Mohammad Akram
On the Cement Bridge over the Jhelum River in Baramulla, the air once carried the smell of tear gas and burning rubber. For much of the past decade, this town, the gateway to North Kashmir, was at the heart of regional unrest. The 'stone-pelter' was a common sight among young men, driven by grievances and economic stagnation, often confronting security forces in a deadly cycle every Friday. Today, the scene has changed: slogans on the walls have been replaced by ads for coaching centres and 'Digital India.' Teenagers who once threw stones are now queuing at private libraries early in the morning, their backpacks filled not with projectiles but with books on Indian politics and world history.
The shift of Kashmir’s youth from the 'Stone-Pelting Decade' to what is now emerging as a 'Development Decade' is particularly visible in the rugged northern districts. Once seen as the 'hinterland of insurgency,' these border areas are now experiencing a profound social transformation, shifting from street protests to education and economic activity, marking the most significant change in Kashmiri minds.
In 2018, Baramulla was declared an 'Aspirational District' due to poor socio-economic indicators. Remarkably, it has since risen to the top in national progress rankings. This change is driven largely by youth-led efforts toward economic independence. In Sopore, home to Asia’s large fruit markets, old strike customs have been replaced by tech-driven trade. Young entrepreneurs now use cold-chain logistics and e-commerce to serve markets in Dubai and Bangalore, viewing orchards not as sites of conflict but as global assets. Cultural shifts are also evident: Aquib Nabi, a local cricketer, was recently signed in the IPL auction, offering a new model of success. In town, young people from formerly stone-throwing neighbourhoods now compete in local cricket and football leagues under floodlights, with stadiums becoming the new venues for youth expression.
Further north, Kupwara, a district bordering the LoC, once known for infiltration, is the 'IAS Factory' of Kashmir. In villages like Lolab and Karnah, the success of youth in clearing UPSC exams has sparked a change. For young people here, influence is no longer through guns but civil service careers. Despite past internet shutdowns, literacy rates have improved steadily. Initiatives like 'Mission Youth' have established centres counselling over 12,000 youth, guiding them toward self-employment in areas like high-density farming and boutique textiles. The frontier mentality is being channelled into mastering the Indian Constitution.
Bandipora, known historically for its emphasis on knowledge, literature, and water, is witnessing a digital revolution led by young women. In community-run centres, girls teach elders how to operate digital banking, signalling greater digital independence. In Gurez Valley, once a restricted military zone, youth are now promoting a tourism-based economy, turning homes into homestays and acting as trekking guides, gaining a tangible stake in peace. They understand that even a single stone thrown on the highway could cost the season’s tourists.
The impact of Article 370 abrogation on youth behaviours is evident. The vacuum left by the departure of separatist leaders has led many youth to adopt pragmatism. The 'New Kashmir' narrative is supported by a significant budget of $1.3 billion for 2024-25. The focus is on economic integration leading to emotional unity. This is reflected in the record 58% voter turnout during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where youth participation showed a desire for accountability rather than unrest. However, this transition has come with a psychological toll. Psychiatrists in Baramulla and Srinagar report rising anxiety and 'performance pressure' among youth navigating a competitive economy while dealing with past trauma. Increasing PTSD, anxiety, heroin addiction linked to unemployment, and the feeling of needing to catch up with the world are some challenges. The region is now fighting a 'War on Drugs' as intense as its previous security struggles.
North Kashmir’s story is no longer about a 'lost generation' but a 'found generation', one that has discovered its voice through education rather than protests. They’ve moved beyond stones because they realise that while stones break windows, books can build houses. Kashmir’s 'Mainstreaming' remains fragile and haunted by the past, but every girl opening a laptop or boy passing a national exam signifies progress. The decade of change proves that Kashmiris, when faced with a choice between grievances and opportunities, prefer the future. The world’s challenge is to see Kashmir not through the lens of 1947 but through that of its ambitious, technology-savvy, and resilient youth.
(The author can be reached at akramiiim@gmail.com)
