Kashmir Media Watch Exclusive
Whileas early marriages is considered vice in many parts the menace of late marriages is hitting the moral, social fabric of Kashmir very badly. This reflects a society that is moving out of its traditional ways of life, according to sociologists one which foretells social mayhem as more and more Kashmiri youth are opting out of an institution which has conventionally defined social and gender relations.
In this regard, some years back the study conducted by senior Sociologists at the University of Kashmir, the average age of marriage of the females has shot up from 20.7 to 27.83 years. As far as the males, the age of marriage has risen to 31.53 years from 23.63 years in normal times.
Experts say that the political turmoil, practice of dowry, accomplishment of modern education and unemployment are the prominent reasons resulting into a trend of late marriages.
Sane opinion on ground is that the grave fact – marriage, a sacred institution, has been in our Kashmir turned into a business transaction. Some parents of bridegrooms consider their marriage as a way to recover money spent by them on their education. Several reports and ground realities suggest that brides in Kashmir are aging as the suitable matches are hardly available”.
Many also opine that on account of late marriages there is a sharp rise in the breast cancer cases in the Valley over the years. In fact, breast cancer has reached among the first five commonest cancers including esophageal, lung and stomach, in the Valley of Kashmir.
Late marriages are undoubtedly impacting the overall fabric of Kashmiri society in quiet a unconstructive manner and needs to be checked.
