Terror-struck Kashmiri students find solace in course to be taught by former terrorists in city's Sarhad College

They grew up with terror. And now they want to learn everything there is to do with terrorism. Hence, some young Kashmiri students have decided to counter terrorism in the Valley with knowledge gleaned from terrorists, albeit reformed.

Of the 15 students who have enrolled for the Counter Terrorism and Peace Management Course in the city's Sarhad College of Arts, Commerce and Science (see About Sarhad, above), four are from Kashmir.

The course faculty will comprise reformed militants, who have been granted amnesty by the government.

Students' voice
Sumaya Rafiq Zargar (23) from Srinagar, who has seen terrorism from close quarters, said, "My uncle was tortured by terrorists. He succumbed to the stress and pressure from them. That is why, I am keen on doing this course and understanding peace management and how to counter terrorism."

Sumaya has also done research for Floating Lamp of Shadows, a documentary on the effects of terrorism that was screened on Discovery channel. "I hope I will be able to do something to contribute to peace in the valley after this course," she added.

Rohullah Gazi (28), a mass communication student from Srinagar, who has also joined the course, said, "People in the valley are living in a state of perpetual terror. All my family members are stressed most of the time. So many people suffer from depression and other heart ailments in the Valley. I want to do this course to understand peace management."

Sanjay Nahar, founder president of Sarhad, confirmed, "Fifteen students have enrolled with us, of which four are from Kashmir.

We expect more to join soon." The NGO runs Sarhad College, a government affiliated institute.

Int'l faculty
The militants who will teach at the institute, were given amnesty by the union government after they surrendered between 1996 and 2000. According to Nahar, there have been no cases against them since their surrender. The NGO refused to divulge their names.

The two-year course has been delayed by a month because of swine flu. Nahar said experts from Israel, US, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries that are facing the brunt of terrorism have also shown interest in becoming visiting faculty.

Three former militants trained in Pakistan, accused of massacring several people in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, will also be part of the visiting faculty.