All they want is a fear-free life

All the students, including the few who had travelled first time beyond Jammu, admitted that life of an ordinary citizen had improved a lot but the the fear of militancy still loomed large.

Irfan, a class IX student, undeterred by the militant activities strongly believes that one day the Army would be able to overpower the militants and they would also enjoy normal life like all other people.

He attributes illiteracy and ignorance amongst Kashmiri youth coupled with continuous propaganda by Pakistan which lures them to easy money as the reason behind the problem.

Irfan told mediapersons that one of his relative, who was a member of the banned militant outfit Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) had left the organisation but was again lured by another outfit Hizbul Mujhadin, was killed during one of its operation.

He said earlier, militants used to force girls into marriage and indulged in extortions but situation had improved ever since.

Recalling his earlier fear of Army men, Abid, a student from Kupwara district, said that earlier, the mere sight of an Army man used to create terror because of the way they used to conduct house-to-house search for the militants. He said we were all made to stand outside our homes and then the search was conducted. Abid said,“ It was very humiliating and I always used to hold my brother’s hand, but now an Armyman means safety and security”.

Ahmed, who is a high school student, said militants had burnt most of the school buildings but now classes were being held regularly and without any fear. Informing that Kashmiri language had been introduced in the school Ahmed said that the medium of instruction was Urdu and English and Hindi was not being taught.

Sayed Bukhari, whose father was killed by Army, said he bears no grudge against the force since it was a case of mistaken identity. A Class VIII student, Sayed wants to be a doctor but doubts that his family would ever be able to pay for his education as they lost all of their belongings during a militant attack on their home.

A teacher, who accompanied the students, said there was no problem any more and the schools were functioning normally. He said the Army had kept the militants at bay and added that there was no dress code for girls as was earlier.

Another teacher from Baramula said there were no Hindu students in their school and all of them had left long back, he added.

Almost all the students said the locals, who were disenchanted with the militant activities, had now started helping the security forces and even informed them of their hideouts. They said they had heard of Sudanese and Afghani militants operating in the Valley.

Maj Gen Avtar Singh VSM GOC Panther Division interacted with the children and inquired about the situation in the valley and encouraged them to join the Army.

The students also visited the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh.