Young Kashmiris prefer café lattes, talk of careers, education to separatism

A decade and a half ago, it was virtually impossible to think of people, let alone youngsters sipping a cup of coffee in a cafeteria here, given the clamour for separatism.

Srinagar, July 12 : A decade and a half ago, it was virtually impossible to think of people, let alone youngsters sipping a cup of coffee in a cafeteria here, given the clamour for separatism.

For almost two decades, the region was in the grip of a violent insurgency by militants opposed to Indian rule.

Now, in central Srinagar groups of young men and women can be found sipping cappuccinos and cafe lattes, and listening to the Bee Gees and Bryan Adams.

Men wear jeans and T-shirts, while women wear traditional but elegant salwar kameezes. There are very few headscarves.

Today,college students discuss issues related to their personal life. Students talk about their boyfriends and girlfriends, their love troubles.

Education, career and employment opportunities are the other issues that dominate conversation.

The fight for Kashmir's freedom or where the separatist movement is headed is last on the list," say most.

According to the BBC, the clamour here is for well-paying jobs, better infrastructure, women's rights and peace.

ANI