Armed Conflict and its Impact on Children: A Study of Kashmir Valley

Abstract

For the security of the child's endurance, advancement and prosperity, The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) gives a worldwide sanction. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing an armed conflict since 1989.The Children of this state are one of the most worst affected group. They have not only witnessed as indirect victims of the war but have been at the receiving end of targeted violence of the state. The nature of the conflict of the state is such that the exposure to actual armed conflict is limited, but its impact and consequences on the lives of children are enormous in terms of repression, loss of security, and disrupted schooling, in this purpose an attempt is been made on how conflict in Kashmir valley has affected the children in almost all aspects of their childhood development, whether it is physical, mental or emotional. This paper will also analyze and evaluates the judicial and legal framework availed by the affected families for seeking justice in the case of children killings. The study will also analyze what policies and measures that had taken by central and state governments to protect children from the ongoing violence in Kashmir valley. This study will also examine the role of media and civil society to protect child rights in Kashmir valley. Finally, some recommendations will be put forth so that the cycle of violence against children will end and we will see again peaceful and prosperous life of children in Kashmir valley.