Agartala, Jan. 14: At a time when the Indian Armed forces are facing a shortage of new recruits, youngsters in the north east are eager to join national cause. This was evident during a recently held recruitment drive by the Indian Air Force here.

Thousands of youth from across the north east region arrived here for the two-tier Indian Air Force’s week-long recruitment programme.

Aspirants said that their basic motivations were employment, the prevalence of wide scale insurgency in their region, and an opportunity to serve the motherland.

Rumi Singh, one of the aspirants from Manipur, said: "In Manipur, insurgency problems are insurmountable, which is something we don't like. All of us youngsters want to serve the country that's why we have come here."

Many of the youth were enthusiastic about the idea that a job in the Armed forces would enable them to serve the nation.

Pritam Bhattacharjee, one of the aspirants from Tripura, said: “I want to join the Indian Air Force because I want to chalk out a career in fighting from the skies. Secondly it's a golden opportunity for the youngsters of the northeast provided by the air force, through which they can show their talent and do something for the nation."

The Indian Air Force which is on a drive to reduce regional disparities wants to give the talented youth of the north eastern states a fine opportunity to move ahead in life.

Over a thousand youth arrived for the technical and non-technical selection examinations, of which, 25 percent could qualify.

Wing Commander I. V. R. Rao, Commanding officer of the Indian Air Force’s recruitment unit, said: "The Indian Air force is making an attempt to create a regional balance in the recruitment process. And hence, this recruitment rally, was conducted in Agartala. It is only open to candidates, who belong to the north east region of India."

Earlier similar rallies were conducted at Shillong, Kohima and Silchar to bring to the doorstep the opportunities for recruitment of the youths from the region.

The youth of the north east believe that such drives are quite useful. (ANI)