The things we watch and ignore in Kashmir

I wish I were talking about a wristwatch, but unfortunately, I am not. In Kashmir, whether you step outside or stay behind closed doors, the word “WATCH” takes on a far heavier meaning, which is not defined by time but by the troubling sights one is forced to witness. Let me explain.

The watch of domestic abuse

It’s no secret that abuse quietly and sometimes openly passes from one generation to another, leaving a permanent scar on our collective humanity. Yet society watches it unfold in tragic silence. Whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, violence is a profound injustice that demands accountability. Instead, it’s routinely swept under the rug, veiled as tradition, respect or societal expectations. Worse still, the ones brave enough to speak out are shamed, silenced and made the enemy.

A place so beautiful yet a carrier of so much pain and trauma is a heartbreak of its own. It shapes one’s identity for life and no one should ever suffer as a victim nor bear the heavy burden of standing by as a silent witness.

The watch of garbage

For too many people, basic civic sense remains an alien concept. Empty dumpsters stand as mere decorations, while garbage rolls out like a red carpet for stray animals. Step outside, and it’s an endless parade of infuriating habits; people spitting around, tossing food wrappers or unceremoniously urinating in public without a care in the world. All of it is done without even giving it a single second thought.

Ironically, actual dumping grounds often look more organised and sanitary than the streets, which are suffocated under mounting heaps of plastic and human neglect. People expect a shining paradise, yet few are willing to put in the bare minimum effort to achieve it. Change cannot be wished into existence; if your own conscience doesn’t stop you from contributing to the mess, you are not just a bystander but the problem itself.

The watch of uncanny stares

To all the women navigating life here, I am truly sorry for what you endure. Regardless of time, place or circumstance, an unrelenting gaze follows you. Its effect is so persistent, the fear almost turns visceral. Whether travelling on public transport, walking on open streets, standing in a crowded room or simply sitting in a hospital waiting area, you are placed under ruthless scrutiny. Whether you are a teenager or a middle-aged woman, eyes can follow you relentlessly, leaving you torn between retreating in fear or constantly bracing for conflict, neither of which should ever be your responsibility.

The pervasive lack of basic respect and morality must come to an end. Every woman deserves the fundamental freedom to move through the world unbothered, safe and entirely at peace.

The watch of dwindling youth

Irony lies in how those meant to shape a brighter future often stray down the opposite path. Children raised amidst neglect in their homes or toxic environments are far more vulnerable to destructive habits usually manifesting as addiction, unstable or abusive relationships and deep-seated anger. These struggles do not exist in a vacuum but have the capacity to fracture families and communities alike. Yet as young lives unravel in plain sight, meaningful intervention remains alarmingly rare. Protecting the next generation cannot rest on intentions alone. It demands a unified effort from both families and institutions to provide safe spaces, emotional support and strong mentorship.

By giving young people guidance rather than leaving them to navigate these struggles alone, we do not merely save individual lives but empower them to step into their true potential as the architects of a better tomorrow.

The watch of hope

Of all the things to hold onto, hope is the only watch worth keeping; a constant reminder of our longing for a brighter tomorrow. We cannot afford to lose it for hope is the greatest power we possess. It gives us the strength to navigate life one day at a time, quietly awakening a silent resilience deep within ourselves. From children to adults, many carry some form of guilt or burden that weighs them down. In this cycle of life, hope is the only steady constant that brings us out from the dark into the light.

In a world full of heavy burdens, hope is not merely a feeling; it’s the anchor that keeps us steadfast and going. It is a reminder that no matter how long the night is, dawn is always ahead.

(Hamna Munir is a writer and poet from Kashmir whose work has been published in several local dailies and monthly literary magazines. The opinions and observations expressed in this piece are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of FPK.)