From pelting stone to sports

The expression of agitation by the youth of Kashmir of late has its genesis in the antagonism instigated by the local security forces. The personal narratives of young Kashmiris in anguish not only blemish the police but also speak of violation of human rights. Nabbing minors and keeping them in custody shadows the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, the aim of which is to secure the juveniles in a place where they're not exposed to negative influence which may etch an irreversibly negative impact on their psyche. A serious concern here is how such ongoings run a grave risk of the youth fostering more hatred for the authority which they should be ideally looking up to; instead, they admire the separatist ideology and feel motivated to (unknowingly) side with the organised crime segment. Union Home Ministry's move to retract cases against the stone-pelting minors reflects the Centre's determination to settle the unrest in the valley.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, announced to withdraw cases against those "misled into stone pelting". In a bid to help them secure their future, the Centre and the state government had initiated several schemes that serve to rehabilitate and reorient youth. "The power of education and miracle of sports will lead you to new successes. Seeing so many youth together here at the stadium, I can now assure you that no power in the world can stop ushering in a new dawn here," Singh said while addressing a gathering. He also felicitated several sportspersons from the state including nine-year-old Tajamul Ismal who won the kickboxing world championship against competitors from 90 countries. With the sanction of several projects, including development of stadiums in all districts of the state which is estimated to cost Rs 88 crore, the Home Minister said that J&K youth can change the destiny of India and the government is committed to changing the fate of the strife-stricken Valley. Pain and misery catalyse a feeling of retribution, which can take a superlative form depending on the severity of the pain induced and immaturity of the person. In this case, children, lacking appropriate wisdom to look at all aspects from a neutral and mature point of view, may end up taking arms against those who inflict misery. On the brighter side, positive development through initiated schemes in sports and employment gives the youth an undeterred path towards future. This move highlights the government's belief in the youth and counters the separatist influence that may have worked its way inside their heads while urging the youth to scale their potential and perform without obstructions.