STOLEN CHILDHOOD

A REPORT FROM KIIR

1
 The Authors & Researchers
Altaf Hussain Wani,
Published by
Mehr un Nisa
Kashmir Institute of Ayesha Waheed
International Relations, Islamabad Nisaar Thakur
“Children don’t start wars but they are prone to being hit
the hardest by the wars/conflicts. Each day of the ongoing
conflict is another day stolen from their childhood.”
Henrietta H. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots
of Responsibility and the Wings of Independence.”
Denis Waitley

“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for

much.”
Marian Wright Edelman

3
 Foreword 5

Introduction 6

Killings 9

Half Orphans 11

Impact Of Conflict On
TABLE Children’s Education 13

OF The Year Of Mass Blinding 18

CONTENT Impact Of Conflict On

Children’s Health 21

Illegal Detention 23

Legal Frameworks 25

Killing Cases 26

Detention & Pellet Victims Cases 38

4
 FOREWORD
I am honoured to write the Foreword to this
important report from the Kashmir Institute for
International Relations (KIIR). Stolen Childhood
of Kashmir Children documents the suffering of
children living in Jammu & Kashmir under decades
of brutal occupation by India and its Armed Forces.
The research and case studies reveal the misery and
despair of children living in a conflict environment,
their dreams and hopes for a better life constantly
crushed.
Thousands of children have been blinded in pellet-
firing shotgun attacks by the Indian Armed Forces.
Thousands more have been illegally arrested and
imprisoned. Hundreds have been killed or died
in custody. Over 200,000 children have been
orphaned or half-orphaned in the conflict. Education
opportunities are impeded by frequent military
lockdowns, and the internet constantly shut down to
cut Kashmiris off from the world. Their employment
opportunities are minimal, and their physical and
mental health is a serious cause of concern. The
future for Kashmiri children is grim.
Stolen Childhood of Kashmir Children graphically
details the abuses by the Indian occupying forces
that are contrary to the Convention on the Rights
of the Child and its Optional Protocol. It is hard to
imagine the level of callousness of any Government
and its military that targets innocent children and so
blatantly disregards international law.

Jennifer McKay is an I applaud the KIIR team and authors, Altaf Hussain
advisor on humanitarian Wani, Mehr un Nisa, and Ayesha Wahleed, for their
crises. She has worked for tireless dedication over many years to bring the
plight of Kashmiri children into the global spotlight.
UN and other stakeholders
Stolen Childhood of Kashmir Children is a call to
in major emergencies.
action and a must-read for all who care about
Jennifer writes frequently
children’s human rights. The world cannot continue
on the lives of those
to ignore the plight of Kashmiri children.
affected by conflict and
Jennifer McKay
disasters including the
people of Kashmir.

5
 INTRODUCTION
Kashmir, which some would argue to be a colonial state, is now
becoming a society bereft of free thinking. Where speaking and
demanding the rights is taboo. The fear is suffocating. Imagine your
family and relatives reprimanding you for speaking your mind just
because the state doesn’t like the written words.
It is hard to imagine the state of mind of the adolescents or the youth
growing up with such atmosphere around them. It’s not only the
brunt of the physical subjugation faced by them, but it’s the brutal
occupation of their thoughts in their tender age which gets to them.

Decades of conflict have left Kashmir

completely devastated, its population
profoundly and violently affected and its future
bleak. Besides consuming Kashmiris’ three
generations the long-drawn conflict hangs like
a sword of Damocles over their heads. The life
of the Kashmiris is sadly crippled by the long-
running dispute. After the passage of seventy-
three years, Kashmiris find themselves
trapped in the vortex of violence. Apart from
uncounted deaths and destruction, violent
conflict has created a humanitarian calamity
of widening proportions. Systematic violence
and state repression have inexpressibly
affected and impacted every segment of
society. The fact remains that no facet of
life in Kashmir has been left unaffected by
the brutal war that India has imposed on
it. However, being a vulnerable segment of
childhood activities and cherished memories.
society children in Kashmir have been the
Grown-up witnessing nothing but the sounds
worst victims of direct and indirect forms of
of gunshots, killings and cries of the injured, the
violence and brutality, which has left indelible
children have lost the meaning of childhood.
imprints of war on their memory. Born and
brought up in the violence this new generation Hundreds of innocent children have fallen to
finds itself exiled in their own homeland. The the bullets of the Indian army while thousands
sense of insecurity and constant fear of being of others have become orphans after losing
killed, humiliated and harassed by the troops their parents, and many have been left to rot
outside the children of Kashmir have forced in detention and interrogation centers without
them to remain homebound. The atmosphere any fault. Designated as children of conflict
of violence has virtually robbed them of their this young generation of Kashmir has been

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

6
searing in the flames of withering injustice,
discrimination, violence and war imposed on
them by the Indian state. While this deadly
war is being waged on the streets, lanes and
by-lanes there seems to be no end to the
children’s sufferings.
Apart from the dire economic impact, the
violence has cast a dark shadow on the physical
and mental health of Kashmiri children. Having
seen their loved ones killed by the firing of the
Indian army the Kashmiri children have been
under tremendous mental depression. Anxiety,
fear and trauma occupy their early emotional
state has led to other psycho-social problems.
The conflict has snatched from them the
most cherished childhood days full of joy and
happiness. The fear instilled in their hearts and
minds is so deep that no amount of love and
lures inducing lullabies could pull them out of
despair and despondency. The mists of doom
and gloom have surrounded their small spaces
like the shades of eternal doom. Like caged
birds unable to set themselves free or stretch
their wings to touch the sky, the conflict has
A REPORT FROM KIIR
reduced Kashmiri children to limped creatures
who could neither freely walk through the
lane nor wade into the lake.
Due to the scale of the violence, it has been
quite difficult to determine the exact number
of the victims, however, the magnitude of
violence and its impact on the children could
be gauged from a Save-the-Children survey.
The report details the various ways in which
children have been victimized over the last
several years. According to the survey at least
318 children were killed, among them 72 girls
from 2003 to 2017. Holding Indian armed
forces largely responsible for the violence the
report reveals that 144 children were killed by
Indian armed forces and state police which is
nearly half, 44 percent, of the total number of
children killed.
The survey further revealed that there are 2,
14,000 orphan children in Kashmir and 37
percent of them have become orphans due to
the continued conflict and perpetual violence.
Suffering from many psycho-social problems
many orphan children could not continue
7
 their education and some of them are
studying in orphanages run by socio-religious
organizations.
It is worth mentioning that during the 2016
uprising alone, more than 10,000 civilians
were hit by pellets. The youngest victims
were18-months-old Haba Nisar, five-year-
old Bareena and eight-year-old Zafeer who
had accompanied their father to buy petrol.
Renowned Kashmiri novelist Mirza Waheed
had aptly called the 2016 violence the world’s
first mass blinding.
Like other parts of the world Children of
Kashmir deserve the right to live a peaceful
life in a violence-free environment. Like
children of free nations, these silent sufferers
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
8
of the conflict deserve the right to health and
education. Born amidst the war and violence
the young generation has a strong desire to
see an end to this vicious cycle of violence that
continues to bruise their hearts and souls. It is
time that the world should stand up for the
rights of Kashmiri children so that they can be
able to live a normal, dignified and peaceful
childhood.
Indian security forces have killed at least 894
children in occupied Kashmir over the past 30
years.1 A report titled Dead But Not Forgotten
in 2006 by Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil
Society (JKCCS) revealed that the number of
1 894 children killed in Occupied Kashmir in 30 years: report,”
Pakistan Today Nov 21, 2019 accessed on Dec 23, 2020, https://www.
pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/11/21/894-children-killed-in-occupied-kash-
mir-in-30-years-report/
 KILLINGS
children killed from 1989 to 2005 are 392 (43
were females) out of 5106 which accounts for
nearly 8% of the total people killed, while, 318
children were killed in the region between
2003 and 2018.
According to the United Nations’ report on
Children and Armed Conflict eight children
were killed and seven were injured. It is
reported that torture in detention, shootings,
extensive use of tear-smoke shells and pellet
shotguns resulted in killings of at least 16
children in 2019.2
According to the United Nations’ report on Children and
Armed Conflict eight children were killed and seven were
injured. It is reported that torture in detention, shootings,
extensive use of tear-smoke shells and pellet shotguns
resulted in killings of at least 16 children in 2019.
On June 07, 2020, the Indian occupation
2 Ishtiaq Wani and Raashid Hassan, “Scarred, ill or killed: How
the Kashmir conflict impacts children,” The Carvan Aug 05, 202, accessed
on Dec 23, 2020, https://caravanmagazine.in/conflict/scarred-ill-or-killed-
how-the-kashmir-conflict-impacts-children
A REPORT FROM KIIR
forces martyred nine Kashmiri youth during
the 24 hours in ‘fake’ encounters and so-called
‘cordon-and-search’ operations in Shopian
area of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir
(IOJ&K).
Explosions continued to consume lives of
Kashmiri children in IIOJK. There has been no
proper mechanism in place to avert the killings
and injuries.
At least 110 children have been killed due to
explosions of various kinds like by grenade
blasts, IEDs, landmines or due to the littered
shells left by armed forces at encounter sites.
Majority of those who lost their lives in the
explosions were children who thought the
9
 abandoned explosives were toys. It seems that the armed forces and Police are not paying any
heed to the concerns expressed by the people and human rights group time and again over the
littered explosions, which are turning playing fields into death traps. Mostly children died in the
explosives scattered unchecked.

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

10
 HALF ORPHAN
If you make children happy now, you will make them happy twenty years hence
by the memory of it.”
Kate Douglas Wiggin

The killings have left more than 100,000 children orphaned. According to a
survey conducted by Save the Children UK nearly 108,000 children have been
orphaned during the last 25 years of conflict.

Half-orphans are the children, whereabouts

of whose fathers are unknown. Like their
mothers, they live life in the twilight zone.
Since there is no information about the status
of their fathers, they cannot be pronounced as
orphans. Hence the term half-orphans seem
somewhat appropriate. Many of the half-
orphans even today share their memorable
moments with their fathers. They recount the
circumstances that lead to the missing of their
fathers. Quite many were infants and did not
know anything, while others were born after
the disappearance of their fathers.
Lack of paternal care has shattered the lives
of these children. Their life swings in between
the two extremes. Sometimes they feel that
their father will arrive and their miseries will
Abiha Sarfaraz’s daughter was four months old when
end. But given the condition akin to that of her father was killed by an Indian sniper.
an orphan, automatically they are clubbed
of the cases it was found that as the father
into their category. It would have been easier
was only bread earner, therefore after his
for them to accept the status of orphans at
disappearance the child had to shoulder the
such a tender age. Like orphan children, they
responsibility of earning the livelihood for the
could have adjusted their lives, but on many
family. They had to drop out of the schools
occasions, their status as half-orphans comes
and give up schooling. Such children have
to haunt them. Their fate remains attached
experienced a disruption in their social lives as
much with the status of their mothers.
well. Due to poverty descending their families,
The effects of these enforced disappearances they witnessed their relatives maintaining
have been widespread on children of half- distance from them. Disappearances of
widows. Their education has been affected, a family member became a contention in
but the deterioration of the economic property disputes, mostly among the joint
condition has been the primary one. In most families.

A REPORT FROM KIIR

11
 It is reported that over 95,000 civilians have survey conducted by save the children UK
been killed by Indian forces since January nearly 108000 children have been orphaned
1, 1989. The killings have left more than during the last 25 years of conflict.
100,000 children orphaned. According to a

Mubeen Ahmad’s father, a labourer, was killed during the anti-India protest in Jammu and Kashmir in 2008

Rafiq Shagoo shows the photograph of his wife Fehmeeda Bano (35) mother of two young sons,
who died due to tear gas during clashes on 9 August 2019.

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

12
 IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
“A child’s right to education cannot be safeguarded in conflict zones without education
itself being protected. Education can be a life-saver. Out of school, children are easy
targets of abuse, exploitation and recruitment by armed forces and groups. School
should provide a safe space where children can be protected from threats and crises. It
is also a critical step to breaking the cycle of crisis and reduces the likelihood of future
conflicts.”
Henrietta H. Fore
Executive Director of UNICEF

Education, considered as one of the important
aspects of children’s development, is another
casualty in Kashmir that has seen a tremendous
impact of the conflict. The continued violence
and bloodshed in the region have rendered
the education system completely paralyzed.
Frequent shutdowns, Curfews, Killings and
Crackdowns have led to the closure of schools.
The data collected by different governmental
and non-governmental organizations show a
severe decline in enrollment numbers during
recent years. According to a survey over 3,000
adult and non-formal education centers were
closed in the region since 1990 due to financial
constraints and staff shortages. It has been
observed that the children who were born
after 1990 have spent less time in schools and
more time in homes owing to the persistent
violence and uncertainty.
On the other hand, a very large number of
schools have been occupied by the Indian
security forces as their base camps. In most
cases, security forces have constructed their
base camps nearer to schools which has further
deepened the sense of fear and insecurity.
These kinds of situations gave birth to mental
problems like fear, Trauma, depression among
school-going children.

A REPORT FROM KIIR

13
 Ironically, the educational institutes of IIOJK have been opened for barely 100
days since August 05, 2019. 2019 proved to be the darkest year for Kashmiri
students as the education sector suffered the most due to the endless and
indefinite military lockdown.

Ironically, the educational institutes of IIOJK
have been opened for barely 100 days
since August 05, 2019. The limited & slow
speed network of 2G made it impossible for
the students to attend online classes. The
continuous closure of schools coupled with
politicizing education and burning down of
educational institutions created a disaster to
the future of the children of IOK.
Decline in Enrollment Figures
The thick presence of the army in the residential
areas has serious ramifications including
sexual violence, insecurity, abuse and other
sorts of harassment. Unfortunately, girls are
more vulnerable to the adverse consequences
of the militarization of educational spaces.
As a result, there has been an increase in the
dropout rate among school-going children,
particularly girls.
The heightened fear and insecurity are seen as
a few of the dominant factors behind the rising
dropout ratio. Analyzing the enrollment data
research conducted by two young Kashmiri
scholars shows how the access of children
was limited and how many children have been
pulled from schools after the 1990s in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir. The enrolment in
schools reduced between 1989 and 1990 by
almost 2.9 % (from 1.69 to 1.64 lacs). Similarly,
the survey revealed that in a single year during
1995-96, the enrolment figures at middle
school level had declined by 16.29 % (4.85 to
4.06 lacs) and at high and higher school level
by 43.67 % (4.03 to 2.27 lacs)”.
Further, during 2001 and 2002, the enrolment
figures at primary, secondary, high and higher
secondary schools showed a steep decline by
31%. In recent years the enrolment figures
hadn’t only declined in school education, but
also across technical and at the university
level.
Importantly, the researchers observed that
such a decline has never happened between
1960 and 1989, before the onset of conflict
in the state. This was also corroborated by
the macro-figures that showed a high dropout
ratio of about 53.75 percent up to the 10th
standard in the state in 2004-05.
The Darkest Year for Kashmiri Students
A vast number of schools are closed down

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

14
 A Kashmiri student attending an online class via Zoom app as schools remain closed after abrogation of Article 35A

According to a survey a total of almost 17 % of school buildings were lost in the

state of J&K due to either being targeted/burnt or occupied by security forces.
The destruction of educational infrastructure represents one of the greatest
developmental setbacks for the students affected by conflict.

because of constant unrest and violence. valley-wide closure. Educational institutions

Effects on secondary and higher education
were much more extreme in nature as
the militarizing army targeted the young
population. The effects this militarization
has had on the educational standards and
development will take at least a generation to
rectify.
2019 proved to be the darkest year for Kashmiri
students as the education sector suffered the
most due to the endless and indefinite military
lockdown that was put in place soon after the
Indian government stripped the region of its
autonomous status The clampdown led to
remained shut for nearly a year raising
warnings from educators about the mental
health toll on students whose lives have been
repeatedly disrupted. The closure had hit the
academic session to the extent that it caused
an irreversible loss of study and tuitions to the
students.
In the same year, Kashmiri witnessed dozens of
schools being razed to ashes by unknown and
unidentified arsonists, depriving thousands of
children of schooling facilities.

The situation in Kashmir is still

far from normalcy. A year later
the situation remains the same as
nothing has changed in the restive
region. The long-drawn conflict,
uncertainty and chaos continue to
threaten the future of millions of
Kashmiri children.

A REPORT FROM KIIR

15
 Impact of Digital Siege on Students
The military clampdown coupled with digital
siege made education complex for aspiring
students. Students, researchers and teachers
alike bore the brunt of nearly a year and half-
long disruption in internet services, one of the
longest internet shutdowns in the world. The
complete shutdown of all internet services
remained for more than six months. The ban
was partially lifted later but the restoration of
the internet was however limited only to the
obsolete and sluggish 2G services. Similarly, in
the universities in the Valley, the class work
at the Masters level remained badly affected.
The classwork in medical colleges and NIT
was also affected badly, resulting in stress to
students and their parents. While the world
moved to online classes, in the wake of the
pandemic, schools, colleges and universities
in Kashmir were struggling to find means to
set up remote classes due to slow-speed 2G’s
limitations. These issues have led to many
students disengaging from online classes.
Students, who had got themselves enrolled
in different colleges and institutes located
outside the Valley, could not continue their
classes like the rest of their classmates due to
the non-availability of the internet.
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
16
Restrictions on Access to Knowledge &
Information
The hapless children in Kashmir have been
deprived of the right access to knowledge
and information. The ban on the internet
has caused enormous loss to school-going
children as schools could not initiate online
classes in the absence of the internet. There
are around 30,000 private schools in Kashmir
with around 6, 50,000 students enrolled in
them. These schools could not initiate smaller
programs to further the education of children,
let alone conducting online classes. According
to health experts the frequent disruptions
in formal schooling, limited opportunities
to socialize, and erratic schedules have led
to a rise in depression and behavioral issues
among children.
The situation in Kashmir is still far from
normalcy. A year later the situation remains
the same as nothing has changed in the restive
region. The long-drawn conflict, uncertainty
and chaos continue to threaten the future of
millions of Kashmiri children.
The United Nations Global Goal aimed at
having everyone access to inclusive, equitable
quality education would remain elusive unless
the children in conflict-hit Kashmir like other
parts of the world are given a safe and secure
learning environment.
A REPORT FROM KIIR
17
 THE YEAR OF MASS BLINDING
The streets are awash O mother
with blood and tears, pellets and screams.
that silently remain locked in the air,
while they seal our soulless dreams.

Weep loudly O mother,

for the nation hears our pain.
As the fresh flag moulds his cold body,
I know his sacrifice was not in vain.
We need to put our chins up, O mother
and face this moment with pride.
Srividya Srinivasan

2016 is remembered in Kashmir as the year
of mass blinding. According to the study
“Psychiatric Morbidity in Pellet Injury Victims
of Kashmir,” conducted by Government
Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, At least
Muneefa Nazir aged 6 was hit on her right
eye by a marble ball shot allegedly by Indian
paramilitary soldiers on August 12, stands
outside her home in Srinagar
85% of the people blinded by Indian forces’
pellet guns in Kashmir also suffer psychiatric
problems.3
3 Peerzada Ashiq, “In Kashmir, hundreds of pellet gun victims
face a hazy future,” The Hindu, June 01, 2019, Accessed on Dec 24, 2020,
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/in-kashmir-hundreds-of-pellet-
gun-victims-face-a-hazy-future/article27401702.ece
The study revealed that more than 1,178
people were hit by pellets in their eyes and
statistics also showed that 14 percent of
pellet victims are below the age of 15 and
faced complicated surgeries.4
The worst example of the pellet victims is
10th class student Insha Jan from Shopian
who received a burst of pellets while she was
studying at her home. The pellet shotguns
have proved lethal as many students have
lost their vision completely or partially as they
became victims of pellet-firing from Indian
security forces. The pellets have perished the
youthful ambitions and shattered dreams of
many aspiring students forcing many of them
to leave their studies halfway.
Amnesty International has urged India to stop
the use of pellet guns in line with Human
rights standards on the use of force. But
unfortunately, the so-called security forces of
Indian are still using pellet guns with impunity
to deal with protesters which are mostly
school-going children. The immediate need is
to ban the pellet guns so that no more children
become victims of pellet firing.
4 Peerzada Ashiq, “Burhan Wani’s death and a year of living
dangerously,” The Hindu October 01, 2016, accessed on Dec 24, 2020,
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/14-of-pellet-gun-
victims-in-Kashmir-are-below-15/article14583549.ece

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

18
 WOUNDED CHILDHOOD

Below is the list of some of the children who were hit by

pellets in both eyes:
• Haba Nisar (18 months)
• Zohra Majeed (04 Yrs)
• Owais Ahmad (08 Yrs)
• Tamanna Aashiq (10 Yrs)
• Umar Khalid (11 Yrs)
• Nasir Shafi Qazi (11 Yrs)
• Junaid Ahmad Akhoon (12 Yrs)
• Umar (12 Yrs)
• Adil (12 Yrs)
• Ifra (13 Yrs)
• Insha Mushtaq (14 Yrs)
• Owais Nazir (14 Yrs)

Total Pellets
Victims
PELLET Total Injured

15000
1178 VICTIMS
Fully Blinded
SUMMER Partially

2016
blineded by
by use of pellet
use of pellet guns
guns

52 600

Age Group Age Group Age Group

1-12 12-15 16-25

243 1005 7762

Injured Injured Injured

A REPORT FROM KIIR

19
 Hiba Nisar (18 months) Junaid Ahmad Akhoon (12 years)

Insha Mushtaq (14 years) Owais Ahmed (8 years)

Tamanna Aashiq (10 years) Zohra (4 years)

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

20
 IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON
CHILDREN’S HEALTH
Conflict in Kashmir has taken a heavy toll on its A report by Amnesty International has shown
people by exposing them to large scale violence that children in Kashmir have been subjected
and state repression. As a result, people have to torture, inhuman and cruel treatment and
experienced the multi-dimensional impact of long periods of detention by the security
such large-scale violence in Kashmir. However, forces. A report created by Indian economists
the most serious effects of the conflict are and activists, boys have been abducted during
seen on children. Caught in the crosshairs midnight raids by the security forces, and girls
of conflict, the Kashmiri children have been have been molested during nighttime raids by
bearing the brunt of systematic violence,
abuse and maltreatment at the hands of
Indian troops. It has engrossed their whole life
and hampers their overall development, be it
physical or psychological.
They have mostly been direct targets of state-
sponsored violence. They have been murdered,
maimed and brutalized; imprisoned under the
black laws and subjected to sexual abuse and
third-degree torture in jails and interrogation
centers. The abuse and torture in jails have
ruined their life to the extent that they did not
recover from the psychic trauma. Minors have
also been detained under the Public Safety
Act, termed as the lawless law by Amnesty the Indian army officer. The vulnerability of
International, which allows detention of up children to the conflict has come very visibly
to two years without trial Beyond deaths, during the present cycle of unrest in Kashmir
the deadly conflict has affected the Kashmiri (2016). Almost 14 percent of the people (440)
children in many different ways. It has wreaked who were hit by pellets in their eyes in the
havoc on the physical, mental and behavioral months’ long continuous unrest were children
health of Kashmiri children. Above all the below 15 years. Many of them may suffer a
morbidity and mortality associated with the partial or complete visual disability. Children
conflict have disproportionately impacted the as young as 3 years old have been hit by
lives of children in the troubled region that pellets. The widespread killings have naturally
has been reeling under the storms of vicious resulted in many children being orphaned and
violence for over several decades. many women widowed.

A report created by Indian economists and activists, boys have been abducted
during midnight raids by the security forces, and girls have been molested during
nighttime raids by the Indian army officer.

A REPORT FROM KIIR

21
 • The terrible impacts of the conflict
on health could be gauged by an
eye-opening survey which suggested
that there has been a phenomenal
increase in psychiatric morbidity and
psychic trauma in Kashmir.
The terrible impacts of the conflict on health
could be gauged by an eye-opening survey
which suggested that there has been a
phenomenal increase in psychiatric morbidity
and psychic trauma in Kashmir. The results
reveal that the prevalence of depression is
55.72%. The prevalence is highest (66.67%)
in the 15 to 25 years age group, followed by
65.33% in the 26 to 35 years age group. The
difference in the prevalence of depression
among males and females is significant.
Depression is much higher in rural areas
(84.73%) as compared to urban areas
(15.26%). In rural areas, the prevalence of
depression among females is higher (93.10 %)
as compared to males (6.8%).
Nearly one in five people in Kashmir show
symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
22
• Nearly one in five people in Kashmir
show symptoms of post-traumatic
stress disorder.
• In 2006 studied 100 children
between the ages of three and 16
who had symptoms of PTSD.
according to a 2015 study by Médecins Sans
Frontières and the Srinagar-based Institute
of Mental Health and Neurosciences, or
IMHANS.
2016 research published by IMHANS and
ActionAid estimated that 11.3 percent of
the population had a mental health disorder
– higher than the national prevalence of
around seven percent. But few were able to
get treatment. Another study released in 2006
studied 100 children between the ages of
three and 16 who had symptoms of PTSD.
Dr. Arshad Hussain, a Kashmir based
psychiatrist who co-authored the ActionAid
study, calls Kashmir one of the “saddest places
in the world”.
 ILLEGAL DETENTIONS
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King, JR.

Mens rea stands for guilty intent. A juvenile below 12 cannot have Mens rea.
According to international law, if anyone who is below 18 years of age commits any
crime, you need to counsel those minors and should adopt a correctional approach
rather than punish them. Unfortunately in Kashmir, it is not so.

Age is no bar for long and harsh detentions
in Kashmir, even if there the state falters on
facilities for underage detainees required
under Juvenile Justice Act 1997. It is reported
that almost 11,000 youth had been detained
by the government and booked under the
controversial Public Safety Act before the
abrogation of Article 35A.
Mens rea stands for guilty intent. A juvenile
below 12 cannot have Mens rea. According
to international law, if anyone who is below
18 years of age commits any crime, you need
to counsel those minors and should adopt
a correctional approach rather than punish
them. Unfortunately in Kashmir, it is not so.
While the Juvenile Justice Act for the state was
passed in 1997, it is yet to be implemented.
The Juvenile Justice Committee of the State
High Court has confirmed the arrest of 144
juveniles. Most of the children including a
nine-year-old boy had been charged with
rioting, disrupting public order and pelting
stones on security personnel. However,
the National Federation of Indian Women
rejected the numbers put out by the judicial
committee & claimed that they found 13,000
children as young as 14, detained since the
autonomous status of Kashmir was revoked
on Aug 5. On October 1, 2019, the state
police also admitted that they had detained
144 children after August 5.5 Most of the
boys from Shopian were lodged in a Varanasi
jail, Uttar Pradesh, India and it costs around Rs
40,000 for travel and lodging in Uttar Pradesh.
The travel cost made it impossible for the poor
family members of detainees to go to Varanasi
to meet them.
The student community was the worst hit in
the present turmoil. The frizzy atmosphere
formed around does not let students focus
5 Anadolu Agency, “Torture, detention of children adds
rage in Kashmir,” The Tribune Oct 19, 2019, accessed on Dec 24,
2020, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2080010/torture-detention-chil-
dren-adds-rage-kashmir

A REPORT FROM KIIR

23
 on their studies. Under such circumstances, it
was unfair to push students for examinations.
Nevertheless, the government is playing
otherwise by politicizing education and
compelling students to sit in their yearly–a
tactic to provide a deceitful impression of
returning normalcy in Kashmir. The student
community has been running from pillar to
the post through holding demonstrations,
appealing to the government and concerned
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
24
authorities to postpone their exams and not
to use education as a tool of politicizing.
The heavy-handed crackdown by security
forces have closed all doors for young children
to return to a normal life. The law-and-order
apparatus, in the absence of a juvenile justice
mechanism, does not make any distinction
between children and adults, consequently he
finds himself at a dead-end.
 LEGAL FRAMEWORKS
“When the punisher does not weep with the punished,
he (the punisher) is just a tyrant.’’
Rabindranath Tagore

The continued violation of child rights Jammu and Kashmir, especially

of juveniles in conflict with the law, is a glaring indication that
guarantees and protections afforded under UN Convention for Child
Rights (CRC), to which India is a signatory, are not available to the
children of Jammu and Kashmir

In 2010, India’s National Commission for the
Protection of Child Rights has set out guidelines
for the “protection of children’s rights in areas
of civil unrest”. Under these guidelines, the
use of schools by security forces “violates
the spirit and letter of the (Right to Education
Act) because it actively disrupts access to
education and makes schools vulnerable to
attacks”. But in Kashmir, many schools are still
used for military purposes.
The Jammu & Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act of
1997 defines juveniles as boys up to 16 years
of age and girls up to 18 years of age and
prohibits their detention in a police lock-up.
They have to be taken to a Juvenile Detention
Centre, or Juvenile home. Kashmir has none.
The Jammu & Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act
1997 was amended in 2013. The Jammu and
Kashmir Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
of Children) Act, 2013, raised the age of
criminal liability for minors from 16 to 18. It
mandated that children should be treated
according to juvenile justice laws. The state is
mandated to form juvenile justice boards to
adjudicate cases involving children in conflict
with the law. But lawyers say several cases
of child detentions have gone unrecorded
because the police do not acknowledge the
detainees are minors.
The continued violation of child rights Jammu
and Kashmir, especially of juveniles in conflict
with the law, is a glaring indication that
guarantees and protections afforded under
UN Convention for Child Rights (CRC), to
which India is a signatory, are not available to
the children of Jammu and Kashmir.
As a subject of international law, India is obliged
as well as to comply with the international
law, Covenants and internationally recognized
human rights and is responsible for the
violations of these rights committed and
attributed to its armed forces and paramilitary
forces. No national legislation can surpass
international obligations. For the promotion
and protection of human rights and to honor its
pledges and commitments before the Human
Rights Council, the Government of India is
under obligation to comply and implement the
International laws & also recommendations of
UN Universal Periodic Reviews.

A REPORT FROM KIIR

25
 KILLING CASES CASE
On 16 January 2003, Shakeela, daughter of
Abdul Rashid, resident of Lolab Kupwara, was
shot dead while working in her field by Indian
Armed Forces.8
CASE
On 24 February 2003, Kulsum, 17 year old,
daughter of Ghulam Mohammad, resident of
Alla Kari, Banihal Ramban was shot dead by
Indian Armed Forces.9
CASE
On 11 March 2003, a 7th Standard Student,
CASE Khushi Mohammad, aged 14, daughter of
Noor Din, resident of Doodwat, Doda was
Nisar Ahmad Pencha, 16 years old, Tenth Grade
killed, when she stepped over a landmine
Student, son of Ghulam Mohammad Pencho,
implanted by Indian Army.10
resident of: Kulhama, District Bandipora was
tortured and killed by Indian armed forces. CASE
On the intervening night of 5/6 May 1995, On 07 April 2003, Mohammed Fazal, aged
at about 3:00 am someone knocked on the 15, son of Khadim Saylian Kumli, resident of
door of Nisar Ahmad Pencho’s house. His Surankote, Poonch was killed by an IED blast.11
mother, Khatija Begum recognized the person,
CASE
Shahnaz Ahmad Pencho their next door
On 17 April 2003, Bagh Hussain, resident of
neighbor. As soon as she opened the door, the
Samba, aged 15, was killed by an explosion
army barged into her house and searched all
from a landmine set up by Indian army.12
the rooms in the house and dragged the victim
and his brother, Abdul Majid Pencho out of CASE
their house. The next morning, Zooni Begum, On 19 April 2003, Nazmeen, 7 years old,
a sher woman came to the house and told resident of Gawalta, Uri Baramulla, was killed
Nisar Ahmed’s mother that her son had been by the littered shell which exploded outside
killed and his dead body was lying at Sangree her house.13
Top, near Garoora. Nisar Ahmed’s dead body
bore marks of torture. There were also bullet CASE
wounds on his body.6 On 01 May 2003, Javaid, 17 years old, resident
of Lasjan, Srinagar, a 12th Standard Student
CASE
was assassinated in custodial Killing by Indian
On 01 January 2003, Nageena, daughter of
Armed Forces (Army).14
Ghulam Mohammad Rather received a bullet
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
when unidentified gunmen tried to abduct loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
her father.7 8 Ibid
9 Ibid
6 Structures of Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jkccs. 10 Ibid
files.wordpress.com/2017/05/structures-of-violence-e28093-main-re- 11 Ibid
port.pdf 12 Ibid
7 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact 13 Ibid
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu 14 Ibid

STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN

26
CASE
On 10 May 2003, Waqar Ahmad, a 6 year old
boy, resident of Nachion, Karnah sector of
Jammu, was killed in Cross LOC Shelling.15
CASE
On 15 May 2003, Mohammad Izhar, 4 years
old, son of Mohammad Hashim Khwaja,
resident of Dardpora, Banjarpati Kupwara was
killed by an IED blast by an unknown agency.
16
CASE
On 19 May 2003, Arshad Ahmad, a 4 year old
boy, resident of Rajouri, was shot Dead by
Unidentified Gunmen.17
CASE
Maroof Ahmad, 2 years old, resident of Rajouri
was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on 19
May 2003.18
CASE
On 05 June 2003, Kuki, child of Abdul Karim,
resident of Kamalkote village of Uri, Baramulla,
died due to Cross LOC Shelling. 19
CASE
On 16 June 2003, Masood Ahmad Peer, 13
years old, son of Abdul Qayoom Peer, resident
of Kreeri, Baramulla was shot dead by the
Indian Armed Forces (Army).20
CASE
On 06 July 2003, Sameer Ahmad, resident of
Raj Mohalla, Sopore, Baramulla was fiddling
with an explosive, which went off and killed
him.21
15 Ibid
16 Ibid
17 Ibid
18 Ibid
19 Ibid
20 Ibid
21 Ibid
A REPORT FROM KIIR
CASE
On 06 July 2003, Ishaq Ahmad, resident of Raj
Mohalla, Sopore, Baramulla, was fiddling with
an explosive, which went off and killed him.22
CASE
On 29 August 2003, Mujahid Ahmad, 6 years
old, resident of Uri, Baramulla was killed by
mortar shell explosion.23
CASE
On 09 September 2003, Heena Akthar,
daughter of Ghulam Nabi Akramabad, resident
of Doda was killed by Grenade explosion
installed by Indian army. 24
CASE
On 28 September 2003, Sadam Hussain,
resident of Mahore, Udhampur, was
assassinated by Indian armed forces during
firing inside his house.25
CASE
On 04 November 2003, Arshed Hussain, 14
years old, son of Abdul Karim, resident of
Doda was shot dead by the Indian Armed
Forces (10 RR troops of Army).26
CASE
On 01 December 2003, Naseema, daughter
of Abdul Aziz Bhat, resident of Zungalpora,
Kulgam, was shot dead by Indian Armed
Forces (Army).27
CASE
On 13 December 2003, Mohammad Yousuf,
son of Faiz Mohammad Bandi, resident of
Chichian, Poonch was succumbed to the
injuries received on Dec 10 in a grenade
explosion.28
22 Ibid
23 Ibid
24 Ibid
25 Ibid
26 Ibid
27 Ibid
28 Ibid
27
 CASE
On 2 February 2004, Rubina Kousar, son
of Sayed Mohammad Khan, resident of
Bafliaz,Surankote, Poonch was killed due to
shelling at LOC.29
CASE
On 23 February 2004, a 4th Standard Student,
Suhail Ahmed Bhat, a 10 year old boy, son of
Bashir Ahmed Bhat, resident of Dasdar Tral,
Pulwama, was killed in a Grenade blast while
fiddling with it.30
CASE
On 26 February 2004, Mushtaq Ahmad
Wani, 13 years old, son of Abdul Ahad Wani,
resident of Nathpora Bandipora was shot dead
by Indian Police during firing on protestors.31
CASE
On 09 March 2004, Roza Bano, 16 years
old, daughter of Ghulam Nabi Dhar, resident
of Tengpora, Naidkhi, Sumbal, Bandipora
was raped by an Ikhwani, a pro government
extremist, named Manzoor Ahmad Dar. The
victim committed suicide after being raped.32
CASE
On 01 June 2004, Shabir Ahmad Khan, 16
years old, son of Dori Rehman Khan, resident
of Bandipora was shot by the Indian Armed
Forces (14 Rashtriya Rifles of Army targeted
protestors).33
CASE
On 01 June 2004, Zahida Bano, 15 years old,
daughter of Mohammad Maqbool, resident
of Bandipora was shot by the Indian Armed
Forces (14 Rashtriya Rifles of Army targeted
protestors)34
29 Ibid
30 Ibid
31 Ibid
32 Ibid
33 Ibid
34 Ibid
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
28
CASE
On 01 July 2004, Umar Imtiyaz, 18 months
(Infant), son of Imtiyaz Ahmad, resident of
Poonch was killed in unprovoked firing by JK
Police (SOG).35
CASE
On 25 August 2004, Nasira Bano, 1.5 year
old (Infant), daughter of Mohammad Hanief,
resident of Khara Gondoh, Doda was Killed by
an RPG, which the militants had fired at CRPF
and it missed its target.36
CASE
On 25 August 2004, Babar Hanief, 9 years old,
son of Mohammad Hanief, resident of Khara
Gondoh, Doda, was killed by an RPG, which
the militants had fired at CRPF and it missed
its target.37
CASE
On 10 January 2005, Mudasir Ahmad Wani,
16 years old, a 10th Standard Student, son of
Muhammad Anwar, resident of Kelam, Devsar
Kulgam, was killed in Cross firing. 38
CASE
On 26 February 2005, Mukhtar Ahmed
Bhat, 17 years old, son of Abdul Gani Bhat
Bandpow Zainapora, Shopian was killed in a
fake encounter by the Indian Armed Forces
(Army).39
CASE
On 16 July 2005, Naseema, 6 years old,
daughter of Mohammad Shafi Sooth, resident
of Gulmarg, Baramulla was killed in Cross
firing by Indian army.40
35 Ibid
36 Ibid
37 Ibid
38 Ibid
39 Ibid
40 Ibid
CASE
On 23 July 2005, Parvaiz Ahmad Dar, aged
15, son of Bashir Ahmad Dar, resident of
Pulwama was assassinated by the Indian
Armed Forces.41
CASE
On 24 July 2005, Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, 14 years
old, son of Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, resident of
Kupwara was shot down by the Indian Armed
Forces (6 Rashtriya Rifles of Army).42
CASE
On 24 July 2005, Waseem Ahmad Wani, aged
11, resident of Kupwara was killed by the firing
by Indian Armed Forces (6 Rashtriya Rifles of
army) 43
CASE
On 24 July 2005, Shabir Ahmad Shah, aged
16, son of Farooq Ahmad Shah, resident of
Kupwara, was killed by the shooting of Indian
Armed Forces (6 Rashtriya Rifles of army).44
CASE
On 18 October 2005, Shahid Ahmed, 13
years old, son of Muhammad Shafi, resident
of Khablanin Thanamandi, Rajouri, was shot
dead by the Indian Armed Forces (RR troops
of Army).45
CASE
On 22 February 2006, Mohammad Aamir
Hajam, 9 years old, son of Mohammad Akbar
Hajam, resident of Dodhipora, Handwara,
Kupwara, was killed while playing cricket by
the Indian Armed Forces (33 Rashtriya Rifles
of Army).46
41 Ibid
42 Ibid
43 Ibid
44 Ibid
45 Ibid
46 Ibid
A REPORT FROM KIIR
CASE
On 22 February 2006, Shakir Ahmad Wani,
7 years old, son of Ghulam Hassan Wani,
resident of Dodhipora, Handwara, Kupwara
was killed while playing cricket by Indian
Armed Forces (33 Rashtriya Rifles of Army).47
CASE
On 22 February 2006, four persons including
two minors were killed by the troops of 33 RR
of Indian army while they were playing cricket
in Dodhipora, Handwara of district Kupwara
in North Kashmir. The judicial enquiry into the
incident, ordered by the then JK government,
was never concluded thus paving way for
impunity to the culpable armed forces. Eleven
years after in 2017, the status report filed by
the Superintendent of Police (SP) Handwara
before the JK High Court stated that four
officers of 33 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) were
identified heading by Captain Nitin Dutta
alias Rambo out of which one Subedar Barkha
Raj has retired from the army and is living
somewhere in Nepal. Even after fourteen
years, the case is still pending in high court
– effectively denying justice to victims of the
mass crime.48
CASE
On 12 August 2006, Rubeena, 14 years old,
son of Sanullah Tantray, resident of Kupwara
was killed by Indian Armed Forces (CRFP).49
CASE
On 05 July 2007, Shafiq Kataria, aged 14,
son of Yaar Mohammad, resident of Kuligam,
Kupwara, was killed while stepping over a live
shell at a ground used by army for training by
Indian Armed Forces (Army).50
47
48 Ibid
49 Ibid
50 Ibid
29
 CASE
On 05 July 2007, Farooq Kataria, aged 13,
son of Noorudin Kataria, resident of Kuligam,
Kupwara, was killed by stepping over a live
shell at a ground used by army for training by
Indian Armed Forces (Army).51
CASE
On 06 July 2007, Muntazir Ahmad, 17 years
old, 10th Standard Student, son of Masood
Ahmad Khan, a resident of Naid Kadal,
Srinagar, was shot dead by the JK Police during
a protest.52
CASE
On 25 July 2007, Tariq Ahmad Wani, 16 years
old, resident of Baramulla, was killed by the
firing of Indian Armed Forces (Army) and JK
Police.53
CASE
On 01 May 2008, Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, son
of Ghulam Muhammad, 9th standard student,
resident of Shalla Dooru, Kupwara, died due
to torture by Indian Armed Forces (6 Rashtriya
Rifles of Army)54
CASE
On 07 September 2008, Aftab Akthar (girl),
aged 13 years old, resident of Surankote,
Poonch, died by the Motor Shell by Indian
Armed Forces.55
CASE
On 22 November 2008, 10th Standard
Student, Mansoor Ahmad Kumar, 15 years
old, son of Ali Mohammad Kumar, resident of
Khanapora, Baramulla, was killed by the firing
by troops of JK Police.56
51 Ibid
52 Ibid
53 Ibid
54 Ibid
55 Ibid
56 Ibid
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
30
CASE
On 22 November 2008, Tanvir Ahmad, son
of GhulamMohi-ud-Din, resident of Ganai
Hamam, Baramulla was shot dead by the
Firing by troops of JK Police.57
CASE
On 03 July 2009, Khalid Sharif Mir, aged 9, 3rd
Standard Student, son of Mohammad Sharif
Mir, resident of Bagaat, Batpora, Sopore,
Baramulla, was drowned in River Jehlum by
the Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).58
CASE
On 30 May 2009, Aasiya Jan, aged 17,
daughter of Abdul Gani Ajangar, resident of
Bungam, Shopian, was Raped and murdered
by Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).59
CASE
On 02 October 2009, Arif Ayoub, aged 17, 10th
Standard Student, resident of Gandarpora,
Eidgah, Srinagar, was killed by a teargas shell
by JK Police.60
CASE
On 02 October 2009, Irfan Ahmad Lone, aged
12, 7th Standard Student, son of Ghulam
Rasool Lone, resident of Drangbal, Baramulla,
was killed by teargas shell by JK Police.61
CASE
On 08 January 2010, Innayat Ahmad Khan,
16 years old, 11th Standard Student, son
of Mohammad Amin, resident of Malteng,
Dalgate, Srinagar, was beaten and hit by a
bullet by Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).62
57 Ibid
58 Ibid
59 Ibid
60 Ibid
61 Ibid
62 Ibid
CASE
On 31 January 2010, Wamiq Farooq, 14 years
old, 7th Standard Student, son of Farooq
Ahmad Wani, resident of Channa Mohalla,
Rainawari, Srinagar was hit by a tear smoke
shell by JK Police.63
CASE
On 05 February 2010, Zahid Farooq, 17 years
old, son of Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, resident of
Sheikh Mohalla, Brein Nishat, Srinagar, was
hit by bullet shot by Indian Armed Forces
(68 Battalion of Border Security Forces(BSF)
BSF soldier namely Lakhwinder Kumar and
Commanding Officer Randeer Kumar Birdi).64
CASE
On 12 April 2010, 11th Standard Student,
Zubair Ahmed Bhat , aged 17, resident of
Sopore, Baramulla was drowned in river
Jehlum by Indian Armed Forces (CRPF and
personnel of the SOG of Police)65
CASE
On 11 June 2010 12th Standard Student, Tufail
Ahmad Mattoo, aged 17, son of Muhammad
Ashraf, resident of Saida Kadal, Srinagar was
hit by teargas shell by JK Police.66
CASE
On 28 June 2010, 1st year CollegeStudent,
Tajamul Bashir Bhat, aged 17, Bashir Ahmed
Bhat, resident of Wadoora Sopore, Baramulla,
was killed during firing on protesters by Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF) and JK Police.67
CASE
On 28 June 2010, Tauqeer Ahmad Rather,
9 years old, son of Ghulam Hassan Rather,
63 Ibid
64 Ibid
65 Ibid
66 Ibid
67 Ibid
*Ibid
A REPORT FROM KIIR
resident of Rather Mohalla Delina, Baramulla,
was killed during the firing on protesters by
Indian Armed Forces (CRPF) and JK Police.68
CASE
On 29 June 2010, Imtiyaz Ahmed Itoo, aged
17, son of Abdul Ahad Itoo, resident of
Dialgam, Anantnag was killed by JK Police and
a contingent of Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).
He worked in a bakery shop and was a soul
earner of the family.69
CASE
On 29 June 2010, 12th Standard Student,
Shujat-ul-Islam, aged 17, son of late
Muhammad Ashraf Baba, resident of
Anchidora, Anantnag was killed by the firing
by JK Police and a contingent of Indian Armed
Forces (CRPF).70
CASE
On 06 July 2010, 9th Standard Student,
Abrar Ahmad Khan, aged 16, son of Ghulam
Mohammad, resident of Rainawari, Srinagar,
was assassinated by the firing by JK Police.71
CASE
On 17 July 2010, Faizan Ahmad Bhuroo, aged
13, resident of Azad Gunj, Baramulla, was
drowned in water by JK Police.72
CASE
On 30 July 2010, Adil Sheikh, aged 14, son of
Ramzan Sheikh Pattan, Baramulla, was shot
dead by the firing on protesters by JK Police
and Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).73
CASE
On 30 July 2010, Adil Ramazan Sheikh, aged
13, son of Muhammad Ramazan Sheikh,
68 Ibid
69 Ibid
70 Ibid
71 Ibid
72 Ibid
73 Ibid
31
 resident of Palhallan, Pattan, baramulla, was
shot dead by the firing by Indian Armed crpf.74
CASE
On 31 July 2010, Mudasir Ahmed Lone, aged
17, son of Ghulam Ahmed Lone, resident of
Naidkhai Sumbal, Bandipora, was shot dead
by the firing on protesters by JK Police and
Indian Armed Forces (CRPF). 75
CASE
On 01 August 2010, Afroza Teli, aged 15,
resident of Khrew, Pulwama, was shot dead by
the firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).76
CASE
On 02 August 2010, Basharat Ahmad Reshi,
aged 14, son of Muhammad Ismail Reshi,
resident of Wachi, Shopian, was shot dead by
the firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).77
CASE
On 02 August 2010, Irshaad Ahmad, aged
17, son of Muhammad Abdullah, resident of
Reshipora Sangam, Anantnag, was shot dead
by the firing on protesters by JK Police and
Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).78
CASE
On 02 August 2010, 9th Standard Student,
Ashiq Husain Bhat, aged 15, son of Ghulam
Hassan Bhat, resident of Kulgam, was shot
dead by the firing on protesters by JK Police
and Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).79
74 Ibid
75 Ibid
76 Ibid
77 Ibid
78 Ibid
79 Ibid
*Ibid
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
32
CASE
On 02 August 2010, Tariq Ahmad, aged 17,
son of Farooq Ahmad Dar, resident of Semthan
Bijbehara, Anantnag, was shot dead by the
firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).80
CASE
On 02 August 2010, Rameez Ahmad, aged
16, son of Late Abdul Rasheed Bhat, resident
of Kulgam, was shot dead by the firing on
protesters by JK Police and Indian Armed
Forces (CRPF).81
CASE
On 2 August 2010, Ashiq Husain Bhat,
15 years old, son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat,
resident of Kulgam, was shot dead by the
firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF). 82
CASE
On 02 August 2010, Sameer Ahmad Rah, 7
years old, son of Fayaz Ahmad Rah, resident of
Batmaloo, Srinagar, was beaten to death by JK
Police and Indian armed Forces (CRPF).83
CASE
On 03 August 2010, Suhail Ahmad Dar, aged
15, resident of Zainakote, HMT, Srinagar,
was fired and beaten to death by the firing
on protesters by JK Police and Indian Armed
Forces (CRPF).84
CASE
On 03 August 2010, 12th Standard Student,
Anis Khursheed, aged 17, son of Khursheed
Ahmad, resident of Dangarpora Eidgah,
Srinagar, was fired and beaten to death by the
firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).85
80 Ibid
81 Ibid
82 Ibid
83 Ibid
84 Ibid
85 Ibid
CASE
On 13 August 2010, Mudasir Ahmed Zargar,
aged 16 years old, son of Ghulam Hassan
Zargar, resident of Trehgam, Kupwara, was
fired and beaten to death by the firing on
protesters by JK Police and Indian Armed
Forces (CRPF).86
CASE
On 14 August 2010, Umar Ahmad Dar, 16
years old, son of Abdul Ahad Dar Narbal,
Budgam, was fired and beaten to death by
the firing on protesters by JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).87
CASE
On 19 August 2010, Milad Ahmad Dar, 8
years old, Muhammad Amin Dar, resident of
Wanpora, Khudwani, Kulgam, was fired and
beaten to death by the firing on protesters by
JK Police and Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).88
CASE
On 25 August 2010, 11th Standard Student,
Umar Qayoom Bhat, aged 17, son of Abdul
Qayoom Bhat, resident of Soura, Srinagar, was
tortured in custody by JK police.89
CASE
On 30 August 2010, Irshad Ahmad Parray, 9
years old, son of Muhammad Ashraf Parray,
resident of Old Iddgah, Anantnag, was hit by
scores of pellets by JK Police.90
CASE
On 13 September 2010, 7th Standard Student,
Danish Nabi, 13 years old, son of Ghulam Nabi
Kumar, resident of Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam,
was shot dead by JK police. 91
86 Ibid
87 Ibid
88 Ibid
89 Ibid
90 Ibid
91 Ibid
A REPORT FROM KIIR
CASE
On 13 September 2010, Aqib Ahmad Wagay,
aged 14, son of Gulzar Ahmad Wagay,
resident of Anantnag, was shot dead by Indian
armed forces (CRPF) and JK police during an
Unprovoked Firing.92
CASE
On 13 September 2010, Adil Ahmad Lone,
aged 9, son of Abdul Gaffar, resident of
Charar-i- Sharief, Budgam was shot during
the Firing on protesters JK Police and Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).93
CASE
On 13 September 2010, 10th Standard
Student, Adil Gaffar Teli, aged 16, son of Abdul
Gaffar Teli, resident of Budgam, was shot
during firing on protesters JK Police.94
CASE
On 13 September 2010, Aqib Ahmad Wagay,
aged 14, son of Gulzar Ahmad Wagay, resident
of Anantnag, during an Unprovoked firing by
JK Police and Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).95
CASE
On 02 October 2010, 11th Standard Student,
Omar Sulaiman, 15 years old, son of Late
Mohammad Sulaiman Sheikh, resident of
Rafiabad Baramulla, was shot by the Indian
Armed Forces (52 Rashtriya Rifles of Army).96
CASE
On 12 November 2010, 6th Standard Student,
Arif Ahmad Bhat, aged 13 , son of Javaid
Ahmad Bhat, resident of Chinkral Mohalla,
Habbakadal, Srinagar was hit by tear smoke
canister by JK Police and Indian Armed Forces
(CRPF).97
92 Ibid
93 Ibid
94 Ibid
95 Ibid
96 Ibid
97 Ibid
33
 CASE
On 11 December 2010, 5th Standard Student,
Iftikhar Ahmed, aged 10, son of Mohammad
Latief, resident of Behra, Mendhar, Poonch,
died due to bursting of explosive Indian Armed
Forces (39 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian army). 98
CASE
The youngest victim of violence in Jammu
and Kashmir in the last fifteen years was
the 10-month-old baby Irfan who was
killed in 2010, when his mother was caught
between government forces and protestors in
Dangiwacha, Baramulla. 99
CASE
On 19 May 2012, Sajad Ahmad Darzi son of
Ali Mohammad Darzi, resident of Babateng,
Pattan, was hit by pellets 2 years back by JK
Police and Indian Baramulla Armed Forces
(CRPF).100
CASE
On 17 October 2012, 8th Standard Student,
Liyaqat Ahmad Deedar, aged 16, son of Nazeer
Ahmad Deedar, resident of Uri, Baramulla died
due to the explosion of Cross LOC shelling.101
CASE
On 17 October 2012, Shaheena Akhtar, aged
16, son of Mohammad Ismail Lohar, resident
of Uri, Baramulla, due to the explosion of
Cross LOC Shelling.102
CASE
On 30 January 2013, 3rd Standard Student,
Shezani Kousar, aged 9, son of Lal Hussain,
resident of Rajouri died due to Grenade blast
by Indian Armed Forces (Army).103
98 Ibid
99 Ibid
100 Ibid
101 Ibid
102 Ibid
103 Ibid
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
34
CASE
On 30 January 2013, 2nd Standard Student,
Khursheed Hussain, 7 years old, Lal Hussain
Darra Rajouri, died due to Grenade blast by
Indian Armed Forces (Army).104
CASE
On 13 February 2013, Ubair Mushtaq, 15 years
old, resident of Watrgam Rafiabad, Baramulla,
was fired at in the abdomen by Indian Armed
Forces (CRPF).105
CASE
On 17 February 2013, Zameer Ahmad Dar,
aged 14, son of Abdul Rashid, resident of
Batwina, Ganderbal, was tortured by the
Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).106
CASE
On 30 June 2013, 12th Standard Student, Irfan
Ahmad Ganaie, aged 17, son of Ghulam Nabi
Ganaie, resident of Teng Mohalla, Markunda,
Bandipora died due to the Indiscriminate firing
by Indian Armed Forces (33 Rashtriya Rifles of
Army ofSafapora Camp).107
CASE
On 07 September 2013, Tawseef Ahmad Bhatt,
aged 17, son of Gul Muhammad Bhat, resident
of Bonna Bazar area of Shopian used to run a
juice corner. He died due to the Indiscriminate
firing Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).108
CASE
On 19 May 2014, Simran Akhter, aged 9,
resident of Lassipora Drung, Budgam, due to
the bursting of explosive shell by the Indian
Armed Forces (Army).109
104 Ibid
105 Ibid
106 Ibid
107 Ibid
108 Ibid
109 Ibid
CASE
On 19 July 2014, 9th Standard Student,
Suhail Ahmad Lone, aged 15, Ghulam Qadir
Mishipora, resident of Howoora, Kulgam,
was shot by the firing on protesters by Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).110
CASE
On 03 November 2014, 5th class student,
Burhan Yousuf, 13 years old, resident of
Nowgam, Srinagar, died due to the firing on a
car by the Indian Armed Forces (53 Rashtriya
Rifles of Army). 111
CASE
On 18 April 2015, Suhail Ahmad Sofi, 16 years
old, son of Abdul Ahad, resident of Magam,
Budgam, was assassinated during firing on a
group of peaceful youth by JK Police.112
CASE
On 08 July 2016, 12th Standard Student,
Zubair Ahmad Khanday, aged 17, resident
of Qaimoh, Kulgam, was shot dead by Indian
Armed Forces.113
CASE
On 8 July 2016, Saqib Manzoor Mir, aged
14, son of Maznoor Ahmad Mir, resident of
Khundru Achabal, Anantnag, was Killed by
Indian armed forces during a protest.114
CASE
On 9 July 2016, 10th Standard Student, Danish
Ayoub Shah, aged 15, resident of Magraypora,
Achabal, Anantnag was fired on head with
bullets by JK Police.115
110 Ibid
111 Ibid
112 Ibid
113 Ibid
114 Ibid
115 Ibid
7. Rasool, S., Vishal, & Prakash, S. (2017, March 06). How Kashmiri Children Are Tortured Under The Public Safety Act. Retrieved December 14,
2020, from https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/07/kashmir-torture-under-public-safety-act/
A REPORT FROM KIIR
CASE
On 9 July 2016, Irfan Ahmad, aged 16, son
of Manzoor Ahmad Malik, resident of Newa,
Pulwama, died due to the Firing on protesters
by JK police.116
CASE
In July, 2016, Irshad Ashraf, a student of class
8, got martyred by the hands of brutal Indian
forces, who snatched his right of life just like
the other hundred children in Indian occupied
Kashmir. He was basically a resident of South
Kashmir. His mother recounted that we always
used to be very vigilant about Irshad and we
took good care of him. His mother cried, “He
was too young”. His mother narrated that one
day, they heard shooting erupted outside their
house, she suddenly rushed outside to look
for Irshad. On asking her younger son, he was
also unaware of Irshad. Soon after, few people
came to their house reporting that Irshad got
injured by the bullet. Irshad was taken to the
hospital at Pampore. He succumbed to the
injuries and died on the way to hospital. She
sobbed and said that her child was not carrying
any weapon. Might be, he had thrown a stone
at the police but what could a stone do to a
police officer. She cried over the misery of
her son. She asked helplessly how she could
regain peace of her mind, how she would not
be able to hear the screams of her son. It is
surely an immense loss for her which could
never be reimbursed. 117
CASE
On 10 July 2016, 9th Standard Student, Asif
Gulzar Bhat, aged 14, son of Gulzar Ahmad
Bhat, resident of Kulgam, was shot dead
at short range Indian Armed Forces (CRPF
personal of Zainpora).118
116 Ibid
117 Rasool, S., Vishal, & Prakash, S. (2017, March 06). How
Kashmiri Children Are Tortured Under The Public Safety Act. Retrieved
December 14, 2020, from https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/07/kash-
mir-torture-under-public-safety-act/
118 Ibid
35
 CASE
On 11 July 2016, Zubair Ahmad Kathsoo, son
of 16, resident of Pahalgam, Anantnag, was
tortured and then drowned into water by
Indian Armed Forces (CRPF). 119
CASE
On 15 July 2016, a potter worker, Sayar
Ahmad Kumar, aged 17, resident of Kulgam,
died due to the Firing on protesters by the
Indian Armed Forces.120
CASE
On 11 July 2016, Shahid Gulzar, aged 14,
son of Gulzar Ahmad, resident of Chiripora,
Zainapora, Shopian, was shot by Indian Armed
Forces (CRFP).121
CASE
On 14 July 2016, 10th Standard Student, Irfan
Ahmad Dar, aged 15, son of Maqsood Ahmad
Dar, resident of Tuli, Nowpora, Kulgam was
beaten mercilessly causing heart arrest.122
CASE
On 31 July 2016, Ishfaq Ahmed Dar, aged 17,
son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, resident of Tarzoo,
Sopore Baramulla, died due to the brain
damage by injury, which according to the
Director SKIMS Dr A G Ahangar, were caused
due to beating by forces and according to the
police were caused by falling from a tree by
the Indian Armed Forces.123
CASE
On 15 August 2016, 10th Standard Student,
Muhammad Yasir Sheikh, aged 16, son of
Abdul Salam Sheikh, resident of SD Colony
Batmaloo, Srinagar was killed in “target firing”
Indian Armed Forces and JK Police. 124
119 Ibid
120 Ibid
121 Ibid
122 Ibid
123 Ibid
124 Ibid
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
36
CASE
On 05 September 2016, Aasif Majeed Nagoo,
aged 17, son of Abdul Majeed Nagoo, resident
of Sonawani village, Kupwara received pellets
and afterwards beaten critically by Indian
Armed Forces (CRPF).125
CASE
On 16 September 2016 7th Standard Student,
Basit Mukhtar, aged 13, son of Late Mukhtar
Ahmad Bhat, resident of Dalipora, Pulwama,
was Shot by a tear smoke shell on his head by
the Indian Armed Forces.126
CASE
On 16 September 2016, Nasir Shafi Qazi, 12
years old, resident of Harwan, Srinagar was hit
by pellets and afterwards beaten to death by
Indian Armed Forces.127
CASE
On 19 September 2016, 7th Standard Student,
Khushboo Jan, aged 13, son of Muhammad
Hussain Bhat, resident of Gadafpora village,
Shopian, died due to the Cardiac arrest due to
being caught between protesting youth and
armed forces.128
CASE
On 07 October 2016, 7th Standard Student,
Junaid, 12 years old, son of Ghulam Mohammad
Akhoon, resident of Eidgah, Srinagar, fell to the
pellets fired by CRPF Indian Armed Forces.129
CASE
On 05 November 2016, 10th Standard
Student, Kaiser Ahmad Sofi, 16 years old,
Abdul Hameed Sofi, resident of Dadha
Mohalla, Shalimar, Srinagar was tortured
and subsequently poisoned in custody by JK
Police.130
125 Ibid
126 Ibid
127 Ibid
128 Ibid
129 Ibid
130 Ibid
CASE
On 10 November 2016, Munaza Rashid, 13
years old, daughter of Abdul Rasheed Kondoo,
resident of Manz Mohalla, Anchaar, Soura,
Srinagar, died due to inhaling PAVA smoke by
JK Police and Indian Armed Forces (CRPF).131
CASE
On 30 December 2016, 9th Standard Student,
Faiz Hussain, aged 15, son of Tanveer Hussain
Noorkote, resident of Degwar, Poonch was
killed in heavy shelling of mortars during a
fresh wave of cross Line of Control (LoC) firing
in Poonch.132
CASE
On 9 March 2017, 9th Standard Student Amir,
aged 15, son of Nazir Ahmad Wani, resident
of Begumbagh Kakapora, Pulwama was Killed
just near the encounter site by the Indian
Armed Forces.133
CASE
On 15 March 2017, Kaneeza, aged 8, daughter
of Khushi Muhammad, resident of Kupwara
killed “by a stray bullet” during a encounter by
Indian Armed Forces.134
CASE
On 28 March 2017, Amir Fayaz Waza, aged
16, son of Fayaz Ahmad Waza, resident of
Wathoora, Budgam was hit by a bullet on the
chest by JK police.135
CASE
On 09 April 2017, 7th Standard Student, Faizan
Ahmad Dar, aged 12, son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar,
resident of Hardu Dalwan, Charar-e-Sharief,
Budgam, was hit by bullets by Indian Armed
Forces (BSF).136
131 Ibid
132 Ibid
133 Ibid
134 Ibid
135 Ibid
136 Ibid
A REPORT FROM KIIR
CASE
On 09 April 2017, 1st year College Student,
Mohammad Abbas, aged 16, son of Fateh
Mohammad Rather, resident of Hardu Dalwan,
Charar-e-Sharief, Budgam, was hit by bullets
by Indian Armed Forces (BSF).137
CASE
On 09 April 2017, 10th Standard Student, Akeel
Ahmad Wani, aged 17, son of Mohammad
Amin Wani, resident of Churmujroo, Budgam,
was shot dead outside a polling Booth by the
Indian Armed Forces (ITBP Personnel).138
CASE
On 13 May 2017, Asiya, aged 13, daughter
of Mohammad Aslam, resident of Nowshera
sector, Rajouri, died due to the Cross border
shelling along LOC in Nowshera sector Rajouri
district.139
CASE
On 17 June 2017, Ahsan Dar, aged 14, resident
of Shamuspora Anantnag, was shot dead by
the Indian Armed Forces.140
CASE
On 17 July 2017, Saida Kouser, aged 8,
daughter of Mohammad Kafil Khan, resident of
Barooti village in Balakote, Mendhar Poonch,
was killed due to cross LOC shelling.141
CASE
On 09 August 2017, Muhammad Younis
Sheikh, aged 16, son of Abdul Khaliq Sheikh,
resident of Saimoh village in Tral, Pulwama,
was fired with pellets Indian Armed Forces.142
CASE
On 2 October 2017, Asrar Ahmad, 09 years
old, resident of Mohallha Qasba, Poonch
was killed during cross LOC shelling along
Poonch.143
137 Ibid
138 Ibid
139 Ibid
140 Ibid
141 Ibid
142 Ibid
143 Ibid
37
 CASE
Asrar Khan, a student of Class 11, was injured
in the head by a tear gas shell and pellets, shot
by Indian security forces, on August 6, 2019,
outside his home in the main city of Srinagar’s
Ellahi Bagh area. He was then admitted to the
Sher-i-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Science
(SKIMS) in a critical condition. For nearly a
month and against all odds, Asrar battled for
his life, supported by a ventilator machine.
Asrar Khan’s admission card at the SKIMS said
he had suffered multiple pellet injuries and
was hit by a tear gas shell. He then died after
striving for life for a month in a hospital.144
CASE
In August 2019, Tufail Mattoo, a 10th-grade
private school student from Srinagar, had been
killed by a tear gas canister fired at close range
by Indian soldiers. He was assassinated during
a protest against the abrogation of article 370
of Indian constitution by Indian government.
Kashmiris took to the streets to voice their
anger, and the police responded with even
more unlawful violence.145
CASE
On 17 September, 2019, 15-year-old Yawar
Ahmed Bhat from Chandigam Village,
Pulwama District, died after consuming poison
as a result of the trauma from being beaten
and detained by Indian security forces.146
CASE
On May 6, 2020, the joint party of the army’s
55 Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police
Force (CRPF), and the police assassinated a 14
year old boy named Hazim Bhat in Handwara,
during a pretext of Cordon and search
operation which resulted in massive shootings
by Indian army.147
144 Ayesha Waheed & Altaf Hussain Wani, (2019). Human Rights
Report (2019 ed., Rep.). Kashmir Institute of International Relations
145 Ayesha Waheed & Altaf Hussain Wani, (2019). Human Rights
Report (2019 ed., Rep.). Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
146 Ayesha Waheed & Altaf Hussain Wani, (2019). Human Rights
Report (2019 ed., Rep.). Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
147 Ayesha Waheed & Altaf Hussain Wani, (2019). Human Rights
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
38
CASE
On 26th of June, 2020, Nihaan, a four year
old boy, resident of Machwa Yaripora village
in Kulgam, Kashmir, was brutally assassinated
by the firing of Indian troops. This horrific
incident occurred on June 25, when Nihaan
was kicking and hitting the cabinet doors in
the kitchen while his family was busy preparing
dinner. As his sister, Fiza Jan, narrated that
they tried to calm him down but he didn’t
stop. Next day, Nihaan was getting ready to
go to Bijbehara in Anantnag, with his father,
Bhat, who was a teacher and he had some
work there. Then Nihaan greeted a warm
goodbye to his mother and two sisters and
promised to be a good boy. He got into the car
with his father and uncle, Nisar Ahmad, and
they left for Bijbehara. At around 12 pm, they
reached there. Bhat got out of the car and
told Ahmad and Nihaan to remain there since
he would be back soon. Soon after, Nihaan
laid his head down as he was feeling sleepy.
Suddenly, a heavy firing broke out between
militants and Indian troops at around 12:15
pm. Ahmad explained sorrowfully that he tried
to start the car at that moment but he realized
that something terrible had happened. When
he looked at Nihaan, he screamed as Nihaan
was covered with blood with his mouth open.
Ahmad panicked and rushed to a hospital one
kilometre from the bunker, but Nihaan was
already dead. A bullet had entered his body
close to his heart. 148
Report (2019 ed., Rep.). Kashmir Institute of International Relations
148 Kashmir: 4-Year-Old Boy Killed in Cross Firing Between Mili-
tants and CRPF. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://thewire.
in/rights/kashmir-minor-boy-killed-crossfiring-militants-crpf

ILLEGAL
DETENTIONS
& PELLET
VICTIMS CASES
CASE
9-year-old Javed Ahmad Dar of Ladoora,
Rohama from Baramulla district, was detained
by the Indian armed forces during a cordon
and search operation in November 1991 and
till now no trace of him can be found.149
CASE
In November 2008, 16-year-old Mehraj-ud-
din Khanday was detained by Indian security
forces and then booked under PSA. The UN
WGAD found that the detention under the
PSA of 16-year-old Mehraj-ud-din Khanday
was not only arbitrary, but also further violated
Article 14(4) of the ICCPR, which requires that
all proceedings against juveniles shall take
into account their age and the desirability of
promoting their rehabilitation. The UN WGAD
noted that in their response, the Government
of India had “not commented on or provided a
reason for not extending the rights accorded
under international law to a minor.”
CASE
Nayeem Ahmad Dar (DMS/PSA/21/2009)
- a child aged 17 at the time - was held in
administrative detention under the PSA for
over three months from June to September
2009. He had previously been arrested in May
2008 in a criminal case of rioting and other
149 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
A REPORT FROM KIIR
related offences for being part of an alleged
unlawful assembly that was “pelting stones on
vehicles and attacked the police party which
was on duty.” Dar was released after 10 days,
as the authorities did not pursue criminal
prosecution. Dar’s family told Amnesty
International that while he, along with many
other local boys, was indeed involved in some
of the protests in 2008 over the transfer of land
to a Hindu shrine, he had stopped taking part
after his initial arrest. They said that this did
not stop the police from regularly visiting the
house after each incident of stone pelting in
the area, harassing the family and threatening
to arrest Dar. Even though the family members
told them that their son had learnt his lesson
and stopped such activities, the police said to
his parents that he was a “born criminal.” The
PSA detention order was ultimately quashed
by the High Court and he was released. 150
CASE
Nayeem Ahmad Dar (DMS/PSA/21/2009),
aged 17, was apprehended in June 2009 for
alleged involvement in stone pelting. He was
detained without trial till September 2009
when the High Court quashed his detention
under the PSA (HCP 120/09). His family told
Amnesty International that he was kept with
adults in a jail in Poonch. 151
CASE
14-year old, Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh (DMS/
PSA/05/2010) was held in administrative
detention for nearly 10 months from 21 April
2010 to 10 February 2011. He was arrested
on 9 April 2010 in a criminal case of rioting
and attempt to murder, allegedly as part of
a stone-pelting mob. Released on bail eight
days later, he was detained under the PSA on
21 April. The grounds of detention state his
age to be 19 although his family told Amnesty
International that he was born in 1996 and is
150 Document. (n.d.). Retrieved December, from https://www.
amnesty.org/en/documents/ASA20/001/2011/en/
151 Document. (n.d.). Retrieved December, from https://www.
amnesty.org/en/documents/ASA20/001/2011/en/
39
 only 14 years old. Prison records confirmed
the family’s claim of Mushtaq being a child.152
CASE
On 05 July 2010, Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat,
aged 17, son of Bashir Ahmad, resident of
Gangbugh area in Srinagar, was tortured in
police custody by JK Police.153
CASE
In March 2013, Asif Majeed a minor, of
Hazratbal Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir was
slapped with Public Safety Act and detained
in various police Stations across Srinagar
starting from Zakura Police Station, to Nigeen
Police Station, Lal-Bazar Police Station and
Soura Police Station in turns and rotation.
Asif Majeed, a 16 year old boy at the time of
arrest, was the sole bread earner of the family.
He was detained by police on the way to his
employers’ shop where he was working to
support his family. The charges against Asif
as per the detention order were “threat to the
Peace and Law and Order” as his detention
order under public safety Act read, ignoring the
juvenility of the person and the qualifications
under Section 8 of the PSA after Amendment
in 2012. While the Government authority
refused to accept Asif as a juvenile when the
issue was raised by parents, the record in
Government Boys Middle School Gulabagh,
were Asif has been a student showed his Date
Of Birth as 30th April 1997 which was verified
by Zonal Education Officer of the Gulabagh
(I have copy of the certificate issued). Asif
has many anecdotes of sufferings and pain
to recount during his detention, which he has
gone through during detention. At one point
of time, during detention at Lal-Bazar Police
Station, Asif was allowed to spend three hours
with his family, which Asif says was a kind of
understanding and setting between family and
152 Document. (n.d.). Retrieved December, from https://www.
amnesty.org/en/documents/ASA20/001/2011/en/
153 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
40
Police persons in turn of some consideration
paid by parents of Asif. Asif was asked to
reveal the names of children that participated
in protest against the State. Asif’s family
tried reaching everyone in a position they
thought could help, yet to no help of theirs.
The list of FIRs that were filed against Asif
seemed to be unending to his family, bailed
out once he would be rearrested outside the
Court Premises on FIRs by different Police
Stations. This is why he was kept in custody
by circulation between various Police Stations.
Asif remembers that Police would direct him
to tell the lesser number of days of detention
before the Court when asked by Court,
assuring him of his release at earliest. Asif used
to follow what police would say, after all what
can be expected from a child who remains
within the custody of police for a long time,
other than following the direction of police.
Asif’s detention under PSA was quashed by
the Srinagar High Court after a Habeas Corpus
petition was filed by his family. 154
CASE
On July 8, 2016, Bilal, a seventeen year old
boy, resident of Kralgund village in Kupwara
district of Jammu and Kashmir is a victim of
such humiliation. Bilal expresses how these
Indian forces had made his life difficult and
miserable. They had achieved their target by
making him uncomfortable in his own home.
He could not sleep. He could not go to school.
Bilal narrated sorrowfully that the indian
forces hung his trouser on a walnut tree, and
he further cried that that was the only thing
he was wearing that day. He said that he had
gone out for some work on August 3, 2016 at
around 2:30 pm. He didn’t know a rally was
being held at some distance. Suddenly, as the
crowd dispersed from the venue, the police
jumped into action and started randomly
arresting the passers-by. He alleged that he
154 Latief, F. (n.d.). Children in Kashmir and Access To Justice. Re-
trieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.academia.edu/10452395/
Children_in_Kashmir_and_Access_To_Justice
and three youths from a nearby village were
detained at the Kralgund police station and
beaten. In addition to that, those brutal police
men undressed and tied him to a tree trunk.
They hung his clothes on the branches of
a nearby walnut tree, and, then, for several
hours, they left him in that embarrassing
position, as if to gain amusement. At the
time of his arrest, Bilal was a Class IX student
at Government Higher Secondary School at
Kralgund. Indian security forces soon lodged
him Bilal was lodged at the Handwara jail
for 18 days without remand. Soon after, he
was booked under Public Safety Act and
thus shifted to Udhampur Jail, Jammu, nearly
300 km from his hometown. His family then
provided documents supporting his status
as a minor but the police did not relent. Bilal
was in jail sharing his cell hardened criminals
sentenced for rape and murder. It took 30
days for his parents to prove that he is a minor
and thus he was shifted to Juvenile Home in
Harwan, Srinagar. This extensive torture and
humiliation left him with severe depression
and anxiety and that is how the Indian forces
weakens the bright Kashmiri children by an
unlawful, abusive detention, snatching their
dreams from their eyes and throw them in
waste.155
CASE
Here is an incident of Bandipora, where a
postgraduate student said that the indian
police had offered a cash prize of Rs 40,000
for any information that would facilitate
his arrest. His only crime was that he had
addressed the gathering on July 9, 2016,
when Burhan Wani was martyred. Then the
next day, he again instigated the youth to
fight for their freedom. He claimed that one
should fight for their right of freedom, and
it’s absolutely legal. But, unfortunately he
155 Prison Diaries: Students and Minors Recount Horrors of Kash-
mir’s Public Safety Act. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
thewire.in/rights/kashmir-detention-public-safety-act
A REPORT FROM KIIR
was arrested when he returned home to
attend his grand mother’s funeral and thus
booked under PSA and remained in jail for
almost a year from 2016 to 2017. He was
taken to Kote Bhalwal Jail, Jammu. There, he
had experienced the worst form of torture.
He explained that Indian soldiers harassed
him physically as well as mentally. He further
retrieved that the officials forced them to cut
grass and do other menial jobs the entire day
and they often used to strip them. “In those
72 hours, if I had had a weapon, I would have
killed myself,” he proclaimed as he was solely
kept for three days at the Humhama centre
which is a juvenile home in Srinagar. He
narrated that he had sought permission from
the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to appear
for his semester exams at Kashmir university.
The misery was that he was taken there hand-
cuffed and he wasn’t able to write properly as
the police man also stood beside him making
him more horrified and uncomfortable. 156
CASE
On 25 July 2010, Tariq Ahmad Dar, aged 17,
resident of Panzala Rafiabad, Baramulla, was
tortured in police custody by JK Police.157
CASE
On May 3, 2014 Waseem Ahmed, a minor
from District Pulwama of State of Jammu and
Kashmir was booked under Public Safety Act
and was lodged in Sub District Jail Kathua
subsequently. Before the PSA order, police had
registered FIR against him on various charges
under Ranbir Penal Code and was arrested
from Hospital while Waseem was undergoing
some treatment. Waseem, age 16 years as
per School leaving certificate which shows
156 Prison Diaries: Students and Minors Recount Horrors of Kash-
mir’s Public Safety Act. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
thewire.in/rights/kashmir-detention-public-safety-act
157 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
41
 2-9-1998 his Date of Birth, has been charged
for being “Prejudicial to the maintenance of
Public Order’’ while the grounds of detention
read “Preventing the detenu from acting in
any manner prejudicial to security of State”.
Before the order was passed the minor was in
custody of the police, so how could he prove
prejudicial to the security of the State, argues
his Lawyer at Srinagar High Court. The lawyer
also points towards the Section 8 of the Public
Safety Act which provides for prohibition of
detention of persons below the age of 18
years, and argues that the detention order
is irregular and void. And more importantly,
Waseem is a minor and under the Juvenile
Justice Act 2013 he cannot be detained in
any adult jail, however heinous a crime he
may be involved in. The Government has
lodged him in one of the most dreaded jails
of Jammu and Kashmir, almost 400 kms away
from his Home. His family has filed a petition
for Habeas Corpus before the Srinagar High
Court, to seek to produce the minor before
the court, writ of Mandamus for release of
the minor and an inquiry against the State
for misrepresentation of age of the minor.
On 20 May, 2014 the High Court directed
the Government authority to shift the minor
from District Jail Kathua to Juvenile Home
in Kashmir, which till July 15, 2014 did not
happen amounting to more than two months
detention of the minor in the Adult Jail.158
CASE
Insha, 16 years old, was hit by pellets on the
evening of July 11, 2016, three days after
Burhan Wani was killed, when she opened a
window to look outside her home in Sedow
village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district. 159
158 Latief, F. (n.d.). Children in Kashmir and Access To Justice. Re-
trieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.academia.edu/10452395/
Children_in_Kashmir_and_Access_To_Justice
159 Pellet Guns and Children of Kashmir Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 14, 2020, from https://www.childrights.in/2018/08/pellet-
guns-and-children-of-kashmir-valley.html
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
42
CASE
Ifrah, 17, whose house is on a main road in
Pulwama’s Rahmoo village, was shot by pellet
guns when she left home to fetch her younger
brother on 31 July, 2016. The teenager had
already lost her father to cross-border firing in
2007 and has been living with her grandfather,
Abdul Aziz. She lost complete vision in her left
eye and can only partially see from the right.160
CASE
Eight-year-old Junaid Ahmad in July, 2016,
became the latest victim of ‘targeted fire’
when he was shot at from close range by a
pellet gun, resulting in extensive injuries to
his chest. He is the latest to figure in the grim
statistics showing that 14 per cent of those
injured by pellets since July 9 are below the age
of 15 and face complicated surgeries. Ahmad
was standing in a lane outside his house at
Nawabazaar’s Qalamdanpora area on Sunday
evening when the security forces started
withdrawing from the area after the day-long
curfew. “A police Rakshak vehicle stopped
at the lane and chased people assembling in
the area. Ahmad did not flee from the spot.
Instead, he stood there. He was shouted at by
a police man from the vehicle and then fired
at without any consideration for his age,” said
Ahmad’s relative at the Shri Maharaja Hari
Singh (SMHS) Hospital. Dozens of pellets hit
Ahmad in the chest, with some penetrating
through to his lungs. “There are multiple pellet
injuries in the chest but he is showing signs of
improvement,” said a doctor in the hospital. “If
he was a little closer to the barrel of the pellet
shotgun, given his tender skin, pellets would
have ruptured his lungs,” the doctor said.161
160 Pellet Guns and Children of Kashmir Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 14, 2020, from https://www.childrights.in/2018/08/pellet-
guns-and-children-of-kashmir-valley.html
161 Ashiq, P. (2016, October 01). 14% of pellet gun victims in
Kashmir are below 15. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.
thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/14-of-pellet-gun-victims-in-
Kashmir-are-below-15/article14583549.ece
CASE
On 08 August 2016, Amir Bashir Lone, aged
17, resident of Sedow, Shopian, was hit by
pellets from close range by Indian Armed
Forces.162
CASE
On 31 August 2016, 12th Standard Student,
Danish Rasool, 17 years old, resident of
Wagoora, Baramulla was hit by pellets on the
neck from a very close range JK police.163
CASE
On 16 September 2016, 16-year-old Rayees
Ahmad Mir from Delina area of Baramulla
district of Kashmir was arrested by J&K police
under charges of throwing stones at armed
forces and two days later, he was booked under
PSA. The PSA order stated that Rayees was
18-year-old, which was incorrect according to
his school records. The order was challenged
by Rayees’s family in Jammu and Kashmir High
Court, and the family produced documents
proving he was 16 years old. Even though the
High Court ordered on 7 October 2016 that
Rayees be treated as a juvenile under Juvenile
Justice Act Rules, as prima facie evidence
suggested that he was a minor – and he should
be transferred to a juvenile home. However,
Rayees spent his entire detention period 360
kilometres away from his hometown in Kot
Bhalwal jail in Jammu before he was released
in January 2017. Rayees was released three
weeks after the High Court quashed his PSA
on 6 December 2016. Before being released,
Rayees was taken to Joint Interrogation Centre
(JIC) Jammu where he was detained for some
days before he was sent to Baramulla police
162 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
163 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
A REPORT FROM KIIR
station where he was kept for a few weeks
before being released.164
CASE
Shabroza, 17, was hit by pellets on 31 October,
2016, and she lost vision in her left eye.165
CASE
One more incident to be noted here is
Haseeb Nabi Khan’s case, who was a 19 year
old student who was booked under PSA in
October 2017. He was also placed at the Kote
Bhalwal Jail. He requested the administration
to shift him to Srinagar Central Jail, as he had
to appear for exams in the capital city. But
the police’s response was curt. They said, ‘So
what? On his examination days we will bring
him to Srinagar.’ Can you expect a student to
write his paper after travelling nearly 300 km
minutes before his exam?”166
CASE
On 02 August 2017, a student Akeel Majeed
Bhat,17 years old, son of Late Abdul Majeed,
resident of Gabberpora, Haal, Pulwama was
critically injured near an encounter site on
August 1 by Indian Armed forces.167
CASE
World’s youngest pellet victim, Hiba Nisar,
who was injured in the right eye during pellet
firing by the Indian forces on November 25,
2018, is battling to regain her sight. Hiba
was just 19-month-old when she was injured
164 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
165 Pellet Guns and Children of Kashmir Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 14, 2020, from https://www.childrights.in/2018/08/pellet-
guns-and-children-of-kashmir-valley.html
166 Prison Diaries: Students and Minors Recount Horrors of Kash-
mir’s Public Safety Act. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
thewire.in/rights/kashmir-detention-public-safety-act
167 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
43
 outside her home when Indian forces started a
cordon and search operation in neighbouring
village Batgund. Nisar, her father said that the
family takes her for a check-up once or twice
a week but have not seen any positive sign till
now. “They may operate upon her eye next
month, and she had earlier undergone two
surgeries at SMHS Srinagar,” he said. Hiba’s
grandfather, Abdul Ahad Butt, narrated the
incidents of the day of the operation. “There
was a huge cordon, but we were not aware
that some forces’ men had laid an ambush
outside our house. They were hiding behind
a small tin fence as my daughter-in-law went
outside carrying her daughter. When they
fired a pellet cartridge at her, Hiba’s mother
put her hand over the child’s face. Her hand
and back also sustained injuries, but despite
that, a pellet hit Hiba’s right eye deep, causing
major damage. Till date, she is not able to see
from that eye.”168
CASE
On August 4, 2019, Shahid, a 16 year old
boy, resident of Srigufwara Anantnag, was
picked up from his home by Indian police.
They assured the family that he will be
released the next morning. Next day, the
Indian government revoked the articles 370
and 35 A of Indian constitution. When the
family went to the police station, they told
them that they had shifted Shahid to Central
jail Srinagar, 80kms from their place. After four
days, he was booked under Public Safety Act
and shifted outside Srinagar without informing
the family. Shahid’s PSA dossier shows that
he was detained on false charges of being
affiliated with a terrorist organisation, after
he completed his 12th class examination. But
the irony in his case was that he hadn’t even
attended his 12th class board examination yet.
168 Hiba, youngest pellet victim in India-held Kashmir, still without
sight. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.pakistanto-
day.com.pk/2019/03/10/hiba-youngest-pellet-victim-in-india-held-kash-
mir-still-without-sight/
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
44
Shahid’s mother, Shakeela Bano lost all hope
that her son would be released anytime soon.
“My son is a kid, how can any justice system
in the universe put a minor under the Public
Safety Act?” she asked. “When I came to know
that our son was shifted outside Kashmir,
darkness fell before my eyes. Everything
seems blurred,” said Bano.
Shahid’s family filed habeas corpus in the high
court, and on September 20, the Supreme
Court of India directed the Juvenile Justice
Committee of Jammu and Kashmir High Court
to examine allegations that children have
illegally been detained. After much relentless
efforts of his family, On October 1, the PSA of
Shahid was revoked, and he was released on
29th September, two months after his initial
detention. Bano, sitting next to her son, stares
at him helplessly. She fears that her son will
not be able to live the life he could before.
Shahid, who is attending his 12th class board
exams, now sits in his room but doesn’t study,
“I don’t feel like studying now, I don’t want to
remain confined in my room. I cannot believe
that I am finally free,” he said.169
CASE
On August 5, 2019, Junaid Shafi Mir, aged
17, picked up on Aug. 5, he was held in a cell
with four others, with new detainees arriving
and leaving each day. The security forces kept
on asking the names of stone pelters, when
Junaid said he didn’t know the boy, an officer
hit him with a wooden baton five times on his
knuckles and palms.170
CASE
On August 5, 2019, Eleven-year-old Mohsin
Bhat (name with-held) from Anchar, Soura-
169 Zargar, S. (2019, October 06). In Kashmir, boys aged 14 and
16 held under dreaded Public Safety Act and sent to Uttar Pradesh jails.
Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://scroll.in/article/939516/
in-kashmir-boys-aged-14-and-16-held-under-dreaded-public-safety-act-
and-sent-to-uttar-pradesh-jails
170 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
Srinagar, was picked up – along with two of
his friends, near a playground where they had
gone to play cricket. The incident occurred
soon after the abrogation of Article 370 of
August 5. Before being beaten and kicked by
policemen, the trio were detained at the Soura
police station for several days and were only
let off after they were asked to report to the
police station. The mother of the detained
minor maintains that she was beaten by the
policeman in charge of the station and he
hurled invectives at her when she went to
demand her son’s release. Mohsin was kept
under illegal detention and no formal charges
were brought against him.171
CASE
On August 5, 2019, Farhan Farooq, son of
Nazia, a skinny 13-year-old with a tuft of black
hair, was the youngest in the house. Suddenly,
an Indian police vehicle came to a stop next
to them and armed officers jumped out in
the August twilight. They bundled the three
friends into the car, one of the other boys
recalled later. Farhan began to cry. For the next
week, Farhan’s family said, he was held in a jail
cell at the local police station in this Kashmiri
town 10 miles outside of Srinagar. Nazia,
Farhan’s mother, said that she came to see her
son every day and that officers sometimes let
her speak to him. “He would cry and ask me to
take him home,” she said. “It was very difficult
to see him like that.” 172
CASE
On August 6, 2019, Burhan Nazir Parrey,
aged 16, son of Nazir Ahmad, went out for a
walk with a friend on the evening of August
6 and turning a corner ran into members of
the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF). One put the barrel of a pellet-firing
171 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
172 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
A REPORT FROM KIIR
shotgun gun to his upper body and fired a
shell right into his right shoulder. Then one of
the soldiers put his boot on his shoulder and
pushed the shell further inside. Another tried
to crush my neck. Only when some women
started shouting did the soldiers leave,
otherwise they surely wanted to kill him. Then
his neighbours took him to the hospital. He
had a gaping wound in his shoulder the size of a
cricket ball, the latest victim of what Kashmiris
say is indiscriminate brutality by Indian forces.
According to his father Nazir Ahmad, doctors
located “more than 400 pellets” in his torso.
Medical records showed that “multiple pellets
and one plastic canister” were removed.173
CASE
Mamoon Ahmad, aged 17 years, 2nd year
student of the degree college, Pulwama,
arrested on 7th August, 2019 and lodged in
Agra central jail under PSA. The Indian army
cordoned off his home at 2 am on the 7th
December and told the families that the youth
were being taken into preventive detention till
August 15. However, when they went to the
Pulwama PS on 16th August, they were told
he had been taken away to another city.174
CASE
On the night of 7th August, 2019, when Umer
Bashir, a 14 year old boy, got off from the hard
work in the small bakery, which he had set up
on his own , where he was preparing bread
for Eid-ul-Adha, a muslim occasional fest, on,
he was all set to go to his bed. Suddenly, he
heard loud voices at 2 am. He was about to
analyse what was happening but soon after
he found himself around Indian forces in
his room, ordering him to go with them. His
mother and four sisters were huddled in the
living room, crying in despair. They were all
173 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
174 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
45
 asking for the reason they’re grabbing him
with them. They responded that Umer was
involved in protest rallies and perhaps threw
stones at Indian soldiers. Such a pity on
these Kashmiris who are suffering from the
punishment for their undone crimes. After
this, his family tried each and everything to
prove his innocence and his age factor, under
which he couldn’t be arrested under PSA.
Umer’s family was fortunate enough than the
other Kashmiri families as they have met their
kid in jail. Umer’s sister narrated that one of
his teeth were broken when we met him. They
took some clothes for him but the officials
said black clothes were not allowed because
of the color’s association with protests. Next
day when they went to see him, they were
told he’d been shifted to Varanasi jail” in
Uttar Pradesh, 1,000 miles south, subject to
a PSA detention order. But they filed a habeas
corpus petition in a Srinagar court, supported
by a certificate from Umar’s former school
bearing his birth date. The district magistrate,
who had signed the PSA order, questioned the
validity of the certificate, but a court-ordered
inquiry confirmed his age.175 On Oct. 15, the
government announced it would drop charges
against Umar, and he will be released. But even
after a habeas corpus petition established
Umar’s age, the court has ordered his release,
he had not been released by Indian Forces.
When he came back home after this incident,
he narrated that he was slapped inside the
lockup and felt mentally tortured.”Whenever
there is a knock, I get scared, fearing that they
will again take me. This is haunting me,” he
said. While recalling all of this, he said that he
will never forget his time in custody which has
changed his life forever.176
175 Kashmir, S. (2020, February 21). A 15-year-old Kashmiri Boy’s
70+ Days in an Indian Jail. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
media-41618.medium.com/a-15-year-old-kashmiri-boys-70-days-in-an-
indian-jail-8b7ffba3c319
176 Kashmir, S. (2020, February 21). A 15-year-old Kashmiri Boy’s
70+ Days in an Indian Jail. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
media-41618.medium.com/a-15-year-old-kashmiri-boys-70-days-in-an-
indian-jail-8b7ffba3c319
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
46
CASE
On August 9, 2019, when Indian forces opened
fire on Kashmiri demonstrators in Srinagar,
Afshana Farooq, a 14-year-old, got injured by
those shots. She was then treated in a Srinagar
hospital after being nearly trampled in a
stampede. Her father said that they were just
marching peacefully after Friday prayers then
suddenly the Indian forces started shooting at
them.177
CASE
On August 12, 2019, the six-year-old girl,
Munifa Nazir, from Safakadal was hurt in the
right eye after paramilitary forces targeted her
with a slingshot on Eid day when she was out
with her uncle. Family members attend Munifa
Nazir at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital in
Srinagar on August 17. A relative attending her
said she is unable to see from her right eye.178
CASE
In August 2019, Gulshan Mushtaq, a seventh
grade student, resident of Srinagar city, was
detained by the indian police, while playing
football in the streets of his hometown.
Mushtaq attempted to run towards his home
soon after he heard noises that broke out at
the other corner of that street. In any case, all
of a sudden, a police jeep showed up on the
scene and they shot pellets in his body. He
collapsed on the ground. He didn’t have any
clue who took him to the emergency clinic.
After gaining consciousness, he understood
that, somewhere; in the range of 100 pellets
had hit him. Regardless of whether it was
insufficient, he was quickly taken to the police
headquarters where he was inquired by the
177 Zargar, S. (2019, October 06). In Kashmir, boys aged 14 and
16 held under dreaded Public Safety Act and sent to Uttar Pradesh jails.
Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://scroll.in/article/939516/
in-kashmir-boys-aged-14-and-16-held-under-dreaded-public-safety-act-
and-sent-to-uttar-pradesh-jails
178 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
police. After his release, the bright student CASE
abandoned his school. “It is a gone chapter
Here is the story of Afaan-14 years old, a
of my life now, there is nothing left for us
10th-grade student, who was detained by
here in Kashmir,” regrets Mushtaq. The wrath
Indian police for fourteen days under Public
and defiance among youngsters, increases
Safety Act, alleged of protesting against Indian
with each capture of their companions
decision of revoking the special status to the
and classmates. At the point when these
region. On August 21, 2019, Afaan Mustafa,
youngsters come back from these detention
a resident of the uptown area of Natipora,
centres, they relate accounts of misuse and
Srinagar, was going to offer Asar prayers
torture, adding more anger to their reistance
and was picked up outside the gate of the
movement. Sitting in a dark room, he reviewed
mosque in Azad-Basti Natipora. He was first
his first response when he was locked inside
taken to the Chanapora police station and
a dull cell. “A beam of light was coming from
later shifted to the Saddar police station in
a little window. There were three more young
Baghat-e-Barzullah, three kilometers away
boys inside the room however I couldn’t see
from his home. After the relentless efforts by
them due to darkness. They later disclosed
his parents for a couple of days, Afaan was
to me that they had been captured the day
released by Indian forces once he got the
before him.” Their families were not allowed to
release order from juvenile court, accepting
send them food from home as these inmates
his school document of being a juvenile. He is
were having unhygienic food inside custody.
one among the hundreds of children who were
The families were asking the police to tell
whisked away by the Occupation forces and
them what their crime was. Police told them
sent to prison. The father of Afaan, Manzoor
that they would show them a video recording
Ahmad Gani says that like many other children,
of the area where young boys were throwing
the detention has affected his son badly. He is
stones at forces. They claimed he “Mushtaq’’
depressed, frightened, and his body is aching
was also among them but they didn’t show
and has visible scars of torture. Afaan while
it to them. Mushtaq, after facing this much
recalling the day when he was picked by the
mental stress, burnt down all of his books, as
Indian forces, said, “They cordoned me and
there remains no will of getting an education
forcefully bundled inside the vehicle. While
at this point.179
resisting, a cop hit me on the back of my neck
and I fell unconscious. They hit me on my legs
CASE
and feet with the sticks repeatedly.” He, along
On August 20, 2019, A 12-year-old boy, with other juveniles, was ordered to wash
Nauman Khan of Natipora, a class VII student the hundreds of dishes and cut the stubble in
at Dawn Public School, was going to buy food courtyards with bare hands, which resulted in
for his pet cat and suddenly CRPF men grabbed severe infection of his eyes. After his release,
him, under the charge of stone pelting. He he went through treatment as he also got
cried and explained to them that he was just some injuries in his skull.181
going to buy cat food. But the Indian forces
treated him like a criminal. 180 CASE
179 ‘Torture, detention of children adds rage in Kashmir’. (n.d.). On August 22, 2019, Aqib, 17 year old, was
Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-paci-
fic/-torture-detention-of-children-adds-rage-in-kashmir-/1614269 181 ‘Beaten, Heckled, Made Examples of’: Detained Kashmiri
180 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed., Minors Speak Out. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://the-
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations. wire.in/rights/kashmir-minors-children-police

A REPORT FROM KIIR

47
 detained by the Indian police on August 22,
2019 when he left home to buy milk. He
was being held at Srinagar’s central jail. The
authorities did not give details of any charges
against him. His wife, Nowsheena Sheikh is
scared that they may transfer him out of the
state.182
CASE
Nisar Ahmad Mir explained that Indian
policemen detained his 17-year-old son,
Danish, on August 24, 2019, in Kashmir.
Indian security forces raided the home of
Nisar Ahmad and arrested Daish under the
charge of stone pelting.183
CASE
In August 2019, Muzamil Feroz Rah, 17,
of Srinagar was arrested by the police in a
“midnight raid from his home. He was kicked
and punched by the Indian cops and when
his mother tried to stop the cops from taking
him away, the cops told her to remain silent
or they will kill him. He was kept inside a
small, dark cell with 15 other minors. He was
traded like a commodity between different
police stations. Even his father was detained
for two days when he went to meet Muzamil
in the police station.” Naik said the courts in
Kashmir were not functional as most lawyers
were on strike against the incarceration of the
Bar Association’s president at a jail outside
Kashmir.184
CASE
On August 28, 2019, Omair, a 16 year old
boy, who was detained by Indian forces
under the charges of throwing stones during
demonstrations at Danderkha locality. Omair
182 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
183 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
184 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
STOLEN CHILDHOOD OF KASHMIRI CHILDREN
48
was involved in peaceful protests but Indian
Police often responded to these protestors
with firing tear gas and shelling.185
CASE
Ahmad, a 16 year old boy, was picked up from
his home by the Indian security forces amidst
night during a cordon and search operation in
Kulgam. He narrated that his phone had gone
missing, and, apparently, some stone-pelter
had used his SIM. He tried to explain the same
to the police, but they didn’t listen. Ahmad got
arrested and shifted from Kulgam to Anantnag
and then to the district jail in Kathua, Jammu.
He was then booked under Public Safety Act.
His father, Mohammad Yusaf, explained that
PSA is not meant for the minors but Indian
security forces deliberately put these minors
with hard core criminals, so the children could
feel depressed and suppressed. At the time
of his arrest, he was a Class VIII student at
Iqra Public School, Kulgam. He dropped out
of school soon thereafter. When Mohammad
Yousuf was asked whether he had shown his
son’s age certificate to the police and protested
their arresting his minor son, he scoffed at
the suggestion. “Kashmir hai, chalta hai (It’s
normal in Kashmir),” he said nonchalantly.186
CASE
In the dead of a mid-August night, 16-year-
old Muhammad was woken up by kicks and
knocks at the doors and windows of his
home in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-
administered Kashmir. His home - a single-
storey house in a congested neighbourhood
- was under cordon and as family members
lifted the curtains, they saw armed policemen
outside. Officers were beating the grade 10
student as they took him away. Muhammad
said he was routinely threatened by police
185 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
186 Mehraj, I., Rather, N., Adil, S., & Kazim, S. J. (2017). Impact
of Violence on the Children of Jammu and Kashmir (Rep.). Jammu
Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. doi:https://jkccs.net/wp-content/up-
loads/2018/03/2018-Impact-of-Violence-on-Children-of-JK-JKCCS.pdf
during his 15-day detention period. “They
would abuse us and threaten that they will
detain us under the Public Safety Act and we
would be shifted outside Kashmir, this would
make us cry,” he said. His family claims he is
only 15 years old. Al Jazeera saw the school
certificate of the boy, which shows his date of
birth as December 12, 2004.187
CASE
On May 22, 2020, during a cordon and search
operation in Karimabad village in Pulwama,
Owais Ahmad, an 8 year old boy got blinded
by the pellet gun shots by the Indian security
forces during a crossfire session between the
youth and Indian forces. He was playing with
some other children, when the clash erupted.
He tried to hide from the forces, as he moved
out through the narrow passage, he was shot
down by the pellets. Locals took Ahmad to a
house because they couldn’t immediately rush
him to the hospital due to the fear of security
forces. Ahmad was first taken to the district
hospital in Pulwama, and was then shifted to
Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital. As per the
medical reports, Ahmad has a hole in the iris of
his right eye. When Mir asked them about his
son’s condition, he said the doctors told him,
“We will get that know only after the surgery.”
His father was also taken by Indian forces as
they forced him to come along with them and
assist them in door to door search operations.
Now, after a period of six months, Owais is
still feeling hopeless as well as helpless, while
sitting in his one room house in Karimabad.
His bloodshot right eye is still swollen. His
mother, Ameena Bano, narrated that Owais
was a child of miracle as he was born to her
after 15 years of trying. She expressed that his
eyes were dazzling green in color and admired
by every other person in the neighborhood
but who knew that the shine in his eyes was
meant to be taken by these draconian Indian
troops. Now, Owais along with his family, is
waiting for his eye surgery so they could get
187 Ayesha Waheed, (2020). Human Rights Report (2020 ed.,
Rep.). Islamabad: Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
A REPORT FROM KIIR
to know if there is any possible chance that
he could regain his eyesight. As the family
is struggling financially during the double
lockdown in Indian occupied Kashmir, it has
become hard to get the surgery done as soon
as possible. “We have already spent over Rs
15,000 on his treatment without having any
surgery yet. I think we might have to spend
a lot of money,” his father sighed. His father
narrated that this incident had left his child in
severe trauma as whenever there would be
a clash, Ahmad would lose his consciousness
and ask repeatedly that when will the forces
leave.188
CASE
Asif Ahmad Sheikh, 10 years old, from
Anantnag. Asif received one pellet in his right
eye, losing vision entirely on that side. He
told Pasquarelli the injury has caused lots of
problems at school.189
CASE
Aquib Zahoor Pampore, 16 years old, from
Anantnag. One pellet perforated the retina of
his left eye; leaving him blind on that side. He
told Pasquarelli he was forced to leave school
because of his injuries.190
CASE
Shahid Ahmad Wani, 16 years old, from
Achabal. He was forced to end his studies
after being hit by 93 pellets all over his body,
with two in the left eye. After three failed
surgeries he is now able to only see shadows.
To the right of his portrait, his medical records
are pictured.191
188 In Pulwama, an 8-Year-Old Pellet Victim Awaits Eye Surgery.
(n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://thewire.in/rights/in-pul-
wama-an-8-year-old-pellet-victim-awaits-eye-surgery
189 Perrigo, B. (2018, September 06). Pellet Gun Victims in Kash-
mir Suffer From Eye Injuries. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
time.com/longform/pellet-gun-victims-kashmir/
190 Perrigo, B. (2018, September 06). Pellet Gun Victims in Kash-
mir Suffer From Eye Injuries. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
time.com/longform/pellet-gun-victims-kashmir/
191 Perrigo, B. (2018, September 06). Pellet Gun Victims in Kash-
mir Suffer From Eye Injuries. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://
time.com/longform/pellet-gun-victims-kashmir/
49
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