Hopes of Kashmir's 'Generation Rage' who lost after battling Indian forces on streets for 11 years

Summary

The transcript delves into the journey of young Kashmiris who, from 2008 to 2019, engaged in protests and stone-pelting against Indian forces, especially following the killing of social media icon Burhan Wani. Many of these individuals, who were once involved in such acts during their teenage years, are now preparing to vote for the first time in upcoming elections. The narrative explores their reflections on past involvement, experiences of imprisonment, and their outlook on politics and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights how this generation has evolved and their hopes for peace and reconciliation.

Takeaways

• 😀 A generation of young Kashmiris from 2008 to 2019 was marked by anger and protest, particularly against Indian forces.
• 😡 The 2016 killing of social media icon Burhan Wani ignited significant unrest in Kashmir.
• 🗳️ Many young Kashmiris who have never voted before, approximately 2.5 million, will participate in the upcoming elections.
• ⚖️ Former stone-pelters, once at the forefront of protests, now reflect on their actions and hope for a peaceful future.
• 💬 One interviewee, Majid, explains that during his youth, he was involved in stone-pelting because everyone else was doing it.
• 👮 Majid was arrested in 2017, one year after Burhan Wani’s death, and spent time in jail.
• 😔 He reflects on how his involvement in protests disrupted his life, but now he seeks forgiveness and peace.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Majid, now married with children, works as a fruit vendor and hopes the government will pardon his past actions.
• 🛠️ Another interviewee, arrested in 2010 at the age of 14, shares his experience of spending five years in jail under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
• 💡 Both men express that they were once driven by hope for Kashmir's independence but now feel the need to live peacefully, contributing to society in their own ways.

Q & A

What significant event in 2016 escalated tensions in Kashmir, according to the transcript?

The killing of Burhan Wani, a social media icon and a militant leader, escalated tensions in Kashmir in 2016, leading to widespread unrest.

How many young people in Kashmir are expected to vote for the first time in the upcoming assembly elections?

Approximately two and a half million young people who have never voted in an assembly election before are expected to vote in the upcoming elections.

What was Majid's age when he first got involved in stone-pelting, and how does he reflect on that time now?

Majid was 16 years old when he first got involved in stone-pelting. He now reflects that at the time, he was immature and influenced by the actions of others, but he has since matured and regrets his past actions.

What reasons did Majid give for getting involved in stone-pelting?

Majid mentioned that at the time, everyone around him was involved in stone-pelting, and he joined in without much thought, influenced by the larger crowd.

Did Majid ever receive money for participating in stone-pelting?

No, Majid stated that he and others participated in stone-pelting voluntarily, and no one offered them money to do so.

What is Majid’s current occupation, and how has his life changed since his involvement in stone-pelting?

Majid now runs a fruit cart and lives a peaceful life. He has a family with four daughters and no longer engages in any form of unrest.

What impact did Majid’s involvement in stone-pelting and subsequent arrest have on his career prospects?

Majid believes that his involvement in stone-pelting and the resulting criminal cases damaged his career prospects, as he has been unable to secure a stable job.

How does Majid feel about the possibility of the government pardoning his past actions?

Majid is hopeful that the government will forgive his past mistakes, especially considering his young age at the time, and he wishes to move on with his life.

What were the emotions and hopes of Kashmiris during the time of Burhan Wani's death?

During Burhan Wani's death, many Kashmiris believed that freedom and change were imminent. However, these hopes eventually faded as nothing substantial came out of the unrest.

How have Majid and his peers' views on politics and Kashmir’s future evolved since their involvement in the unrest?

Many, including Majid, have now distancedthemselves from the violent unrest of their youth. They are focused on living peaceful lives and are cautiously hopeful that the upcoming elections and political changes may bring some resolution to their concerns, though there is still skepticism about what the future holds.