From Conflict and Curfews in Occupied Kashmir to Topping India’s Medical Entrance Exam

From Conflict and Curfews in Occupied Kashmir to Topping India’s Medical Entrance Exam

In the rugged hills of Khari village, in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, June 14, 2025, brought a rare moment of hope. Students across India checked their NEET UG results with tense hearts. In this remote area, far from modern facilities, young Aftaab Iqbal achieved something big. His success highlights not just personal effort, but also the daily struggles many in Kashmir face under tough conditions. Life in Jammu and Kashmir is hard for many.


People live in simple homes, dealing with poor roads and limited power. Earning a living is a challenge—jobs are few, and conflict often disrupts work in farming, tourism, or small trades. Families like Aftaab's scrape by, facing high costs and low income. Reports show a sinking economy since changes in 2019, with many losing jobs and rights over local resources. Human rights issues add to the pain, including reports of abuses by security forces, like torture and disappearances, which create fear in daily life.


Mental health suffers too, with high rates of depression and anxiety among people. Education faces big hurdles here. Resources are limited—few good schools, old books, and not enough teachers in conflict zones. There are only a handful of universities, making higher studies tough for many.


Lockdowns and internet shutdowns, often due to security reasons, have paralyzed online learning and cut off students from the world. Recent book bans on 25 titles, called "secessionist" by officials, have sparked fears of silencing voices and limiting intellectual growth. Critics say these moves aim to keep people unaware of their history and unable to share their stories. In such a setup, young minds struggle to grow, yet some, like Aftaab, push through.


Aftaab grew up in this setting. His family home is modest, and his father works hard amid these challenges. "This dream was ours before it was his," his father said. Aftaab started at a small government primary school in the village, then moved to Government High School Khari. To prepare for NEET, he had no local options. He joined Aakash Institute in Srinagar, facing long travels over bad roads. Security checks and curfews often delayed him. He stayed away from home for days, in a city where risks like unrest loomed.


"I missed home, but I had to keep going," Aftaab said. He followed a strict plan: books, notes, mock tests. His father worried about city dangers, like bad habits among stressed youth. "Parents must guide kids closely," he added. That day, as results came, Aftaab scored 622 marks, 99.98 percentile, All India Rank 423—the top in Jammu and Kashmir on his first try. The village cheered, sharing sweets despite hardships. "We walked two hours for a ride to the event," his father said, showing the lack of basics.


Aftaab was surprised. "I expected third or fifth place." He thanked his parents, teachers, and Allah. Now, he aims for AIIMS to become a neurosurgeon. His advice: "Stay consistent. Work hard." In a region where policies and conflicts create barriers, Aftaab's win shows resilience. It reminds the world of Kashmiri struggles—limited chances, fear, poverty—but also their strength to rise above.


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