Opinion | The Spread of Radicalization: When Youth Drifted Towards Unrest

The moment education gets interrupted, doubt creeps into the mind of youth, but the time learning resumes, hope prevails over fear

Kashmir, known for its scenic beauty, has also been infamous for its constant conflict, which has impacted its society and education system significantly. One of the impacts of this ongoing unrest was the radicalization of youth. In the mid 90’s, due to frustration and anger and the impact of separatist ideology, the youth started reacting in ways that reflected their state of mind. These manifestations were clearly witnessed on the street where children were not studying. This was a disturbing phase that highlighted the impact of unrest not only on education but also on the mindset of the youth.

Education has traditionally been looked upon as one of the major tools to establish peace and prosperity. However, in the face of ongoing conflicts, it is one of the first sectors to suffer. The constant strikes, curfews, school closures and general sense of fear made schooling sporadic. Students found it difficult to attend classes due to missing school hours, days, weeks, and even months. School timetables kept changing, examinations were postponed and schooling was made almost impossible. Schools could not be considered as learning institutions anymore, as regular education was becoming increasingly scarce. Under such conditions, impressionable young minds found themselves more vulnerable to negative influences. Being unable to concentrate on their studies and exposed to all forms of tension and unrest, the young people soon became targets of the negativity surrounding them. Being lost and confused, and seeking answers to existential questions such as who am I and why am I here, the streets served as a forum for expressing their frustrations.

The most disturbing element of this period was the involvement of even young girls minds in demonstrations in the streets. Historically, education has been considered a way out, particularly for females. However, once the unrest entered classrooms, this notion seemed to be threatened. Participation of female students in the demonstration meant that the struggle went far beyond the boundaries of its initial participants and affected the plans and mindset of a whole generation.

This period entailed numerous adverse outcomes. Disruption of education resulted in poor learning and attendance rates, uncertainty regarding the future, and a lack of motivation. While students at this age would normally think of developing their skills and career prospects, unrest distracted them from education and made them suspicious of all institutions. Moreover, the impact of the mentioned process went beyond educational and social aspects and concerned psychology, years of uncertainty led to increased tension and fear. The narrative of the education system in Kashmir in modern times tells a different and more positive tale.

There have been noticeable changes taking place in the educational milieu of Kashmir in recent times. One of the major changes in this regard is the return of normalcy to the system. Schools and colleges are running according to schedule; classes are being conducted, and students have the opportunity to study without having to face frequent disruptions to their studies, which had become a defining feature for them before. The most promising indication of all the changes is the fact that there are no more student protests occurring in the educational institutions. Instead of the streets witnessing protests and agitation from the students, the classrooms have students studying in pursuit of knowledge and skill development for the future.

There is also more focus on academic and career-oriented development. More young people have become active participants in examinations, competitions, professional courses, and other skill-based programs. There are also more schools providing improved facilities for learning, digital learning and platforms for extra-curricular activities, which can help students use their energies constructively. Such developments have gone a long way towards rebuilding the morale of the youth and motivating them to dream about success rather than rebellion. Similarly, one can see a change in attitude among the youth. Gone are the days when an atmosphere of fear used to pervade the educational process. Slowly but surely, things are improving and students are now seeing education as a means of empowering themselves and expressing themselves. The youth is now becoming increasingly aware of the importance of education as a stepping stone towards social mobility. The advancement in Kashmir’s education system doesn’t take away the harsh truths about the history of the area, but it reflects on the tenacity of the region’s people and educational institutions. It proves that as soon as stability is achieved, the youth will revert to what is natural for them, which is education and hope.

The case of Kashmir teaches us that when education is prioritized and protected, it turns out to be one of the most effective tools for combating radicalization. Schools give hope, opportunity, and discipline, which work against frustration and desperation. The obvious change seen in Kashmir’s educational institutions illustrates how the youth in Kashmir prefer academic achievement over protest and unrest when education isn’t interrupted.

The mid-2010s marked some of the toughest years for the youth in Kashmir, with the continuous period of instability impacting their studies as well as their mental state. But today holds a completely different tale—a tale of rehabilitation, strength, and positivity. With no instances of demonstrations at any educational institutions and increased attention towards academic progress, the education system of Kashmir is experiencing a tremendous change. The youth who were inclined towards chaos have turned towards success.

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