Travels across Kashmir and Ladakh: a frank perspective
On August 5th 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill revoked Article 370 and 35A, splitting the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Ashima Kaul, our Kashmir Local Peacebuilding Expert, travelled to Ladakh to interview local peacebuilders on how this has affected their community. Read more »
Mothers, martyrdom, violent extremism and 'azadi' in Kashmir
There has been a rise in violence in Kashmir, amid claims of a growing culture of martyrdom that is beginning to form the new driving narrative for militancy and violence. This glorification of martyrdom as seen in Kashmir has its roots in growing violent extremism, the recruitment of young men to violence, and militarisation. This article takes up the issue by looking at the role of mothers giving up their sons for the cause, and finding their own agency in a patriarchal society through their son's martyrdom. Read more »
Youth in Kashmir: a tinder box
There has been a rise in violence in Kashmir, amid claims of a growing acceptance of these killings in the public psyche. This article seeks to shed light on the roots of the violence, one of which stems from an increase in recruitment of young people into militant groups. The author describes young people in Kashmir as a tinder box, with the potential both for violence, and for sparking movements to peace. Their actions carry the possibility of provoking conflict, but also the means to turn against it. Read more »
Building an organic dialogue process in Kashmir
A new round of dialogue and political engagement has been launched in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite some boycotts, a large number of stakeholders are involved. This process is taking place at a time of broader tensions in Kashmir Valley where an increasingly radicalised youth and active terrorism threatens to spiral the situation out of control. In this context, can an organic dialogue take root? Read more »
Doors of dialogue and windows of mind: conflict and deadlock in Kashmir - part two
More than three months since violence broke out in Kashmir over the death of militant leader Burhan Wani, the situation remains grim. Schools are shut, hundreds have been arrested and the government response has increased feelings of separation and anger. Read more »
Doors of dialogue and windows of mind: conflict and deadlock in Kashmir - part one
More than three months since violence broke out in Kashmir over the death of militant leader Burhan Wani, the situation remains grim. Schools are shut, hundreds have been arrested and an aggressive government response has increased feelings of separation and anger. Read more »
Reconciliation and justice in Kashmir
Now that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is on the political cards, complex ideas of identity and reconciliation are coming to the fore. Read more »
Transformation through empathy: youth challenge extremism in Kashmir
With youth extremism on the rise in Kashmir, Ashima Kaul reports on a workshop in Pulwama designed to bring young people together and dismantle tensions. Read more »
New hope in Kashmir?
Animosity between the Jammu and Kashmir regions runs deep. In a tense environment, local conflicts often have far-reaching impact. Read more »
Waging war for peace in Pakistan
A new documentary goes behind the scenes at Islamabad’s Red Mosque, which has been accused of supporting extremism in Pakistan. Read more »