The 1989–90 Migration of Kashmiri Pandits: Focus on Children

Abstract

Analysis of personal interviews from a sample of 42 Kashmiri Pandit families living in large community halls indicated the migration affected the intra- and interfamily interactions. In trying to keep their ethnic identity, they also had to adapt to their new environment. For the Kashmiri Pandits the sense of being uprooted was felt very strongly as there was a complete change in ecology and loss of status, property, and prestige. The community had taken over the role of socialization. The younger children (4-11 years) expressed enjoyment of communal living more than the older group (12-18 years). Children reported being closer to their mothers. Incidence of child abuse was reported as higher since migration. Girls disliked camp living more than boys. Most of the children were performing above average at school. Children preferred to speak in their native language at home.