Kashmir Sees Sharp Fall in Terror Recruitment as Youth Join NCC

A growing number of students across Jammu and Kashmir are joining the National Cadet Corps (NCC), reflecting what officials describe as a significant shift in the aspirations of young people in the Valley. Security officials say the trend coincides with a sharp decline in local recruitment into terrorist organisations, with official data indicating that no youth from the Valley has joined terror ranks so far in 2025. The increasing participation in the NCC is being viewed as a sign of changing priorities among Kashmiri youth, with many expressing interest in serving in the armed forces and contributing to society.

Students from different parts of the Valley say the NCC has opened new opportunities for personal growth, leadership and national service. Bintul Huda from Kupwara, a district historically known as an infiltration route, said she had aspired to join the Army since childhood to serve both the people of Kashmir and the nation. Addressing concerns about criticism from others, she said the younger generation wanted to bring about positive change and shape a different future for the region.

Khushboo Jan from Nawakadal in Srinagar shared a similar ambition, saying her goal in joining the NCC is to pursue a career in the armed forces. She said her parents take pride in seeing her participate in NCC activities and ceremonial parades. Another cadet, Numan Nabi from Baramulla, said attending national camps through the NCC allowed him to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir and experience the country's cultural diversity for the first time, an experience he described as life-changing.

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Official figures released by security agencies indicate a steep decline in local recruitment into terrorist groups over the past five years. According to the data, 181 local youths joined terror outfits in 2020, followed by 142 in 2021 and 130 in 2022. The number fell sharply to 23 in 2023 and 20 in 2024, most of whom were from South Kashmir. Security officials state that, as of 2025, no local youth from the Valley has joined a terrorist organisation.

Many young people say their aspirations have shifted towards education, professional careers and public service rather than violence. Seerat Jan from Bandipora said the dream for many in her generation is no longer about taking up arms but about wearing the olive-green uniform of the armed forces and serving the country. She added that having witnessed the impact of terrorism on society, many young Kashmiris now want to contribute towards peace and security.

The changing trend highlights a broader transformation in the Valley, where initiatives such as the NCC are providing students with opportunities for leadership training, discipline and national-level exposure. While security challenges continue in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials believe the increasing interest in constructive avenues such as the NCC, along with the decline in local militant recruitment, reflects an evolving social landscape and changing aspirations among the region's youth.

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