Problems Faced by Adolescents due to Armed Conflict in Kashmir

The present study was carried out on 800 adolescents from rural and urban areas of Kashmir to observe the problems faced by adolescents due to armed conflict in Kashmir as per affect of conflict (intact and disrupted), dwelling and gender. The sample was selected through multi stage sampling technique. The sample was collected with the help of self constructed questionnaire. The study reveals that adolescents have faced problems due to armed conflict. Boys have been beaten; their identity cards were checked frequently. They have also faced abusive language, were stopped and kept aside and some of the boys have also experienced frisking. Adolescent girls have faced verbal harassment, harassment through gesture and physical harassment. On seeing men in uniform most intact-disrupted adolescent boys get angry; whereas most intact-disrupted adolescent girls get scared on seeing them.