The Indian Army on Wednesday urged youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir to refrain from picking up arms and instead, work towards ensuring abrighter future. During a press conference on Wednesday, Lieutenant Genera lKanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Commander, XV Corps, said that the youth must “notbe lured towards picking up weapons”.

Lt General Dhillon said, “Youngsters of Jammu and Kashmirshould work hard for a better future and not be lured towards picking upweapons.”

“You have to make your parents and your family proud. Youhave all the opportunities in the world at your doorstep…Kashmir’s youth is thefuture of Kashmir,” he added.

The message from the Indian Army comes just days after 575youth, hailing from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, joined the force onSaturday. They were recruited in the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.

On the occasion, Lieutenant General Ashwini Kumar had toldZee News that several recruitment drives would be conducted in the region,adding that it was a sign of the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir. "TheIndian Army stands with all those who want to move ahead in life," hesaid.

The fresh message of hope from the Indian Army comes at atime when Jammu and Kashmir in going through a transitional phase following theabrogation of Article 370 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government atthe Centre.

The region is under an unprecedented security cover whilethe authorities are easing the restrictions in different parts of Jammu andKashmir in phases. Schools, other educational institutions and governmentoffices are also being reopened across the state.

Apart from abrogating Article 370, which granted specialstatus to Jammu and Kashmir, the government has also bifurcated the region intoUnion territories – J&K and Ladakh. While members of the opposition partieshave accused the government of misreporting the situation in Kashmir,authorities have categorically denied all reports of large-scale protests orviolence in the region.