Bhat Musaddiq Reyaz
The Kashmir conflict did not only claim lives and futures—it also created a small class of people who turned suffering into profit. Over the years, instability became an opportunity for a few to accumulate wealth and influence, while ordinary families struggled to survive. Today Kashmir has an unusual concentration of millionaires and well-off families emerging from every shade of the conflict—whether linked to mainstream political parties, Jamaat-e-Islami networks, separatist circles, or even surrendered militants—while the common citizen continues to face unemployment and uncertainty. A significant share of government employment in several departments gradually came to be dominated by relatives of these influential groups, leaving open-merit candidates and economically weaker sections pushed aside. The education sector suffered deeply, as many recruitments were carried out without transparent procedure, weakening institutions that were meant to shape the next generation.
A large number of such recruits were inadequately qualified and failed to do justice to their responsibilities, further damaging public services and eroding trust. In many cases, positions within the education sector were occupied by daughters, daughters-in-law, and close relatives of influential families, while equally qualified girls from poor households remained unemployed and distressed. Ironically, the same circles that secured opportunities for their own daughters often preached to others that girls should remain within four walls, using religion as a tool to undermine their voices, ambitions, and participation in public life. This imbalance denied opportunities to deserving candidates and deepened social inequality and frustration among the youth.
This illegal growth in employment created a loyal vote bank for certain politicians, making them electorally powerful irrespective of performance. Such patronage politics repeatedly boosted the same circles, making it extremely difficult for any genuine nationalist or independent voice to secure victory, as elections became driven more by obligation than by merit or vision. Several individuals who benefited from this system continue to hold seats in assemblies, Parliament, and influential offices. When such a mindset dominates public institutions, the space for nationalist, merit-driven voices naturally shrinks, and the consequences for governance and national integration become serious.
While common citizens lived with fear and uncertainty, conflict profiteers secured positions, contracts, and power. Those who stayed neutral or remained loyal to constitutional values often paid the heaviest price—facing unemployment, social isolation, threats, and emotional trauma. This environment allowed conflict-entrepreneurs to grow rapidly, using the poverty and vulnerability of people as a ladder to personal enrichment.
After 2019, when the political narrative changed, many beneficiaries quickly altered their slogans to protect themselves, yet the damage to society remained. The practice of backdoor entries and shortcut appointments that once helped politicians build loyal vote banks has largely been checked, but its legacy continues to haunt ordinary citizens. Many neutral and educated youth still battle anxiety and frustration after watching unqualified individuals enjoy secure careers for decades.
Those who stood with the nation were often criticized and marginalized, while honest officers attempting lawful action faced political pressure and interference. Although the Centre has attempted to expose these realities and reform the system, national security challenges remain, and sections of the political class continue to prioritize self-preservation over public interest.
The real tragedy of Kashmir is therefore not only the violence it witnessed, but also the injustice that followed—where merit was sacrificed, institutions were weakened, and opportunists became hard to reach elites. True healing requires accountability, transparent recruitment, and restoration of dignity to the common citizen. The Central Government should take note of these concerns and recognize the citizens who stood with the country during difficult times. Meanwhile, conflict-entrepreneurs continue to rise, posing a challenge to genuine peace and progress in Kashmir.
Author can be Mailed At bhatmusaddiq99@gmail.com
