Srinagar: The unemployment crisis in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has reached a critical point, as demonstrated by the plight of two PhD scholars in Shopian who have resorted to selling dry fruits on the streets to survive.

Kashmir Media Service reports that despite holding advanced degrees and working as contractual lecturers in higher education for over a decade, these scholars have not secured stable employment. This situation highlights the gap between the Modi regime’s claims of economic progress in the region and the reality faced by its residents since August 2019.

Dr. Manzoor-ul-Hassan, with a doctorate in Political Science, and Dr. Masroor Ahmad, who holds a PhD in Economics, are now found selling dry fruits near the District Hospital Shopian. They struggle to support their families amidst rising unemployment in the region.

Dr. Manzoor, who has 13 years of experience in the higher education department, expressed his frustration over being jobless despite his qualifications. He criticized the lack of policies to provide stable employment for those who have dedicated years to the department. “There is no policy to accommodate those who have given their blood and sweat to the department for years,” he stated.

Dr. Masroor Ahmad echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the failures of the system to provide dignified employment. He emphasized that while there is no shame in earning a livelihood through honest means, it is disheartening to see scholars pushed to such lengths.

The situation faced by these scholars is not unique. Many highly qualified individuals in IIOJK are compelled to take on menial jobs, highlighting the inconsistency in New Delhi’s assertions of progress and prosperity in the region.