KL Report
SRINAGAR
Youths from various parts of valley Tuesday spoke their heart out about their anxieties and aspirations in an impressive gathering held at a local auditorium in Srinagar.
Lehar, a ‘non-political’ NGO had organized a daylong seminar entitled ‘Kashmir Youth: Anxieties and Aspirations’. The seminar was attended by various personalities from diverse fields.
Noted Economist Professor Nisar Ali highlighted the various bureaucratic and administrative difficulties faced by the people in the valley on day to day basis. Professor Ali lamented that the state tourism hasn’t realized its potential fully thereby “creating frustration at diverse levels”.
Industrialist Shakeel Qalander blamed the entire political spectrum of the valley, both mainstream and separatists for adopting an insensitive approach towards the problems confronted by the people. “On one side the ruling elite was on sell-out as far as our resources are concerned while the separatists never were sensitive to the socio-economic issues concerning the masses,” he added.
Chairperson Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies, Prof Hameedah Nayeem expressed her displeasure over the deliberate attempt to divide youth of Kashmir on various lines such as south, central, north Kashmir and other regions. This according to professor nayeem has led to the situation in which “Kashmir was unable to develop its own collective narrative, which would help it to confront and resolve the various issues plaguing the valley”.
Senior journalist Masood Hussain voiced upon the various challenges faced by the people and youth of Kashmir. Besides, he urged the people to draw upon Kashmir’s inner strengths to resolve its’ problems saying, “We have the capacity to do and undo”.
Social activist Dr Javed Iqbal narrated the historical perspective of Kashmir problem. Acknowledging that the older generation has collectively failed to address the major challenges, he called upon the youth to “face these challenges and resolve them, so that the future generations don’t accuse them of similar inaction”.
The youth brigade participating in the seminar was vocal about their anxieties and aspirations. A number of KAS probationers who spoke on the occasion insisted the youth to harness their power for a change. Youths from Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara and other areas expressed their hopes for giving Kashmir a better future.
