Youth on a wrong track
By: Er Aausyf Ibn Farooq, Meer Harris Turabbi
Kashmir, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is currently grappling with a concerning issue: the loss of its young generation to various social evils. Over the past few months, alarming incidents have highlighted the involvement of young individuals in activities that have far-reaching consequences. From engaging in haram relationships and succumbing to drug addiction to misusing social media platforms, the youth of Kashmir are facing a myriad of challenges that are impacting their well-being, prospects, and the overall fabric of society.
Haram Relationships
One of the pressing issues plaguing the youth in Kashmir is the entanglement in haram relationships. These relationships, often termed “haram” in Islam, refer to illicit affairs or relationships outside the boundaries of marriage leading to emotional distress, family conflicts, and a sense of disconnection from societal values.
Such relationships often result in broken families, shattered dreams, and prospects and a loss of direction for the young individuals involved. The consequences of haram relationships extend beyond personal lives, impacting the social fabric of communities and creating rifts within society.
Drug Addiction
Another concerning trend is the increasing prevalence of drug addiction among Kashmir’s youth. The accessibility and availability of drugs have made it easier for young individuals to fall into the vicious cycle of substance abuse. Drug addiction not only destroys the physical and mental health of individuals but also disrupts familial relationships, limits educational and career opportunities, and fuels criminal activities. The loss of potential and talent due to drug addiction is a tragedy that Kashmir cannot afford to ignore.
The prolonged socio-political unrest in Kashmir has resulted in a detrimental impact on the valley’s younger generation, leading to a significant rise in drug abuse. According to data from the Srinagar Police Control Room’s de-addiction centre, out of the total registered drug abusers, the majority (81%) fall within the age group of 18-35 years.
The alarming increase in patient flow at the centre is evident, with registrations rising from 633 in 2019 to 1,978. Surprisingly, over 19% of the drug abusers are females, indicating a rising trend in female drug abuse in the otherwise conservative society.
The centre, established in 2008, has treated over 10,000 individuals so far. Additionally, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reports that there are around 70,000 drug addicts in the Kashmir division, with 31% of them being women. This data underscores the severe impact of the prolonged unrest on the youth in the region.
Social Media Misuse
The rise of social media platforms has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits and opportunities for connectivity. However, the misuse of these platforms has had devastating effects on the youth of Kashmir. Instead of utilising social media as a tool for education, empowerment, and positive engagement, many young individuals are getting caught up in the pursuit of online fame, materialistic pursuits, the allure of quick money and the temptation to create YouTube channels and earn money has overshadowed the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills through formal education. The consequences of this misplaced focus include a detachment from reality, distorted values, and neglect of personal growth and educational pursuits.
“Indeed, you have a smartphone, doesn’t mean that you are smart!”
Disturbing incidents and their implications
In recent months, Kashmir has witnessed several disturbing incidents that serve as stark reminders of the challenges faced by its youth. Stabbing cases involving juveniles and shocking murders have sent shockwaves through society, highlighting the urgent need for intervention, guidance, and support. The implications of these incidents extend far beyond the immediate tragedy, as they reflect deeper societal issues that demand attention and action.
Addressing the Challenges
The government, community leaders, and families must come together to address the challenges faced by Kashmir’s youth. Effective measures should be implemented to promote awareness about the consequences of haram relationships, provide access to rehabilitation and counselling programs for drug addicts, and educate young individuals about responsible social media usage.
In addition, efforts must be made to channel the energy and creativity of Kashmir’s youth towards productive endeavours ourageingng educational pursuits, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and creative outlets that can help redirect the focus from harmful activities to positive growth and development.
The Role of Parents
Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children towards responsible smartphone usage. While smartphones offer numerous benefits and opportunities for connectivity and learning, they also present potential pitfalls. It is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about the proper use of smartphones, including the dangers of excessive screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, and the negative impact on interpersonal relationships.
Parental guidance should involve setting clear boundaries, monitoring online activities, and fostering open communication about the ethical and moral implications of smartphone usage. By instilling Islamic values and teaching responsible behaviour, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology while staying true to their religious beliefs.
Encouraging Digital Literacy
While parents should be vigilant about their children’s smartphone usage, it is equally important to empower young individuals with digital literacy skills. Teaching them how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and discern between beneficial and harmful content will enable them to make informed decisions.
Parents can guide their children to access educational and Islamic content online, ensuring that their smartphone usage becomes a means of personal growth and spiritual enrichment. By fostering a balance between technology and traditional learning, parents can encourage their children to seek knowledge, engage in productive discussions, and develop a strong sense of identity rooted in Islamic values.
In light of the above, it can be finished up that the loss of the youth generation in Kashmir due to haram relationships, drug addiction, and social media misuse is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Society needs to come together and create an environment that nurtures the potential, aspirations, and well-being of the youth. By addressing these challenges and providing support systems, Kashmir can pave the way for a brighter future, where its young individuals can thrive, contribute positively to society, and reclaim their rightful place as the driving force behind the region’s progress.
