Opinion: To help J&K youth, we need more initiatives like that of Sandeep Chaudhary's

"My priorities are Public Grievance Redressal and Sensitive Policing," reads the pinned Tweet of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sandeep Chaudhary, presently posted as SSP in south Kashmir's Shopian district.

He not just claimed it but proved it as well. Sandeep began his 'operation dreams' on May 30, 2018 in South Jammu, with an aim to prepare J&K youth for competitive exams.

The classes, which were first held in his office chamber for two hours every day, soon shifted to a private community centre after more students turned up.

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His selfless effort and dedication helped 38 students, out of which seven were girls, clear the written exam for the post of sub-inspector in different departments of the state police.

According to the numbers provided by the government in July 2018, as many as 87 youths in Jammu and Kashmir joined militancy so far this year. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited.

Such initiatives, like that of Sandeep Chaudhary's, play a significant role to bring in them a “positive behavioural change”.

Some of the recent instances, wherein militants surrendered after appeals by their families to shun the path of violence and return home, are a clear indicator of the fact that parents do not want to see stone in hands of their children. They want education, employment and development for them.

Like Sandeep Chaudhary said, these initiatives would motivate the youth to utilise their energy for the betterment of society.

Last year, Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir) Muneer Khan had said that the police would extend all the help to local militants who want to return to normal life. He also claimed that the police had brought back many youths, who were on their way to join militants, to mainstream.

Furthermore, In November 2017, the state government had announced an amnesty scheme and had withdrawn cases against youths who were first time offenders in cases of stone pelting.

We need such assurances and commitments from the government and concerned authorities to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,and help them identify the right path, ensuring their safety, security and progress.

Jammu and Kashmir government is in process of drafting a rehabilitation policy for militants who wish to return to mainstream. The policy is particularly aimed at their economic rehabilitation.

Taking forward government's peace initiative, the rehabilitation policy, apart from the financial support, should also offer employment opportunities, facilitate professional trainings and promote engagement of youth in curricular activities. The youth should get a chance to pursue their studies and follow their career goals without any phycological pressure.

Sandeep, through his initiative, tries to bridge the gap between youth and the police force.

In order to wean them away from militancy and radicalistion, we need heroes like Sandeep Chaudhary, who make all possible efforts to motivate the youth to lead a dignified life and contribute toward's society's progress.

Such personal initiatives have the potential to persuade youth to focus on education and stable professional life. Time and again, Central and state governments have come up with various policies. But, I reiterate, nothing better than a personal approach towards addressing their problems.

We need to engage in dialogue with the youth and tell them - "we care". The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops, where youth can avail one- on-one interaction as well.

Incorporating human touch in central and state governments' policies and programmes would surely be more encouraging and engaging, and that will no doubt attract positive response from the youth.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)