Srinagar, Jan. 10 -- National Conference on Saturday lambasted the J&K government's decision to reduce the age of eligibility for civil service aspirants by five years terming the step a stab into the future of the youth here.

In a statement, party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said the situation in Kashmir had grossly narrowed the career opportunities' of youth in J&K. He said that given the scenario and to help the aspirants who have not been able to pursue their careers due to it, the previous Governments had increased the age of eligibility. He said classes and academic calendars, as well as qualifying exams and interviews for jobs and services all took a hit in Kashmir in the past few years.

"In the recent years, we have seen how the...