Kashmiri Women under the shadow of violence

Mufakkir Wani

During last three decades, every section of society in Kashmir has suffered but women have been worst sufferers. They have been worst sufferers in terms of both physically and psychologically. The unrealistic dream propagated by some vested interests (organization) in the last three decades which lured young kids has ultimately led to unending sufferings to their womenfolk. Many surveys conducted over the years have revealed that mothers, sisters and even distant relatives of these young boys suffer Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These young boys who should have been holding laptops and toys were handed stones to become cannon fodder for the agenda of vested elements that bring death and destruction here and nothing else. Unfortunately, these emotional kids never understand how their acts would bring a lot of miseries and pain to their families.

After looking back at the last three decades, every Kashmiri will agree on one thing- the new season was of death, destruction and pain only and women became worst sufferers. We are witness to everything- unending stories of pain and sufferings – a kid girl of a police officer wailing the loss of her father by unknown gunmen, the heart-piercing shrieks of a mother whose son was killed for being informer, the killing of a Srinagar Woman in cross-firing where celebration turned into mourning. The list is long and more tragic. Who can forget the gruesome broad daylight killing of a father and his two political leader sons in Bandipora?
Time has come for everyone particularly our young generation and our leaders to think and take a stand on how to come out from the abyss of violence which is ready to engulf our future generations’ as well. These leaders have to think now how to save our fragile women folk from more physical and psychological trauma.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Morn or its members.