25 Oct 17/Wednesday

The closing ceremony of 35 days long Wall Climbing Camp organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with Department of Tourism under Civic Action Programme (CAP) was held at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Nowgam on 23rd Oct. Director General of Police, Dr. S.P. Vaid who was chief guest on the occasion distributed prizes among the winners including first three positions. 182 youth from South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Awantipora participated in this camp. Speaking on this occasion the DGP while complementing Armed Police and the Department of Tourism for organizing the camp said that there is lot of talent in Kashmir and we are trying to provide opportunities to these youth so that they can use their energies for constructive purposes. While referring to the youth who excelled in the camp the DGP impressed upon the youth to use the social media for positive endeavours such as adventure sports etc. and not for the disruptive activities. He said that since Jammu and Kashmir had enough potential of adventure sports and there is a need to harness the same and propagate them through facebook and other social media by making adventure sports clubs.

Viewpoints

Recently a Kashmiri girl named Mansha bagged a silver medal in Taekwondo held at an international event in Bangkok. Similarly, eight-year-old Tajamul Islam had also scripted history at the World Kickboxing Championship in Italy, where she made India proud by becoming the first player ever from the sub-junior category to clinch a gold medal. There are many such talented girls and boys in Kashmir whose potential needs to be constructively tapped. Youth are vital, potential agents for positive societal change. But in Kashmir the ability of young people to engage in socio-political transformation is hindered by the lack of safe space and continued political insecurity. Safe spaces for dialogue within and across academic and social institutions in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh will enhance a sense of ownership and confidence in political processes.  Young people can play a distinct role in the socio-economic and political development of their

communities. Education and livelihood options that support the development of relevant skills and capacity can better support youth to constructively contribute to their communities and Kashmiri society as a whole. An environment that enables youth to help address community issues should also be encouraged. These could include opportunities to affect change to the local education system and support localised entrepreneurial capacity.