SRINAGAR: In order to create employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, the state administration on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs for the youth of the region. Addressing the media here, Governor Satya Pal Malik said that these will be filled in the next three months. "We today announce 50,000 jobs in the Jammu and Kashmir administration, we will appeal to the youth to get involved with full vigour, in coming 2-3 months we will fill these positions," Malik said.


This will be the largest recruitment drive in the state, he added. The Centre, he said, will soon make a 'big' announcement on Jammu and Kashmir.

Asserting that the identity and culture of people of Jammu and Kashmir will be preserved, Malik said restrictions after the abrogation of Article 370 were necessary to prevent any civilian causalities.

The Internet is a handy tool for anti-national elements and the restoration of connections will be deferred for some more time, Malik said while addressing first press conference after the state's special status was revoked on August 5.

"We are opening mobile phone connectivity in Kupwara and Handwara districts(of Kashmir), soon we will open connectivity in other districts as well," he said.

He admitted that pellet guns were used by security personnel during protests in the Kashmir Valley and said forces took utmost precaution taken to prevent injuries.

"Every Kashmiri life is valuable to us, we don't want loss of even a single life. There has been no civilian casualty, only a few who got violent are injured, they have below the waist injuries," Malik told reporters.

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, which was passed by Parliament this month, the two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- will come into existence on October 31.