There are limited sports activities for women, restricted to school or the college. ‘‘The two indoor stadiums are with the military now,’’ says Mufti. So family gatherings have become the main source of entertainment.

The Kashmir University had its first cultural programme three years ago—the first time since militancy started. The first Sufi music concert was held in the city just a few days ago. ‘‘Even in this concert, I found there were no young men or women,’’ says Mufti. ‘‘The young crowd here has seen insurgency for most of their lives. They don’t even know of the concert culture.’’

The recent sex abuse scandal has added further restrictions. ‘‘If I go out with 2-3 friends, we are looked upon suspiciously,’’ says a student. Also the Valley’s self-styled moral brigade, Dukhtaran-e-Millat’s recent ‘raids’ have also frightened the girls. ‘‘Nobody knows when will they (DM) come and cause humiliation publicly,’’ she adds.

Little wonder then that courting is considered synonymous with courting danger. Kashmir’s beautiful gardens that once were the favourite meeting point of the young are now silent. Much like many other haunts.