LONGDING, Feb 3: The Longding district administration has sponsored the travel expenses of nearly 100 youths of the district – most of them from poor families – who are participating in the army recruitment rally being held at Likabali in Lower Siang district from 2 to 8 February.
ADC Tage Ekke, who flagged of the team, said: “The enthusiasm shown by the youths to join the Indian Army is most encouraging, considering the fact that it is the most insurgency infested district in the state.”
The ADC said it is for the first time that the district administration and the 4th Sikh Regiment have equally shown keen interest to extend help to the youths for such a rally.
“While the 4th Sikh Regiment has helped our boys in registration and screening of eligible candidates, the district administration has sanctioned Rs 50,000 for journey expenses,” informed the ADC.
“I almost gave up going for the rally, as my poor parents could not afford to give me my journey expenditure. I have only Rs 2000 in my pocket. But our DC sir has arranged the transportation for us. If I get selected, I will be thankful to him for my entire life,” said one of the candidates.
The Longding battalion of the Assam Rifles conducted pre-recruitment training for the youths at Longding and Kanubari from 27 November to 3 February.
The aim of the training was to maximize the chances of the youths at the recruitment rally. Out of the 148 youths who appeared for the training, 111 were selected and registered online for the recruitment rally.
Of the 111 candidates who registered online, 87 turned up for the recruitment. (DIPRO, with inputs from defence sources)
