Youth and Transitional Justice in Kashmir

This is the age of youth. In India youth and their aspirations have engaged the attention of policy makers as their role is increasing in the overall nation- building process. In Jammu and Kashmir State, for known reasons, youth related matters have assumed central importance. It is an established fact that militancy in Kashmir was led and fed by youth. The role of youth in the socio-economic development and overall nation -building is well recognized. Violence has seriously dented the resilient Kashmir identity. The social institutions have collapsed and society has become harsh, punitive, withdrawn, fearful and distrustful as well. There is need for a new social contract to reintegrate youth in the mainstream of social, economic and political life. The political parties and civil society institutions have a crucial role to play in the integration process.