Heavenly Kashmir no longer a haven for its children

Jammu, Apr 22 (UNI) Kashmir might be eulogised as heaven on earth but for the state's own violence-scarred children, its no longer a safe haven.

More than 60 Kashmiri children, including 27 girls, who were adopted by 'Sarhad', a Pune-based NGO, said eighteen years of militancy had taken a toll on the psyche of the valley's generation next, and rejected the idea of spending their lives in ''the most beautiful place on earth''.

The children said other parts of India were better to live in than the bloodshed-tainted state. ''We do not want to settle down in Kashmir,'' they unanimously opined.

The children belonged to the militancy hubs of Kupwara, Budgam, Bandipora and other rural areas of Kashmir region and had lost their parents to militants' bullets and during encounters.

Some were children of militants killed by the security forces.

Coming back to Kashmir on a month-long summer vacation, these children told UNI that after completing their studies, they would like to settle down in Pune.

''In Kashmir, killings are a regular feature, and there are a lot of restrictions too...We love our birth place, but we don't want to live under the shadow of gun. We are fed up now,'' they said.

Bilal, a militant's son, who has secured 90 per cent in Class VII, said: ''I love mountains, snowfall and Kashmir, but not the bloodshed and militancy. I am studying hard to become a good citizen. My ambition is to become a doctor so that I can help the needy.'' Thirteen-year-old Shabnam Rashid said memories of the violence still haunt her.

Studying in Class IV, Shabnam said she aspired to become a successful pilot. ''If you want to come out of cruel times, you need to raise your worth. That's why I want to enjoy the taste of success by becoming a pilot,'' she said.

She preferred Pune to Kashmir, saying it was far better than the Valley as there were no ''unwarranted'' restrictions.

The girls recalled how they rode cycles freely and in a carefree manner in Pune.

Another young girl, Rubina Akhtar, who lost her mother to militancy, wanted to become a police officer and fight against the militants and other criminals.

Her younger sister Amisha, and the youngest inmate of 'Sarhad', a class I student Mubisher Ahmed, wanted to become a doctor and serve society.

Their caretaker Saida, who is looking after them for the last three years, informed that all the children were between six to 14 years of age and were happily staying in a hostel.

'Sarhad' worker Nazir Ahmed said the 65 children were selected on the recommendation of the Army, NGOs and local representatives.

''Their studies were suffering due to militancy...that is why 'Sarhad' adopted them,'' he added.

UNI