GENERATIONS OF RAGE IN NAYA KASHMIR
Kashmir is always been more than a place. It has the quality of an experience, or a state of mind, or an ideal perhaps -Jan Morris
Society shapes the mould in which its youth blooms. The youth are a reflection of the society and the future it wants to create. Thus, it is but imperative that we must provide our youth the necessary tools to create a vibrant future. This rings truer for a land long seeped in conflict and yearns for positive change.
The protracted proxy conflict in Kashmir propagated by Pakistan and its non-state proxies have resulted in a complete breakdown of societal infrastructure and support system. With the consequent violence and bloodshed carrying on for three decades, a generation of young Kashmiris have grown up in this broken system.
Whilst its progenitors from across the border have cheered on the bloodletting and killings, it has left an entire generation of hopeful and honest Kashmiris with no future. A previous generation of Kashmir has been lost due to the protracted propaganda and misguided rage. It achieved no solutions, no celebrations, no dictums but only misery and lost opportunities.
Current Challenges
The current generation of youth has faced enormous odds against the path towards a life of normalcy and peace. They have grownup amidst chaos and lockdowns, frequent strikes dictated by power centres with clout and vested interests.A narrative of continued dissidence and violence has dominated the landscape. The youth have only witnessed a sense of gloom and negativity. They have witnessed their own brethren brainwashed to a path of death and doom. Their schools have remained closed for extensive periods hampering all prospects of education and qualification for mainstream jobs.
Job opportunities and prospects are limited and often hindered due to nepotism and corruption. Bureaucratic mazes and a dysfunctional civic support system adds to this burden. Governmental benefits fail to reach the vulnerable and the weakest links of society. Instead, it has exposed the most impressionable sections of the society to the fallacies of dysfunction and thus, created a fertile ground for dissention, which in turn is rampantly used by virulent forces of violence to spread disaffection and encourage subversion.
Industry and job prospects have remained dim over the last few decades even as the nexus of rich politicians and separatist leaders have gone about filling their own pocket, there has been a non-conducive environment for business in the region. External investment has generally stayed away due to the continued volatility and a prevalent culture of strikes, terrorism and lockdowns. This is has been further aggravated by the poor state of internet connectivity in the region and frequent internet shutdowns. Internet is critical for businesses to function and thus, has hampered prospects.
A New Dawn
There has been a significant shift in the status quo with sweeping reforms central to the Abrogation of Article 370. This significant churning has dismantled the old nexus which has been desperate to maintain the status quo of violence and bloodshed as it kept them relevant and in power. With this cobweb of redundancy effectively cleaned, it has paved way for numerous possibilities and much needed changes.
The youth of this Naya Kashmir crave equal opportunities as those of others in the rest of India. They are vibrant and inquisitive in their quest for knowledge and opportunities. They aspire for the exposure that internet provides and desperate for new avenues and opportunities for skill development and learning, enabling them for jobs and services.
Opportunities in tourism and hospitality sectors are set to boom, as is the push for massive infrastructure projects. There is a renewed interest in the valley from filmmakers and artists from all over India. Industries look with renewed opportunism at the immense possibilities and potential.
A new generation of Kashmiri are growing with a new form of rage. They seek a new dawn abound with paths to fulfil their dreams. They realise the difference between their circumstances and those of their peers elsewhere and thus, dream for a better future. The numerous outreach drives and other programmes held in this regard by the Indian Army are especially noteworthy as it goes a long away in bridging this disparity.
However, it is only a comprehensive and radical change instituted through efficient local governance and civil-military partnership which will ensure the sustainability of this dream and allow a new dawn to flourish in the Valley.
