Jammu, Sep 08: Post abrogation of Article 370, the J&K Union Territory has got 5000 additional vacancy of National Cadet Corps (NCC) to tackle the radicalization among youth of Kashmir.

“Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh directorate is very important as strategic point of view. In last two year the directorate got 5000 additional vacancies for enrolment of youth. We got tremendous response of NCC enrolment even in Kashmir, where the waiting list is huge and youth ready to don uniform to serve the country,” said Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh, Director General National Cadet Corps here in Jammu.

Lt Gen Singh further said that a total 27000 cadets of 460 institutions are enrolled with NCC in Jammu Kashmir. The cadets were trained to act as volunteers in any emergent situation for the country, he said.

“The unity and discipline inducted during NCC training always remain with the cadets. Wherever they go, they have the feeling of Nation First in their minds. Once they wear uniform, they have the responsibility on their shoulders to serve the country in whatever profession they are,” the DG NCC said, who are on two day tour of Jammu and Kashmir.

He further said that NCC got tremendous response from Kashmir, which was once the hub of militancy activities.

“In south Kashmir NCC activities have increased and there is a lot of enthusiasm among youth. During our recent enrolment in Anantnag we got an overwhelming response. We have more than 5 cadets waiting for a single vacancy, which is huge boost for our activities,” the general officer said while replying on a question regarding starting NCC enrolment in 25 news colleges across Kashmir, adding, “Similarly youth from North Kashmir participating in various UT and National Level camps on routine basis.”

He said that NCC inculcated patriotism among youth and after getting NCC training they not remain ordinary citizens.

“Once don uniform, leaving other things, serving the country has eventually become supreme for everyone including NCC cadets. They remain ready to serve in any capacity for the nation,” Lt Gen Singh maintained.

The general officer further said that union government has constituted a High Power Committee to explore the possibility of NCC expansion and to make it more relevant in these changed times.

On the ratio of NCC cadets’ absorption into regular armed forces after their studies, Lt Gen Singh said that NCC conducted A, B and C certificate examinations for the cadets, which provide them some bonus marks during recruitments. On an average around 10 percent of cadets have been absorbed in the armed forces at different ranks.

Earlier, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh visited NCC Training Academy at Nagrota (J&K). He was given a befitting Guard of Honour by NCC cadets of 2 J&K Battalion NCC.

This was followed by briefing by the Camp Commandant, Col Rajesh Jasrotia on the conduct of Camp and conduct of training of Cadets.

The DG NCC, witnessed training of cadets under the supervision of Army Instructors. He was also shown small arms firing by cadets including simulator training.

After his address DG NCC felicitated the meritorious NCC officers (ANOs) and cadets for their achievements and interacted with media personnel.

The DG NCC appreciated the efforts of NCC training staff and cadets and exhorted all stake holders to live upto the motto of NCC “Unity and Discipline”.kno