ONE wonders as to how did valley of saints become the crucible of violence. Kashmir has suffered a lot. And in this explosive background, NGOs have assumed a new role –  with newer things to do and newer results to expect.
 As circumstances changed and civil society attained importance, NGOs too gathered momentum. It is a fact that inefficient government   can pave way to the formation of voluntary sector but this voluntary sector has to shoulder responsibilities in letter and spirit.  Making money should not be the sole aim. At times NGOs not only act catalyst, but can induce economic, political or social change. Thus social action is possible within the ever increasing ambit of voluntary sector.

 The ongoing turmoil has disturbed the order of the day. Who to blame and who not to. That is not the case in point. Over the years, Kashmir valley has seen unprecedented violence which has destablized the social balance. NGOs have come to play a bigger role. They fight on moral, economic and cultural front to help restore calm everywhere. They want to offer the space to those who are not heard.

 According to reports, in conflict zones, people develop suicidal tendencies, psychological disorders and emotional distress. The number of psychiatric patients has tremendously gone up largely because of strain and tension.  Under such circumstances NGOs should coordinate with other non – state sectors to establish counseling centers to meet with the demands.
 
 Tourism sector of Kashmir valley has collapsed. But efforts could be made to restore local tourism amidst tides of violence. Development authorities like LAWDA failed in their persistent but unplanned efforts. Non- governmental organisation can club together, to restore the lost glory of water bodies particularly the world famous Dal and Wuvlar Lake.  Eco-tourism, local tourism, also needs attention.

 Kashmiryat is heading toward a slow death. People prefer other languages and mother-tongue suffers the most. Kashmir arts and craft also need be revived through campaigning and mass media support.  Here also Non-governmental Organizations have a huge role to play.

 People in thousands need to be reintegrated, rehabilitated and resettled which is not possible without the positive intervention of NGO sector. We must have a will to change the things for better. A mass opinion is to be generated. That is the need of the hour.

 Human rights is another important front on which Organisations will have to do everything they can. The pro-advocacy organizations vouch for the rights for the damned and deprived people. This is to be done at all levels, so that the results are visible.

 In a nutshell it could be said that voluntary organizations trigger a positive change in the society and help the society get rid of its vices and social problems. The paradigms of organizations in Kashmir have changed with the passage of time. Initially the voluntary organizations would only work for charity, but now the scope of activities has widened up. They need to realize the changing situation and consequently change the methods and techniques to reach out to as many people as possible.
 That is what Kashmir needs deseperately. 

(Basarat Hassan is from MSW, Delhi School of Social work, University of Delhi.
Feedback at basarathasan@gmail.com)

Lastupdate on : Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST