Growing up in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the most highly militarized region in the world, hits children hard. Kashmiri youth view Indian soldiers as an occupational force. Some assert their dissent by throwing stones, chasing soldiers down streets, or driving them out of their territory as they chant slogans of freedom. They sometimes end up being arrested, shot or maimed by armed Indian security personnel.
Nowadays, Badshah Mir doesn’t let his 17-year-old son Rashid out of his sight. Last June, Rashid was arrested for throwing stones at the police. He was charged under the draconian Public Safety Act 1978 (PSA) and sentenced to two years in prison.
