The Hidden Cost of Dissent, A Case Study

Abstract

The internal disturbance in Kashmir valley, which has dragged on for three decades, has had a deleterious impact on the masses of the region in terms of livelihood, progress and dignified living. This silent disaster has been generally played down by the mainstream media.  High unemployment, collapsed public education system, excesses by the security forces, pressures from mutually antagonistic powers, explosive growth in trauma cases, disappearance of youngsters, anxiety related deaths, increased cases of rapes and widening distrust with the security forces, disruption of privacy, disruption of the otherwise rhythmic life of the fringe communities of nomads etc. have deeply affected the collective psyche of the valley. A case study was carried out in the hamlets south of Qasigund on the Khider River to gauge the impact of the disturbances.