Kashmir’s Youth at a Crossroads: Dreams, Fears & Uncertainty in a Changing Landscape

Kashmir’s Youth at a Crossroads: Dreams, Fears & Uncertainty in a Changing Landscape

A Generation in Transition By: Javid Amin Srinagar 03 May 2025: In the heart of the Himalayas, Kashmir’s youth stand at a pivotal juncture. Amidst breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry, they grapple with aspirations and anxieties shaped by socio-political upheavals, economic challenges, and evolving global dynamics. This generation, vibrant and resilient, seeks to carve a future that transcends the shadows of conflict and uncertainty. Aspirations Amidst Adversity Pursuit of Quality Education Kashmiri youth place immense value on education as a pathway to empowerment. Despite infrastructural challenges and intermittent…

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Kashmir’s Substance Abuse Crisis: Families Grapple with Stigma and Despair

Kashmir’s Substance Abuse Crisis: Families Grapple with Stigma and Despair

Substance Abuse in Kashmir: A Crisis Unfolding In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, a dark and growing crisis is gripping families and communities—substance abuse. The story of Murtaza Hussain, a 27-year-old recovering heroin addict, sheds light on the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and their loved ones. A Promising Future Lost to Addiction Once a disciplined and ambitious student, Hussain’s life took a tragic turn during his 11th grade. His father recalls the early signs: withdrawing from family, skipping school, and staying out late. What began as bad company…

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Kathua Youth Commits Suicide After Alleged Police Torture; Authorities Order Probe

Kathua Youth Commits Suicide After Alleged Police Torture; Authorities Order Probe

A 25-year-old man, accused of involvement in militancy, allegedly died by suicide after reportedly being tortured by the police in Kathua district. Jammu 6 Feb: A 25-year-old man, accused of involvement in militancy, allegedly died by suicide after reportedly being tortured by the police in Kathua district. He was questioned in a case involving an attack on an Army convoy last year, in which four soldiers were killed. The death of Makhan Din, a resident of Billawar in Kathua and a member of the Gujjar community, has led both the…

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The Virtual Casino: How Kashmir’s Youth are Betting Their Futures Away

The Virtual Casino: How Kashmir’s Youth are Betting Their Futures Away

Online Gambling in Kashmir: A Silent Epidemic Fueling Financial Ruin and Emotional Despair By: Javid Amin The Rising Tide of Online Gambling in Kashmir In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, a silent crisis is unfolding. Online gambling, once a distant concern, has now become a pervasive issue, pushing countless families into financial ruin and emotional despair. What began as a seemingly harmless pastime has morphed into a full-blown epidemic, ensnaring the youth and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Experts warn that the accessibility of online betting platforms,…

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Securing Kashmir’s Tomorrow: Tackling Drug Addiction and Unemployment

Securing Kashmir’s Tomorrow: Tackling Drug Addiction and Unemployment

Kashmir’s Rising Challenges: Drug Addiction and Unemployment on the Rise By: Javid Amin The picturesque landscapes of Kashmir often capture the world’s admiration, but beneath this beauty lies a growing crisis that demands urgent attention. Rising drug abuse and widespread unemployment are creating a ripple effect of societal distress, pushing the region toward unprecedented challenges. This article delves into the complex issues contributing to the worsening scenario, explores the psychological impact on the community, and suggests possible solutions to restore hope and stability. The Drug Menace: A Growing Concern Kashmir…

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Hope Beyond Addiction: How Kashmir is Fighting the Gambling Menace

Hope Beyond Addiction: How Kashmir is Fighting the Gambling Menace

Entertainment to Hopelessness: The Impact of Internet Gambling on Kashmir Valley’s Social Well-Being By: Javid Amin The rise of internet gambling in the Kashmir Valley paints a stark picture of how technology, while revolutionary, can also create unforeseen societal challenges. What once might have been viewed as a casual pastime has evolved into a complex social issue, with devastating consequences for individuals and families. With the rapid proliferation of smartphones and affordable internet access, online gambling has gained a firm foothold in Kashmir, drawing in a generation of users seeking…

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From Darkness to Despair: A Psychological Portrait of Life Under Kashmir’s Essential Shortages

From Darkness to Despair: A Psychological Portrait of Life Under Kashmir's Essential Shortages

In the Shadows: The Psychological Impact of Essential Shortages in Kashmir By: Javid Amin Kashmir, often described as paradise on Earth, now grapples with a crisis that extends beyond the physical realm — a crisis that delves into the depths of psychological well-being. The severe shortage of essentials, particularly electricity and water, is not merely an inconvenience; it’s a silent assailant on the mental health of the people, casting a long and ominous shadow over their resilience. Darkness as a Daily Companion Picture this: enduring 16 hours of darkness every…

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Nearly 27,000 Calls to Kashmir’s Mental Health Helpline in 11 Months: A Wake-Up Call

Nearly 27,000 Calls to Kashmir's Mental Health Helpline in 11 Months: A Wake-Up Call

As Kashmir secured a top rank for receiving the highest number of calls in the Tele Mental Health Programme, it also indicated the scale of mental health crises in the conflict-ridden Valley. At the mental health day conclave in New Delhi early this week, Jammu and Kashmir was awarded for its work in the telemental health programme. The Health Secretary of J&K Dr Bhupinder Kumar said the centre has received 26,477 calls since the launch of the programme on November 4 last year. The major reasons for calling included anxiety…

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