Women Empowerment, Conflict Transformation and Social Change in Kargil

Abstract

Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert located in the northernmost past of the border state of Jammu and Kashmir. The region comprises of two districts-Leh and Kargil. While Leh is dominated by Buddhists, Kargil district is dominated by Shias Muslims. Kargil remains cut off from rest of the country for almost seven months i.e. November to May, as the only lifelong from Karil gto Srinagar remains snowbound due to heavy snowfall and extreme coldness of temperature at -40 0 C to -50 0 C. Kargil district which is situated close to the Line of Control (LoC) is a remote, rugged and geographically isolated region in Ladakh. Most of the inhabitants of Kargil are indulging in tradition farming in the river belts combined with herding and animal husbandry as the primary occupation for their livelihood. Kargil has been affected badly due to Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999. The present paper focuses on the winds of change that are transforming the lives of the women of this conservative and orthodox Shia Muslim dominated region. The paper would explore as to how in the post-1999 era after Kargil war after facing the trauma of war and displacement, life returned to normal for the thousands of Kargil residents especially its women. The paper also seeks to explore the changes brought about by projects like Operations Sadbhavana for the empowerment of Kargili women by the India army and how it is helping in conflict transformation.