Inter-State and International Migration Out of Kashmir Trends, Characteristics, and Outcomes

Abstract

Kashmir is a sensitive political territory, with a long-standing conflict around secessionist insurgency and armed forces' counter-insurgency, mainly since 1989, resulting in disruption of lives and livelihoods and triggering increased out-migration. Kashmir Valley is witnessing sizeable male migration to different parts of India and abroad. Migration has been helpful for many Kashmiris in finding better earning opportunities, while for some, it is just a means to end their joblessness and underemployment. Based on empirical work in three districts of Kashmir Valley, this study shows how Kashmiri migrants's choice of destination is no longer confined to North Indian states. They are travelling to far-away states in the East, West and South. Regarding their occupation at destinations, they are engaged in various professions and are no longer only vendors of cloth and woollen products or unskilled labourers. Back home earnings from migration are helping their household economy in a variety of waysfrom meeting basic consumption needs to investing in productive avenues. However, against the backdrop of militancy in the Valley, Kashmiri migrants face threats to their security due to a general atmosphere of suspicion against them outside Kashmir.