It was a different sight to behold as girls were seen taking part in a physical test for the police recruitment drive in Jammu and Kashmir for the post of constables. It was a contrasting picture of the earlier times, when young girls would be seen fighting pitched battles with security forces while protesting.

According to a report in ndtv.com, the tests conducted were held at RTC Ground Humhama and included the Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) for candidates of Kashmir.

Among the candidates, there were many who displayed keenness to serve the police. The tests were held from June 28 to 30.

For participant Jasia Farooq, it was always her dream to become part of the forces. Talking to ANI news agency she said: "It is my dream to work in the police force. There is a lot of unemployment in Kashmir. Even after studying hard, nothing happens. It has been a big dream since the very beginning to join the J-K police. I am proud of myself that I have qualified for the race.”

Munaza Feroz, too exhibited her ardour to join the State police. “"I have been eager to serve society since the very beginning. My family has also been supportive of my decision to join the police."

There was a section who wanted to work for the police in order to become financially independent. ANI spoke to one such woman candidate Sumandeep Kaur. "I had rigorously worked for the physical test. I urge the women to come forward and not miss such opportunities so that they can be independent. Women must learn to stand on their feet and not beg others for support."

The Physical Endurance Test and Physical Standard Test(PET/PST) of candidates of Kashmir Province for 2 Women BNs of J&K Police under way at RTC Ground #Humhama.Huge number of women candidates participating in tests.Tests are being conducted after observing all Covid protocols. pic.twitter.com/389qfmWdOp

— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) June 29, 2021

Dinesh Rani, the Additional Director-General of Police talking to the media said: “For the province of Jammu and Kashmir both, the recruitment process was initiated in 2019. In its first phase that we call PET and PST, a recruitment process was started on Monday for candidates from Kashmir province. On the first day, women from central Kashmir came. On the second day, we had women candidates from north Kashmir and on the third day, which is today, candidates from south Kashmir participated."

Describing the response from the women as fairly good, he added: “Two years ago, about 2000 women candidates had filled up the form, out of which 80 per cent have shown up for the test.”

He informed that Covid-19 had disrupted the process and that all Covid norms were followed during the test. “In the second phase of the process, a written test will also be conducted,” he informed.