Srinagar: Four unemployed educated youth today jumped into the Jhelum river in protest against the state government's failure to provide them jobs.

The four, wearing shrouds, jumped into river Jhelum at Badshah and Amirakadal bridges in the heart of the city but were rescued by the boatmen residing on the house boats on the banks of the main river, police said.

Immediately after the youth were brought to the banks, police took them into custody and shifted two of them to hospital for treatment.

The youth were part of a strong group of 200 ITI diploma holders who poured on the roads but were dispersed by police using a mild lathicharge.

Over a dozen protestors were also taken into preventive custody by police earlier during the day.

"We have been forced by the callous attitude of the government to take such an extreme step," one of the protestors said adding "All our efforts to peacefully highlight our problems and demands failed to evoke any response from the government."

"We are not seeking any undue favour. We have diploma and want the government to adjust us. If the government fails to take any action, we will resort to self immolation," he said.

They also tried to stage a hunger strike at Press enclave last night but dispersed peacefully after they were persuaded by police.
Source : PTI