Youth turn up for army recruitment rally at Leimakhong in large numbers

Enthusiastic young men recently gathered at the Kendriya Vidyalaya football ground in Leimakhong in Manipur's Senapati District to participate in a recruitment rally organised by the Indian Army.

Thousands of youth from different districts of Manipur and Nagaland took part in the process that started on May 15 and continued till May 25.

The preliminary screening took place district-wise.

Through this recruitment drive, hundreds of people will be selected and absorbed into the different regiments of the Indian Army.

Recruitment Officer Brigadier R.V. Singh said: "In the last four to six rallies, we have never had more number of candidates than those who have passed. We don't go below a certain level. A person has to pass in everything for him to be recruited. And, we are happy with the response."

The candidates were selected after rigorous physical and health screenings.

The Indian Army and other security forces regularly conduct such recruitment programmes in the region with an aim to increase the presence of youth from the northeast in the armed forces.

Currently, a number of vacancies are available for candidates from Manipur and Nagaland for soldier general duty, tradesmen and various other categories.

The recruitment rally not only provides these youth with a chance to serve their country, but also gives them a good employment opportunity.

Candidate Chittaranjan Singh said: "I just want to serve my people and my country."

Candidate Ningthoukohongjam Ranjan Singh said: "I want to get into defence .I don't want to join any insurgent outfit as people don't accept them.Instead, I want to serve in defence all my life."

The enthusiasm displayed by the youth to join the armed forces reflects their keen interest to be a part of the mainstream and work towards the development of the country.