Indeed, Kashmir is known as one of the most militarized regions on Earth. Since the hasty partition of British India in 1947, it has been a major flashpoint for Indo-Pakistani conflict. Both countries indisputably assert sovereignty over the entire territory, but they only control half of it. This has led to the complex conflict where the mainly Muslim population has become victims between two warring sides. Recent escalations, including last month’s killing of nearly 200 tourists, have only fanned the flames. Instead, residents worry that permanent peace is still beyond their grasp.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s stance towards Kashmir has hardened considerably. In 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government bifurcated the former state into two union territories. This legislative change was intended to give New Delhi more control over the rather independent-minded Muslim-majority region. This decision has been met with outrage. Pakistan, for its part, views the line as a historic injustice that originated in Pakistan’s own creation in 1947 as a refuge for South Asia’s Muslims.
Escalating Tensions and Recent Incidents
Kashmir’s conflict escalated dramatically last month with heightened violence after the horrific murder of pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir. This incident escalated an already tense climate, with India blaming Pakistan for providing financial backing to terrorist groups known to commit these sorts of attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, firmly rejects these charges, adding toxicity to an already strained relationship between the two countries.
On the heels of that violence, India conducted cross-border strikes into Pakistani territory. They asserted that they had eliminated terrorist camps that were supposedly directing strikes into Indian territory. The legacy of these attacks was disastrous for both sides. According to Indian media, at least 15 civilians and five Indian soldiers have been killed in the clashes. So far, Pakistan has only confirmed 40 civilian deaths and 11 of its military personnel killed.
“In the coming days we will measure Pakistan’s every step,” – Modi
The political ramifications of these incidents are deep. The increasing violence undermines the chance for a peaceful diplomatic resolution. This development leaves close to 15 million people, homes in the contested region, in an increasingly untenable position.
Life in Kashmir: A Struggle for Stability
As our handheld video shows, daily life for Kashmiris has become one of pervasive anxiety and terror. A recent call for students and families to share how you feel about this constant violence and threat to your safety. A student from Uri encapsulated this sentiment when discussing the pervasive atmosphere of fear:
“We sat in silence, extremely petrified,” – A student from Uri, in India-administered Kashmir
Like all residents, many live with hope for peace amid fears of a return to violence and the constant awareness that their lives hang in the balance. Another student remarked on the emotional weight of living in such a tense environment:
“Praying the next target would not be our family or our home.” – A student from Uri, in India-administered Kashmir
Though these challenges are real, there are many opportunities for respite. A student noted that their community has come together during times of crisis:
“Smiles plastered across our faces, and we hugged.” – A student from Uri, in India-administered Kashmir
This optimism is moderated with a hope that peace will be permanent. Many residents feel that both countries need to engage in dialogue for a sustainable resolution to the conflict. One student emphasized this urgency:
“We now want this ceasefire to stay. Both countries need to find long-term solutions.” – A student from Uri, in India-administered Kashmir
The Search for Peace Amidst Uncertainty
Iqbal stated:
“We have only homes to rebuild and our family is together. I hope things don’t resume. But there’s no guarantee.” – Iqbal, the power plant worker
The grantee local community has been in survival mode over the past few years. Iqbal mentioned how he advised his family to stay close together for safety during violent outbursts:
“I told them all to hunker down in one room together on the ground floor and hopefully things would become okay by morning,” – Iqbal, the power plant worker
Raja Shoukat Iqbal pointed out the necessity of peace on an international level, emphasizing the catastrophic potential should tensions escalate between two nuclear nations:
“This peace was also necessary on the international level because both countries are nuclear powers; any mistakes or anger of any country could cause the deaths of two billion people.” – Raja Shoukat Iqbal
For all these voices calling for peace, an air of doubt hangs over the region. Amir Choudhary, a resident from Akhnoor, described the current atmosphere succinctly:
“There is an uneasy calm here.” – Amir Choudhary
