Poonch, August 21, 2025 – In a significant initiative to address unemployment and foster community engagement, the 25 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Poonch Brigade of the Indian Army conducted a Defence Porters Recruitment Rally in the Sawjian Hilly Terrain, a remote border area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The event, aimed at providing employment opportunities to the youth of this border region, drew significant participation from local young individuals eager to contribute to the nation while securing livelihoods.The recruitment drive, held in the challenging hilly terrain near the Line of Control (LoC), underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to supporting local communities in border areas that have historically faced economic challenges due to their proximity to conflict zones.
The rally was part of ongoing efforts following Operation Sindoor, a strategic military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure, which has heightened the need for local support in defense operations.Key Highlights of the Recruitment Rally:
- Objective: To generate employment for unemployed youth in Poonch by recruiting defence porters to assist the Indian Army in logistical and operational tasks in the rugged Sawjian region.
- Organisers: The event was spearheaded by the 25 RR Poonch Brigade, under the aegis of the Bimber Gali Brigade, known for its role in maintaining security and fostering goodwill in the region.
- Participation: A large number of young candidates from various parts of Poonch district participated, showcasing their enthusiasm and readiness to serve alongside the Indian Army.
- Impact: The initiative provides six-month job opportunities to selected candidates, offering economic stability and a sense of pride in contributing to national security.Local youth expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the challenges of living near the LoC, where past incidents of cross-border shelling have disrupted lives and livelihoods. Mohammad Jameel, a participant, stated, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for organizing this defence porter recruitment drive. Every year, our unemployed youth secure a six-month job through this initiative… We live bravely on this border and want to support our soldiers.”The Defence Porters Recruitment Rally is part of the Indian Army’s broader efforts under initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana, which focuses on community development and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir. Similar recruitment drives, such as the one organized by the 323 Brigade, Punjab Regiment in Mendhar on August 12, 2025, have also seen significant participation, reflecting the region’s youth’s eagerness to engage with the Army.The event not only addresses unemployment but also strengthens the bond between the Indian Army and the local population, fostering patriotism and community resilience in the strategically sensitive Poonch-Rajouri sector. The Army’s efforts come at a time when the region has witnessed heightened tensions, including ceasefire violations and cross-border firing, making such initiatives crucial for both economic and security objectives.
