As I stand beside a list of items, memories flood back of the place I visited and the people I encountered during a weekend getaway. The majority of the children were frolicking in the scenic hills of Harwan, delighting in the cool waters under the protective shade of Chinar trees. Merely a stone’s throw away, adjacent to the police station, nestled amidst the rolling hills, stood a pristine white building. It housed a diverse group of boys aged 15 to 18, each with their unique stories, residing anywhere from a couple of days to a duration of two years.
My entire weekend revolved around a juvenile institution. These institutions are undeniably one of mankind’s most remarkable creations, serving the purpose of reforming children who have committed serious offenses. Often misconstrued as mere prisons for juveniles, they are, in fact, built upon a distinct philosophical concept. These institutions focus on guiding kids under the age of 18 towards rebuilding their lives and nurturing them to become responsible and valuable members of society.
Just like a coin has two sides, our lives are no different. Offenses can be committed by anyone, regardless of their economic class. It can be someone who has nothing or someone who possesses everything in life. In the present times, there are certain aspects that we can guarantee, but many things still remain unheard and unresolved. As the day unfolded, I contemplated what sets the juvenile institution of Kashmir apart from other juvenile institutions worldwide. The answer became apparent as I recalled meeting a young boy who aspired to be a photographer but found himself in a reformation institution due to being a victim of conflict. The world is filled with a diverse range of offenders, from petty thieves to murderers, all of whom are rightfully subject to legal consequences. However, the distinction arises when the psychology of a child is disrupted due to the turmoil caused by conflict.
There is no denying that Kashmir has been a land of conflict, and as times change, many things have undergone transformations. These changes are also evident in juvenile institutions. Previously, there was only one juvenile institution, but now we are progressing towards establishing juvenile institutions in all districts of Kashmir. These institutions provide adequate education to juvenile delinquents, making them aware of their rights and ensuring they are not treated as prisoners. Instead, a child-friendly approach is adopted to help them understand and prevent them from succumbing to guilt, which can leave lasting psychological scars.
However, comprehending juvenile delinquents is a challenging task. Often, from an external perspective, we hastily pass judgments upon hearing the nature of their offenses, without considering their mental state, upbringing, and the circumstances they have experienced. Juvenile offenses in Kashmir span a wide range, including theft, murder cases, unlawful acts, involvement with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as instances of sexual violence.
The incidence of offenses committed by juvenile delinquents has witnessed an alarming increase in recent years, primarily due to unmonitored changes within the purview of parents and teachers. Considering that juveniles are typically under the age of 18, it is crucial to recognize that children spend a significant portion of their formative years in school. Parents play a vital role in ensuring the child’s well-being by providing financial stability, emotional support, and monitoring their gadget usage, thereby safeguarding them from falling victim to or becoming offenders.
Similarly, teachers, who serve as the child’s second source of education and guidance after home, hold immense responsibility. They have the opportunity to closely observe and understand a child’s behavior, identify their peer group dynamics, and assess their exhibited conduct. By fostering a more attentive approach and actively listening to children, parents and teachers can play a pivotal role in curbing juvenile offenses and addressing the challenges faced by the younger generation.
While delving into the factors contributing to juvenile offenses, it came as no surprise that the underlying causes often revolve around disrupted family dynamics, psychological challenges, negative peer influence, unmonitored social media usage, conflict, and nurturing. It is important to recognize that no child is inherently raised to become an offender. Rather, it is the result of negligence and inadequate guidance that molds their perception, leading them to believe that certain actions are acceptable, even at the expense of others’ lives or their own well-being.
When examining the gender distribution of juvenile offenses in Kashmir, it becomes apparent that the ratio of female offenders is significantly lower. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including the tendency to be less suspicious of females compared to males and societal stigmatization, which often results in labeling and shaming rather than providing them with the necessary support to reintegrate as law-abiding citizens.
Female delinquents in Kashmir are primarily involved in cases related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Unfortunately, this bias exists because society still struggles to accept the notion that women can also engage in criminal activities. However, overlooking the offenses committed by female delinquents can have detrimental effects on society, as it reinforces their belief that they will always escape consequences, potentially encouraging further criminal behavior.
Over the years, the juvenile justice system has undergone significant changes, shifting from prosecuting juvenile offenders in regular courts to establishing more child-friendly juvenile courts. While certain individuals may approach offenders with bias and disdain for their actions, it is crucial to recognize that juvenile offenders possess biological and psychological immaturity, lacking comprehensive insights on how to establish a meaningful life. Therefore, during the reformation phase, it is essential to take a mature approach, understanding that treating them differently can have a negative impact.
Children who are victims of conflict present a distinct situation compared to other offenders, as they face charges related to unlawful acts and constantly live in fear. Even if proven innocent at some point, their records have already been established, leaving them vulnerable to repeated accusations. Unlike other juvenile offenders, they are denied the opportunity to lead a life free from suspicion, with uncertainty overshadowing their daily existence.
Offenders exist in every society, but it is important not to demean or provoke them. Instead, the key lies in understanding a child’s psychology and guiding them towards becoming better individuals. The judicial system is well-equipped to handle juvenile delinquents, and taking matters into our own hands would only lead to further harm. Each individual has their own path, and we should respect that.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility as parents to nurture and guide our children. While it is a noble idea to let them grow as individuals, being neglectful and failing to intervene when necessary can have significant repercussions, not only for their future but also for the lives they are currently living.
(Author is Bachelors in Clinical Psychology from Amity University Noida. E-mail: [email protected])
