By and large de-politicised by the patriarchal society, women's priority in the state though remains resolution of the Kashmir issue as they blame militants, Pakistan and political parties for stalling the peace process, claims a new study.
The study carried out by a well-known non-governmental organisation (NGO), 'Ehsaas', spoke to 520 women from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and sought answers on their priorities and vulnerabilities.
While 30% respondents called for 'azaadi' as precursor to peace in the volatile state, 20% said political stability can ensure peace.
They described 'azaadi' in different shades varying from political freedom to freedom from violence, injustice, poverty to freedom from India and Pakistan.
At least 43% blamed militants, separatists, mainstream political parties, the state government and Pakistan for disturbing the peace process.
"Fifty-two percent women said that the ongoing conflict impacted all dimensions of their lives including education, over all development, social life and health," said Ezabir Ali, consultant women's project secretary Ehsaas.
In response to questions on who faces the agonies of the conflict, 29% felt it's women living near the army camps and 21% said those living near borders.
32% respondents felt Kashmir women were more oppressed than women in other states of the country.
{{/usCountry}}32% respondents felt Kashmir women were more oppressed than women in other states of the country.
{{/usCountry}}"Economic dependence remains top concern for women followed by domestic abuse and human rights violation," said Ali.
While 18% alleged that the state and its policies are responsible for human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir, 58% blame security personnel and non-state actors.
"Due to continued conflict, women are experiencing immediate threat to their lives, disappearance of their dear relatives as well as killings, kidnappings and other atrocities," said the report.
It also pointed out that women's smooth life transactions are heavily impacted by domestic violence, aggressive treatments for trivial, negative social attitudes and increasing crimes against women.