"The youths are the key agents for development and peace. They should remain at the forefront in the struggle against anti-people policies of the government, corruption, and unemployment," senior party leader and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami told a youth convention.
Tarigami said unemployment is "haunting" the youth of the state and it is a cause of serious concern.
"The callous and insensitive approach of the government towards the issue has put our youths in a state of despair, despite learning new skills and equipping themselves to be eligible for gainful employment," he said.
He said a majority of "our people are in the prime of their age" and if properly empowered, all of them can contribute to the all-round development of the nation.
"Unfortunately, this demographic advantage is being wasted due to disastrous policies pursued by the government. It is not just the future of the youth that is at stake today, but the future of the state as well," he said.
He said unemployment among educated youths is mostly due to the "faulty education policies" and the government is "failing" in its duty to strengthen the education system by "neglect (it) and budget squeeze".