Embracing the Abandoned and Forgotten in Kashmir
“How a group of youngsters is trying to mainstream the wandering, abandoned, and specially-abled people with its rare mission of hygiene, care, and connect? But some question the ethics involved.”
“We continue to follow these patients and again try to bring them back to their families, but for non-locals without connections, we also try to provide care. Thankfully, some individuals have improved and are now in the complete care of their family or relatives. However, sadly, others have reverted to their old practices,” Musadiq tells the Kashmir Times.
But sometimes, their work has been exceptionally rewarding. Musadiq recalls a man they helped who turned out to be a former businessman lost to the streets after a mental breakdown.
“We were able to reunite him with his family. Seeing them embrace after years of separation was very satisfying. That’s why we do this,” he says.
“Many of these individuals have been abandoned by their families due to mental illness or societal stigma,” explains Tajamul Ahmad Naik, a tutor, who supports the group.
“The simple act of touch, of care, can be profoundly healing,” he added.
Publicity & Amplifying the Message
The group’s initial work began in Awantipora, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Shopian and is now spreading to Srinagar, Baramulla, and other cities and towns of Kashmir Valley.
The KYC uses the social media space to publicise and amplify its activities and exhort others to join in. But now they have also extended their reach to Srinagar, Baramulla, and other cities and other parts of the Valley.
Every new homeless person they reach out to, create a video, post it on social media, and ask people to contact them if they witness similar individuals.
They have earned both criticism and support for their work and their social media messaging.
The Challenges and Ethical Criticism
Some people are critical of their work and accuse them of “forcibly grooming and cleaning” abandoned and specially-abled individuals. This question has sparked a heated public debate about the group’s methods and potential for exploitation.
While the group claims to be motivated by a desire to help the marginalized, critics argue that their actions violate the fundamental rights of these vulnerable individuals.
Dr Tanveer, a Kashmir-based sociologist offers a nuanced perspective on the issue. He states, “First, we can’t simply label these individuals as insane or ill-minded. We may be perceiving them as such due to our own biases or lack of understanding.”
Tanveer emphasizes that handling these situations is complex and requires sensitivity. “Even if these individuals might have mental health challenges, they still have feelings and can experience emotions. Abruptly confronting them could lead to trauma or even physical health crises like heart attacks or ostracism.”
He continues, “We live in a post-modern world where we must respect diverse ways of living. We don’t have the right to arbitrarily disrupt someone’s life cycle. However, if they pose a genuine threat to others, such as throwing stones or engaging in violent behaviour, then we may need to intervene.”
Dr Tanveer adds, “The key is to approach these situations with empathy and understanding. We should focus on providing appropriate support and resources rather than immediately resorting to punitive measures. It’s crucial to strike a balance between maintaining and promoting the well-being and respecting individual rights and dignity.”
Dr Tanveer cites one instance as he critiques the methods of the KYC. He says, “The social workers, who have taken the initiative to clean these emotionally and mentally vulnerable individuals, have compromised their privacy by sharing their videos on social media. This also hinders their reintegration into society as they attempt to rebuild their lives.”
Psychologist Dr Mudasir emphasizes the importance of adherence to proper procedures and guidelines for individuals engaged in good work. He highlights the need for prior permission from authorities when visiting any location and stresses the potential risks associated with not following these protocols.
Dr Mudasir warns that such individuals may inadvertently harm themselves or others if they do not exercise caution and adhere to established guidelines.
Additionally, Dr Mudasir recommends that the individuals dealing with them should be trained and equip themselves with the necessary skills to handle these sensitive cases and the potential challenges associated with them. Ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment is very important
Apart from expert opinions about their work, the KYC has also come under fire by some people who aver that “it is not permitted to cut the beard of individuals”.
Tajamul, however, says that the group approached Islamic Scholars, who found no issues with their work.
Another team member, Muzamil, explains, “When visiting any location, we prioritize contacting the individual’s family or relatives, then we take their consent. If there are no available family members or relatives, we seek permission from the local mosque, Imam, or Auqaf body before proceeding.”
Plans Ahead
Work is not without its challenges. The group faces skepticism from some quarters and struggles with limited resources. But for every obstacle, there’s a story of transformation that keeps them going.
Despite some criticism, the KYC’s social media presence and community funding are growing.
Encouraged by the support they are getting, and notwithstanding the criticism, the group’s plans are ambitious.
Musadiq reveals that KYC is committed to finding permanent solutions.
“We have nearly completed the construction of the KYC rehabilitation centre in Awantipora. We are currently finalizing the documentation and will soon begin operations. The centre can accommodate 20 to 30 individuals and will provide them with shelter, food, and healthcare,” he says.
Musadiq and Tajamul explained that through interactions with doctors and psychologists, it became evident that many individuals were deeply depressed due to the loss of loved ones, family members, financial stability, or personal issues.
The group’s initial efforts were, by and large, self-funded. However, increasing demands from individuals have made it necessary to set up a permanent shelter where these individuals can receive constant care and support. The centre requires ongoing funding to operate and provide care for the individuals.
They have established connections with psychologists and psychiatrists who are willing to volunteer their assistance at the rehabilitation centre, which is nearing completion.
“We are immensely grateful for the support we have received from the community but recognise the need for continued assistance in the future,” one team member said.
What Keeps Them Going
“The thought that we are not just offering kindness but probably also a new start in life is inspiring,” say Musadiq and Tajamul.
Tajamul is a tutor working in a Srinagar hospital. “Every little act is important,” he adds.
“I have been voluntarily working with the KYC group since it was established. I have treated more than 10 patients who had critical wounds on their body and they needed treatment. We have given them free medication and treatment, and we even follow up with them every week,” he says.
For Yawar, every little story is a rewarding and motivating experience.
“Initially, some individuals may become violent, but once we provide haircuts, hygiene, and sustenance, they often relax and become more open to communication and support,” he says.
“At the same time, we are sending a message in the community – that these people are not be stigmatised or treated as just victims. They are individuals, who need to connect with the rest of us,” he says.
One success story involves a long-term homeless youth. Volunteer Sabzar Ahmad recalls, “When we found him, he was in a terrible state. His clothes were filthy, and he had a vacant look in his eyes. But after we cleaned him up and provided him with new clothes, he began to smile. It was a small change, but it meant the world to him.”
Fellow volunteer Salman Bhat adds, “Seeing them smile again is the greatest reward. It makes all the hard work worth it.”
A Srinagar resident shares: “I reached out to KYC regarding my brother’s case. My brother was a Technician at Tahira Khanam Institute of Paramedical Sciences Srinagar, but unfortunately, he had been living on the streets for five years due to some personal issues. It was heartbreaking to see him in that condition, but we didn’t know how to help him.”
He adds, “KYC has brought my brother back to us, and I am deeply thankful to this team. They not only helped us to rescue him but also provided the initial support he needed. Now, he is under our care, staying with us at home, and we are ensuring he receives proper medication and treatment. The transformation in his life has brought hope back to our family. KYC’s intervention made a difference that we couldn’t achieve on our own for years.”
As the KYC walks its road map of compassion and care, Muzamil, one of the group’s founders, says. “Through connections and positive change, we are trying to show the world what humanity can achieve.”
(Images provided by Kashmir Youth Courage)
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