These boys from J&K border towns studying in IITs prove new age youth in the terror-stricken region seek jobs, not guns

Four young boys from the border towns of Jammu and Kashmir have made their way to different IITs. This is the first time anyone from terrorist-infested areas of Poonch has made it to India's premier institute.

Usman Hafiz, Aqib Mujtaba, Hilal Ahmad, and Shahid Afridi's feat is a historic development for J&K and comes as a fresh hope for inhabitants of a state still in mourning over militant Burhan Wani's killing in July this year.

These teens, who represent the J&K's new age youth, are proving Burhan Wani and stonepelters are not the only face of the youth in the troubled state. They seek their state's development and more job opportunities.

Shahid, who hails from Shindra village, is pursuing a degree in computer science at IIT Kanpur. Meanwhile, Gujjar Muslims from the state are rejoicing as the other three boys are from their Kalai village. While 18-year-old Aqib is pursuing mechanical engineering at IIT Bhubaneswar, 17-year-old Usman is studying electrical engineering at IIT Delhi and 19-year-old Hilal is studying computer science at IIT Patna.

“It’s time J&K’s youth understand that those who ask them to turn into stone-pelters are instigators, not well-wishers. Poonch has seen no industry. The first thing that comes to mind is to bring rail connectivity and the knitwear industry to my region,” Usman told media.

(Image credit: Indiatimes)