1. The World sees it from a different angle, people call it “Jannat “some of them come to the place and spend time with their family. But only this place and its people know the true dilemma they’re living in. Kashmir, the place that finds its mentions in numerous poems, countless love songs actually used to be the ground for controversy. Jihad fueled funds seek to corrupt the mind of bought young minds in the Valley, trying to infuse elements of radicalization in them since early childhood. It is a place where people seek refuge in tourism as a potent source of income, or if everything doesn’t go right, then take up arms to ease the pressure off their families. Locals however supportive of the security forces have to pretend to take the wrong side and to live under constant fear of the radical elements.
2. In a Valley such as this, to complete basic schooling is plausible and to gratitude from a college is considered to complete basic schooling is plausible and to graduate from a college is considered to be a big achievement. But what after that? Jobs are a scarce resource in Valley. Not all can get Govt jobs. However the youth tries for AAO, Excise, Banks, PO, etc. But it is very difficult and requires focus and constant attempts. Few who have money migrate to other states of India, like Pune, Bengaluru, Indore, etc. The rest who cannot afford to go outside have to stay in the valley and take up small businesses. Those who are daring enough try their luck in the state police. Daring, because the radical elements are at constant look out for the locals who are in services and forces. They’re their enemies and their families become soft targets. This being the reason these youths never reveal their identity out in the public.
3. We all know the case Lt Umar Fayaz, the young and upcoming Indian Army officer was travelling back home on leave when militant groups out of their hatred for security forces took him hostage, tortured and brutally killed him in cold blood. Since then many young officers from the Valley who have joined the security forces have kept their personal lives very anonymous. Even their close friends and relatives don’t know what and where they are serving. Some don’t even know what they are doing for a job. The secretive lives these people live these people live in their young age causes their families to grow apart from their society and community.
4. When a reputed job such as an officer in the Indian Army is celebrated and respected wholeheartedly in any other part of the nation, imagine living a quiet life where you can’t speak a single word about it to anyone you know. People who are wise will say things change for good in a few years. But only Kashmiris know it is very difficult to say so. Kashmiriyat and its essence has completely left the valley and has been replaced with radicalized young minds with no foresightedness, no career and unemployment, who are doing nothing for themselves or the valley but also posing threat for those who are actually making some change.
5. In the end I can only pray for the betterment of the Valley and its people. Eradicating radicalization from the Valley is very difficult and we all know it. But if we can instill good values among the children at school level, we can hope to make them good citizens for the valley. And that will change their mentality which is exactly what we can hope for.
