The Youth National Conference held a significant event for International Youth Day, expressing concerns over police actions against youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
New Delhi, India Aug 13, 2026 ALN: NC’s history is not just political struggle, but public welfare movement: Provincial President Showkat Mir
SRINAGAR: The Youth National Conference today organised an impressive function at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah Complex on the occasion of International Youth Day. This event is significant as it underscores the importance of youth engagement in political and social issues, especially in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which has a complex socio-political landscape. The programme was presided over by Provincial Youth President Mushtaq Mir, while Provincial President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Showkat Mir attended as the chief guest. The gathering included various party functionaries who felicitated the newly constituted YNC district Committees across Kashmir province. This restructuring is part of the party's broader strategy to strengthen its grassroots presence and engage more effectively with the youth.
The Youth National Conference provincial committee, along with Zonal committee members, participated in the event and shared their views, reflecting a collective effort to address the challenges faced by the youth in the region. The speakers expressed strong resentment over the summoning of people, particularly youth, to police stations ahead of August 15, a date that holds significant political and historical importance in India. This practice has raised concerns about the treatment of young people in Kashmir, where security measures often intensify during national celebrations. The speakers urged the LG administration not to push Kashmiri youth to the wall, highlighting a growing sentiment that government actions may be exacerbating feelings of alienation and frustration among the younger population.
The meeting was organised by Joint Secretary YNC Bilal Ganaie, with participation from notable figures such as Provincial Secretary Syed Tauqeer, Provincial Youth Wing Vice President Salman Matoo, and various district and zone presidents. Their involvement reflects a unified approach within the party to address the pressing issues faced by the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of these leaders indicates the party's commitment to fostering a proactive youth leadership that can advocate for the rights and needs of young people.
Addressing the gathering, Showkat Mir emphasized that the National Conference has always made the empowerment of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir a central theme in its political agenda. He articulated that the creation of better opportunities for youth and bringing about positive changes in their lives is not just a political obligation but a moral one. He stated that the history of the National Conference is not merely a history of political struggle but also a history of the struggle for public welfare, social justice, and fundamental transformation in the lives of ordinary people. This perspective is essential in understanding the party's long-standing commitment to socio-economic development in the region.
Mir highlighted the revolutionary initiatives taken during the National Conference governments, such as the introduction of free education, which laid the foundation for a significant transformation in Jammu & Kashmir society. These policies aimed at making education accessible to children from poor and middle-class families have had a profound impact, changing the lives of thousands of families and opening new avenues of progress for the younger generation. He noted that the large number of educated youth in Jammu & Kashmir today is, in many ways, a result of such people-centric policies and visionary leadership. This historical context is crucial as it illustrates the party's long-term investment in human capital development, which is vital for the region's future.
Moreover, Mir urged the youth to play a constructive role in safeguarding democratic values, secular traditions, social justice, and people’s rights. He acknowledged that the challenges faced by the youth, including unemployment, drug abuse, lack of skills, and limited employment opportunities, require a collaborative effort from both the government and society to find effective solutions. This call to action reflects an understanding of the complex socio-economic challenges that the youth in Jammu and Kashmir face, particularly in a region marked by conflict and instability.
Provincial Youth President Mushtaq Mir, in his address, appreciated the various self-employment initiatives launched by the government for the youth. He emphasized that alongside government jobs, there is an urgent need to provide opportunities for self-employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship. This perspective is particularly relevant in a region where traditional employment avenues may be limited due to ongoing political and economic challenges. The meeting also acknowledged the ongoing recruitment process aimed at providing 25,000 government jobs during the current year as a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment. This initiative is seen as a positive move, but its implementation and accessibility remain critical factors for its success.
Mushtaq Mir reiterated that the Youth National Conference would continue to highlight the problems confronting young people and raise its voice for their resolution. He stressed the importance of channeling the energy, talent, and creative potential of the youth in a positive direction, indicating a proactive approach to youth engagement. The Youth Wing is expected to play a more active role at the organizational level towards this objective, which could lead to increased youth participation in political processes and community development initiatives.
At the conclusion of the programme, the youth were urged to play their fullest role in the development of Jammu & Kashmir, promoting peace, brotherhood, and democratic values. The emphasis on unity and collective action is vital in a region where divisions can be deepened by political and social tensions. The call to work unitedly to carry forward the people-centric manifesto and ideology of the National Conference reflects a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society, especially for the younger generation. This gathering not only celebrated International Youth Day but also served as a platform for discussing critical issues affecting the youth and the broader implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
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