamia Masjid Shahid Uri, Shahi Darbar, Hotel Zulfiqar & Restaurant, Hotel Pakiza and Hotel Badshah.
The establishments are providing meals, refreshments and accommodation to candidates, while several local residents have also offered space in their homes to youth travelling from far-flung areas of the Union Territory.
Speaking about the initiative, Beopar Mandal President Haji Mohammad Shafi said the candidates had travelled long distances to appear in the recruitment process and should not have to worry about basic necessities during their stay in Uri.
He said the business community wanted to ensure that every aspirant received a welcoming environment and necessary support, adding that the initiative was a collective effort of traders, religious institutions and residents.
“Many of these young men have travelled from distant areas for the recruitment process. Our effort is to make their stay comfortable and ensure that they can focus on the recruitment without worrying about food or accommodation,” Shafi said.
Local residents said Uri has a tradition of extending hospitality to visitors and that helping the aspirants was a collective responsibility.
“We are happy to support the youth who have come here with hopes of securing an opportunity in the Army. They have travelled from far-off places, and providing them food and a place to stay is the least we can do,” said Yasir Banday, a local resident.
Another resident Bashir Wathloo said the initiative reflected the spirit of solidarity among the people of Uri.
“Recruitment is an important opportunity for these youngsters. Some of them may not have relatives or contacts here, so the support being provided by traders and residents is giving them a sense of comfort,” he said.
A large number of aspirants from different parts of J&K are participating in the Agniveer recruitment process, which commenced in Uri on September 14.
Traders said the initiative would continue to support candidates during the recruitment period and urged other establishments and residents to extend assistance wherever possible.
