The Impact of Political Unrest on Education in Kashmir

For decades, Kashmir has been plagued by hartals, shutdowns, and protest calendars, disrupting daily life and severely affecting school education. While political headlines dominated the news, the “silent victim” was the school system, with closures, postponed exams, and irregular studies taking a toll on childhoods and future prospects.

Challenges Faced by Educational Institutions in Conflict Zones

In conflict-ridden societies like Kashmir, educational institutions are often the first to be shut down. Hartals in the region led to prolonged school closures, causing disruptions in the academic calendar, difficulty for teachers in covering the curriculum, and uncertainty for students and parents alike.

The Structural Impact on Education in Kashmir

Education in Kashmir suffered not just as an interrupted phenomenon but as a structural issue. The lack of consistency in schooling led to gaps in learning, affecting students’ progress in later years. Many students advanced without grasping foundational knowledge, impacting their performance in higher education and professional opportunities.

Psychological Ramifications of Extended School Closures

The loss of childhood experiences due to school closures had profound psychological effects on Kashmiri children, who grew up in environments of uncertainty and missed out on essential developmental opportunities. The absence of structured spaces and activities affected their emotional well-being.

The Impact on Professional Lives and Aspirations

The instability in education in Kashmir led to diminished professional opportunities for youth, impacting their aspirations to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, engineering, and teaching. The interrupted education resulted in a loss of confidence and preparation for national competitions.

The Shift in Priorities and the Decline of Hurriyat’s Relevance

As Kashmiri youth increasingly prioritize education, career opportunities, and a secure future, the relevance of political organizations like Hurriyat has declined. The focus has shifted towards uninterrupted learning, academic excellence, and professional development, leaving behind the chaos of political struggles.

The Path to Recovery and Stability

With schools reopening, academic calendars returning to normalcy, and a renewed emphasis on education and career paths, Kashmir is moving towards stability and progress. The transition from hartals to classrooms symbolizes a society choosing knowledge over loss and embracing a future built on education and opportunity.

Contact: pirzadarehan52@gmail.com