A Growing Pain in Kashmir
By Khushboo Amin Bhat
khushbooamin786a@gmail.com
As a Kashmiri girl and a law student, I feel deeply disturbed by what I see every day around me. Women’s harassment in public transport has sadly become very common — especially here in Kashmir. Every day, when girls travel to schools, colleges, or offices, they face unwanted touching, staring, or inappropriate behavior from men around them. It’s heartbreaking to see that many of them choose silence, not because they are weak, but because they fear that speaking up will harm their family’s name or their own respect in society.
We as Kashmiris used to hear stories about such incidents, but now we are seeing them with our own eyes. It has become a daily reality for many girls. Especially for school and college-going girls, travelling in local buses or sumos has turned into a fearful experience. Some girls even start thinking that if their self-respect is not protected, then what is the use of studying or going out at all?
This situation is alarming. Not every family in Kashmir is rich enough to buy a car for their daughters. Public transport is a basic need, and it should be safe for everyone. If such behavior continues, it will directly affect girls’ education, freedom, and confidence — and that will harm the progress of our entire society.
Islam also teaches us to respect and protect women. Allah (SWT) has clearly mentioned in the Qur’an:
> “And do not approach women with evil intentions; indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:32)
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:71)
“And do not insult the women of others, so that you are not insulted in return.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:11)
These verses remind us that women deserve respect, safety, and dignity — not fear and shame.
As a law student, I strongly feel that legal protection must also be ensured. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, provides strict punishment for such acts:
Section 73 – Punishes assault or use of criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty.
Section 74 – Deals with sexual harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, advances, or remarks.
Section 79 – Punishes anyone who uses words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
However, laws must not only remain on paper — they must be enforced effectively. Police and transport authorities must take strict action against offenders so that no woman feels helpless inside public transport.
At the same time, we highly request the government to start separate buses only for girls. Just like the government has started a free bus service for women, starting buses especially for school and college girls will be far more helpful than free rides. Safety should come before anything else. A separate bus service will allow girls to travel without fear, with comfort and dignity.
We must also remember that girls are not weak. They are strong, brave, and capable of defending themselves when supported and encouraged. Women have the power to raise their voices, to stand against injustice, and to change society with their courage. They are not helpless — they are powerful when united.
In conclusion, we Kashmiris must pay attention. Harassment is not a small issue — it’s a deep social wound that destroys confidence and humanity. Every man must understand that if he disrespects another girl, then someone else might do the same to the women in his own family.
If we truly want our daughters and sisters to study, work, and move freely, we must build a Kashmir where even if a girl steps out at night, she feels safe and protected. Respecting women is not just a moral duty — it is a religious, legal, and human responsibility.
Let’s take this matter seriously before more girls lose hope in their dreams.
Let Kashmir become a place where every woman travels with dignity, safety, and peace.
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