Kashmir Conflict Research Articles

Navigating the Storm: Coping with Conflict and Political Change for Mental Health Resilience

The severe impact of conflicts-which often occur in chaotic and unstable environments-has on mental health, both for people and communities. South-East Asia incurs a disproportionately significant invisible cost to mental health due to persistent political instability, global conflicts, and terrorism.1 These events may induce anxiety and stress, which may culminate in an array of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorders. These circumstances are rendered more catastrophic by the continuous threat of violence, displacement, and loss, which makes it challenging for people to retain their resilience in terms of mental health. For example, the prolonged conflict in Kashmir has had a significant impact on people’s mental health in the region.2 Several psychological wounds are the result of sustained violence and uncertainty. Similarly, millions of people in the region have experienced suffering and grief because of terrorism and political unrest.2 Communities impacted by these crises in these areas have a cumulative strain on their mental health.3 The general well-being of these communities is declining due to various factors, including increased stress levels, restricted access to healthcare, and an atmosphere of uncertainty.4 The visible psychological impact on people and their neighbours underscores the importance of acknowledging the broader implications of these crises on mental health. To develop and maintain mental health resilience amid these challenges, people must learn coping mechanisms.5 Recognizing the seriousness of this issue is crucial, but so is offering those impacted resources and assistance. Numerous therapies and coping mechanisms may be helpful. Teaching individuals about the psychological consequences of political unrest and violence is one of academia’s most essential roles. Academic institutions may reduce stigma, increase awareness, and encourage people to seek assistance by conducting research and implementing educational programmes.6 To assist people and communities in overcoming trauma and developing resilience, mental health practitioners can provide psychosocial interventions like counselling and therapy.7 For those impacted, establishing support systems within communities may be a beneficial resource. These networks may allow people access to mental health experts and a safe atmosphere to discuss their feelings and experiences. Mental health professionals can conduct workshops on resilience building, and these sessions can offer valuable strategies and skills to improve psychological resilience in the face of hardship.8 Access to Services for Mental Health is imperative for governments and non-governmental organizations to guarantee that mental health treatments are easily accessible to individuals who require them.9 This involves encouraging the education and placement of mental health specialists in conflict-affected regions. Understanding and resolving the mental health issues brought on by political unrest and violence are critical tasks for academia. Research in this area is crucial to clarify the intricate relationship between political instability and mental health. Scholars can make the following contributions: Research and Data Analysis: Academic institutions might research to understand better the psychological impacts of political unrest and violence in Pakistan and South-east Asia.10 We can determine patterns and risk factors by gathering information and examining the mental health conditions of impacted groups. Policy Recommendations: Based on their research, academia might advocate policies to facilitate better access to mental health care in places affected by violence.11 When tackling the mental health problem, countries and international organizations can follow these guidelines. Public Awareness Initiatives: To de-stigmatize mental health concerns and motivate people to seek therapy, academia may initiate public awareness initiatives. Advertisements might also inform the public about the distinct symptoms and signs of diseases linked to trauma. Training and Capacity Building: Educational establishments have the potential to provide instruction to mental health professionals who can work in areas of conflict. The training may concentrate on culturally aware methods and the difficulties brought on by trauma associated with conflicts.9 There cannot be denying the relationship between political unrest, global conflicts, and terrorism and the impact they have on mental health. These situations have a profound impact on people and communities, frequently resulting in severe mental health problems. In addition to academia’s active participation, coping methods and treatments can assist in lessening these difficulties and support individuals who require it. Prioritizing mental health as the foundation of resilience is crucial as we address the ongoing conflicts in these areas. To address this critical issue and ensure that people and communities can manage the storm of political transition with their mental health, academic research, community support, and government policy must collaborate.

Critical Analysis of Revenue Generation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Challenges and Way Forward

This paper provides a critical assessment of AJK's revenue generation, identifies the obstacles, and offers a solution for future sustainable economic growth and development in Azad Kashmir. The study uses a mixed-method approach that includes case studies, interviews with key stakeholders, and a review of the literature. Two important sectors i.e., the Power development organization and the Inland Revenue Department with the potential to generate considerable amounts of revenue are acknowledged and evaluated as case studies by the critical examination of AJK's revenue generation. According to the conclusions of this investigation, AJK confronts difficulty in expanding its revenue sources outside conventional sectors such as agriculture and tourism. According to the analysis, AJK has a limited tax base and a poor tax-to-GDP ratio when compared to international standards. Infrastructural restrictions were also noted as a significant challenge to revenue generation in AJK. The region confronts constraints in utilizing its hydropower capacity, which can influence economic activity and revenue production possibilities. With its attractive landscapes, historical sites, and cultural legacy, AJK has tremendous tourism potential. However, due to limited infrastructure, a lack of promotion and marketing activities, and security concerns, the region faces obstacles in fully realizing this potential. The thesis makes many policy solutions to solve these issues, such as boosting access to finance, fostering public-private partnerships, and tackling instability due to the Kashmir Issue. To promote sustainability and equitable growth, the thesis also underlines the value of incorporating local people in the revenue creation process. Overall, this individual research paper will help understand the dynamics of revenue generation and can help Azad Kashmir formulate policies on taxation, investment, trade, and other economic activity. Policymakers can analyze the performance of existing policies, identify areas for improvement, and establish evidence-based policies to increase income creation in the region by analyzing revenue data. This can lead to improved policy results and more informed decision-making.

Investigation of Water Quality of River Poonch for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes

In the present work, we reported fifteen water samples that were collected from selected locations in the study area of Poonch River. All water samples were collected and labelled in polythene bottles at the sites where water depth was 1 meter. The river Poonch flows through Indian occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. The collected samples were tested for major physical and chemical water suitability parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity total dissolved solids, total alkalinity total hardness chlorides, major metals and heavy metals standard. The aforementioned analysis of samples was reported by methods such as conductometery, potentiometery and atomic absorption spectrometry.

SHAKESPEARE BEING GLOCAL: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SHAKESPEARE’S ‘HAMLET’ AS BHARDWAJ’S ‘HAIDER’

The present article compares and contrasts Shakespeare's Hamlet with the 2014 film Haider, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which sheds light on the unseen aspects of the 1989 insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. The movie not only focuses on Jammu and Kashmir but also presents an ingenious point of view that connects us with the real drawbacks of human society. Hamlet is not only about revenge; it is about the theme of the disappearance of King Hamlet, where Prince Hamlet is pretending to be insane to trap his uncle. It is also about the corruption that prevailed in Denmark and the sufferings that the women had to go through. The plot of Denmark is replaced in Haider by the plot of the Kashmir conflict in 1995 and enforced civil disappearances. The characters are given new shades according to contemporary Kashmir.

Kashmiri women in conflict: a feminist perspective

Kashmiri women are diverse individuals with a wide range of origins, histories, experiences, and aspirations. Women in Kashmir are deeply entwined with the region’s complicated socio-political landscape, especially in terms of the protracted conflict in Kashmir. The living patterns of women in Kashmir are severely influenced by insurgency, militancy, and the consequent militarization of the region, as well as a wide range of socio-economic, historical, religious, and geopolitical circumstances. Kashmiri women’s day-to-day existence, safety, security, and mobility are strongly impacted by enhanced security protocols and the existence of armed personnel and militants in the region. Even though a great number of research works have been performed on Kashmir’s politics, history, philosophy, and religion, the struggles and challenges faced by women amid the conflict need to be further explored. This research aimed to comprehend and unveil the situation of Kashmiri women in the conflict zone through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on gendered violations in Kashmir, thereby emphasizing the need for the recognition of the suffering of Kashmiri women from a feminist perspective. Furthermore, the contributions of Kashmiri women activists, politicians, and feminists were highlighted, thus accentuating their role towards gender equality and sustainable peace in the region.

Media Discourse on the Kashmir Conflict after Abrogation of Article 370

The study tries to unfold how the Kashmir conflict is constructed in the Pakistani media after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. To understand the media discourse a Critical discourse analysis of the news stories published about Indian held Kashmir (i.e. that part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by India post the 1947 partition, notably the valley of Kashmir) in the e-paper of Dawn was carried out. The findings reveal a distinctive narrative strategy employed by Pakistani media in response to the abrogation of Article 370. This strategy accentuates the negative aspects of the Indian government's actions in Kashmir while simultaneously highlighting the voices of Kashmiris advocating for their right of self-determination. The findings also indicated that media discourse revolved around challenging the legitimacy of the Indian Parliament’s act of abrogating Article 370 and also focused on the casualties and losses which took place as a result of clashes between the Indian security forces and the Kashmiri separatist fighters. The media also gave significance to social media trends about Indian held Kashmir and also to posts of Kashmiri and Pakistani politicians. Negative actor description was used to highlight Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s propaganda regarding the return of normalcy in the Indian held Kashmir whereas positive actor description was used for the Kashmiri separatist fighters.

Islamism in Pakistan and the Kashmir Conflict

The conflict in Kashmir is influenced by various interactive factors among which the Islamization of Pakistan and the following Talibanization of the entire Sub-Indian region undoubtedly have played a significant role. The emergence of the dispute is a consequence of the decolonisation process which peaked after the Second World War. Unfortunately, this same period was also marked by the beginning of the Cold War. Hence, it is argued that the Islamization of Pakistan is the product of the negative interaction of two main factors – the geopolitical rivalry of the superpowers at that time, especially considering the negative impact of the war in Afghanistan, and the rise of Islam as a consequence of the overall religious revival around the world. Adding to them is the local rivalry between the newly emerged states of India and Pakistan producing an extremely explosive mixture with the potential to ignite the entire region of South-East Asia, involving also the leading international powers. Thus, the conflict in Kashmir became an integral part of the post-Cold War world directly affected by the Islamic revival and the dissemination of the Islamist principles in Pakistan.

In/secure childhoods: Children and conflict in Kashmir

This paper focuses on art productions by children participating in an art-based wellbeing intervention project in Kashmir. Drawing on feminist security studies, we conducted narrative analysis to explore how children represent in/security. The locations of in/security were the environment, the body, and the socio-political realm. Children articulated nuanced and complex representations of the natural and social world, influenced by local and global forces, and created their own meanings and practices of in/security.

US Drawdown from Afghanistan and Its Impact on Kashmir Conflict

US Drawdown from Afghanistan and Its Impact on Kashmir Conflict

Indo-Pak conflict in South Asia: dynamics of Kashmir issue and the way forward for peace

India and Pakistan have experienced various military conflicts since their inception in 1947. The Kashmir issue is one of the most pertinent causes of conflict between both nations as they have gone to war in 1948, 1965 and 1999 on the issue of Kashmir. This matter was also brought to the United Nations Security Council for resolution. However, India has categorically refused to seek any international mediation over this issue by terming it as an internal issue of India. Both countries officially joined the nuclear club in May 1998, which posed a severe threat to the security of the South Asian region as it enabled them to use the nuclear option in future. After acquiring atomic status, both countries came close to war in 2001 when armies were deployed on forward positions on international borders and in 2019 when Pakistan shot down the Indian Air Force fighter jet in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2019, especially after India revoked Article 370, relations between the two countries have been dismal. The paper contemplates the background of this conflict and the resultant wars between India and Pakistan and presents confidence-building measures for the pursuit of peace-making in South Asia.

Çatışma Çözümlemesi Bakımından Keşmir Sorunu

Hindistan’ın ve Pakistan’ın bağımsızlıklarını ilan ettikleri tarihten itibaren Keşmir bölgesinde fiili bir çatışma durumu mevcuttur. Literatürde Keşmir sorunu olarak tartışılan bu durum, bölgesel ve küresel düzeyde etkilere sahiptir. Keşmir sorununun temel aktörleri Hindistan ve Pakistan iken Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti (ÇHC), Rusya Federasyonu (RF), Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD) gibi ülkelerle Birleşmiş Milletler (BM) ve bazı yerel İslami örgütler sorunda etkinliği bulunan diğer önemli aktörlerdir. Makalede Keşmir sorununun çözümüne yönelik olarak; aktörlerin rolleri ve çatışma dinamikleri Simon Mason ve Sandra Rychard‘ın geliştirdiği “Çatışma Çarkı Modeli” formülasyonu ve “Çatışma Çözümlemesi” kavramlarından hareketle tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu bakımdan çalışma, sorunun çözümüne yönelik yeni bir bakış açısı sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu çerçevede çalışmada Keşmir sorunun çözümüne yönelik olarak yapılan analize göre taraflar, Ahimsa Felsefesi’ne uygun olarak barışçıl politikaları uyguladıkları takdirde hem tarafların karşılıklı çıkarları güvence altına alınmış olacak hem de çatışma sona erecektir. Böylece aktörler arasında sürdürülebilir barışın inşası mümkün olacaktır.

South Asian Conflicts and Regional Security in the Context of Pakistan-India Relations: A Political Analysis

Pakistan and India are geographically proximate and possess a shared historical and cultural background. Consequently, they ought to possess the most favourable interactions, although they have consistently exhibited hostility towards one another. The subject of Kashmir holds significant importance for both states involved. The conflict has occurred on three separate occasions. Despite the existence of significant and effective endeavours aimed at fostering peace, the fundamental challenges that perpetuate the strained relations between the two nations remain unresolved. Pakistan has consistently demonstrated a willingness to propose potential improvements. However, India does not consistently accord them due consideration. India and Pakistan have maintained their independence for a period of over 70 years; nonetheless, they exhibit a lack of concern towards addressing enduring challenges such as the Kashmir dispute and the water crisis. The region of South Asia is predominantly characterised by peace and stability for the two major nations. The inability of the two primary actors in South Asia to reach a peaceful resolution to their respective issues has significant implications for the local security framework.

Analyses of Past and Future Initiatives in the Kashmir Disputes

This article meticulously examines the historical, present, and future dimensions of the Kashmir disputes, encompassing key aspects such as historical initiatives, challenges faced, recent developments, and future prospects. It delves into the complexities of political obstacles, regional and global influences, and the profound impact on the Kashmiri people. After scrutinizing attempts post-independence and international involvement, the article confronts major setbacks, emphasizing the role of intransigence in impeding resolutions. The evolving dynamics and current state of the Kashmir dispute are explored, providing a nuanced understanding of the region. Drawing from historical analyses, the article extracts crucial lessons and offers insights into future initiatives, underscoring the significance of international community engagement for bilateral diplomatic efforts. Humanitarian concerns take center stage, emphasizing the necessity to address the grievances and protect the rights of the Kashmiri people. The article concludes by presenting future scenarios, ranging from best to worst-case possibilities, encouraging a holistic understanding of potential outcomes. This comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders invested in fostering a peaceful resolution to the enduring Kashmir conflict.

Kashmir Conflict in Perspective of UN Resolutions and Narendra Modi's Kashmir Policy

Hindistan ve Pakistan, 1947'deki bağımsızlıklarından bu yana dört kez savaşmışlardır. Bu iki devlet arasındaki rekabetin temel nedeni Keşmir çatışmasıdır. Bu çalışmada, Keşmir sorununun ortaya çıkışı ve Birleşmiş Milletler’in rolü ele alınmıştır. Birleşmiş Milletler’in Keşmir'deki rolünü anlamak için Hint Yarımadası'nın bölünmesinin tarihsel arka planına değinilmiştir. Birleşmiş Milletler kararları çerçevesinde Keşmir sorununun hangi tarihsel süreçlerden geçtiğini ve geçmekte olduğunu ortaya konulmuştur. 1947'de Pakistan ile Hindistan arasında bölge paylaşımında ortaya çıkan en büyük sorunlardan biri Keşmir eyaletini hangi ülkenin ilhak edeceğiydi. Keşmir'in bölünmesi Hindistan’ın parçalanmasından bir yıl sonra gerçekleşmiştir. Bölünme sırasında Keşmir'in durumu Hindistan’ın diğer bölgelerinden farklı gözlemlenmişti. Dolayısıyla nüfus olarak Müslüman çoğunluğa sahipken hükümdarı Hindu olan bir prensli devlet olarak yer almıştır. Keşmir'i kimin (Pakistan veya Hindistan) ilhak edeceği konusundaki anlaşmazlık artık askeri müdahaleye dönüşmeye başladığında Birleşmiş Milletler devreye girmiştir. Bu makalede Keşmir meselesinin nasıl uluslararası bir mesele haline geldiği ve Birleşmiş Milletlerin bu meseleyi neden çözemediği hakkında bilgiler verilmektedir. Keşmir çatışması sırasındaki kritik tarihi olaylara ve Modi yönetimi sırasında Hindistan'ın Keşmir’in yönetiminde gerçekleştirdiği anayasa değişiklikleri de dikkate alarak değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Bu çerçevede Keşmir sorununun çözülmesine ilişkin bir engelleyici durum daha ortaya koyulmuştur. Modi hükümeti, anayasa değişikliği ile Keşmir'in bir bölümünü (Ladakh bölgesi) Keşmir'den ayırmayı başarmıştır.

SERVICES OF SYED ALI SHAH GEELANI IN THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT OF KASHMIR

One of the few figures from Kashmir who has written extensively on the conflict there is Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He has written over a dozen books, all of them in Urdu, that cover different facets of the issue. His range of news releases, communication with the Pakistani and Indian prime ministers, and other notable figures (many composed during his protracted incarceration in India), interviews with Kashmiri and Pakistani journalists, and public addresses are compiled in his work titled "Kashmir: Voice of Freedom" (Nava-e Hurriyat). This book explores several facets of the Kashmir problem from Geelani's point of view. on the causes of the crisis in Kashmir, his disapproval of Indian governance, his support for Pakistan's inclusion of Kashmir, and his rejection of Jammu and Kashmir's independence. His ideas on nationalism, jihad, and intercommunity interactions within what he considers the normative Islamic paradigm, as well as his understanding of the link between Islam, politics, and the state, are all crucial to the current struggle in and over Jammu and Kashmir

THE RISE OF POPULIST PHENOMENON IN INDIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA`S RELATION WITH PAKISTAN AND CHINA

This study endeavors to qualitatively analyze the surge of populism in India through an interpretative paradigm in order to contextualize the phenomenon with respect to non-western settings. It is imperative to operationalize the western originated concept of populism in India to analytical understand its causes and effects. The trans-continental phenomenon of populism manifest itself in India due to the economic and political factors that are played at discursive level by the political leaders. The preferred medium used by the populists is digital media as compared to the mainstream media due to the former`s less constraints on content moderation and control. The populist government in India derive legitimacy of their legislative actions based on self-other dialect. Therefore, populism in India would have implications for Pakistan and China. The contentious and Hobbesian nature of anarchy based on constructed binary identities, grounded on nationalism and civilizational perspective, makes the region prone to intractable instability. The undecided territorial and border disputes of India with Pakistan and China, along with the Kashmir issue, would makes it difficult to develop a pragmatic policy options to achieve regional stability and peace.

Ideological Framing and Polarization in Imran Khan’s Speech at UNGA on 27th September 2019: A Political Discourse Analysis

The aim of this study is to critically analyze the components of the speech given by Imran Khan, the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2019. Van Dijk's (1997) Political Discourse Analysis framework was employed to examine how politicians persuade their audience, propagate their ideologies, and construct in-group and out-group divisions in their speeches. The study sought to achieve its objectives by analyzing both macro and micro structures in the speech and exploring the underlying agenda behind the utilization of these discourse structures. The qualitative data consisted of the English transcript of the speech, totaling approximately 2,577 words. NVIVO software and Dijk's Political Discourse Analysis framework were employed for the analysis of the speech. The findings of the study revealed that the macro elements in the speech provided an overview of national, regional, and global issues such as climate change, money laundering, Islamophobia, and the Kashmir conflict. Through the use of microstructural elements, the speaker effectively expressed his ideological and political beliefs regarding these aforementioned issues. In summary, this research examined Imran Khan's UNGA speech through the lens of discourse structures, shedding light on the macro and micro elements utilized by the speaker to convey his perspective on various socio-political topics.

Nurturing Peaceful Minds: Fostering Peace Education Amid Conflict in Jammu and Kashmir

The basic purpose of the paper is to explore the issues and challenges faced by educational administrators, parents, students, and teachers concerning the effects of armed conflict on educational outcomes. It emphasizes the significance of peace education initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir a region enduring unrest for nearly three decades, profoundly affecting its educational sector. Employing a descriptive qualitative survey method, the study examines the experiences of different stakeholders of education and the factors influencing various stakeholders. The results indicate that academic stress emerges as a dominant risk factor leading to physical and psychological difficulties among the students. The research advocates for integrating peace education into the curriculum, creating a conducive learning environment to empower students in overcoming such challenges. Empirical findings strongly suggest that introducing peace education into the curriculum and peace education as a subject can be instrumental in addressing conflict-related issues.

Perubahan Paradigma Strategi Deterensi Nuklir India dan Pakistan

This paper discusses the shifting in the nuclear deterrence strategies of India and Pakistan. The conflict between India and Pakistan is marked by several high tension such as Kashmir dispute. The presence of nuclear weapons, which is pretty much significant and balanced possession between India and Pakistan make the situation more complicated and challenge the political stability in South Asia. The deterrent strategy of both parties has shifted from full deterrence, where nuclear ownership is to deter the opposing party, to creating second-strike and pre-emptive strike capabilities because they feel an increase in potential threats. India applies the no-first-use (NFU) doctrine, which was initially quite strict but has now become flexible considering the threat from Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan tends to be a risk-taker by never declaring the NFU doctrine. The author uses nuclear deterrence theory and security dilemma to elaborate the shifting concept of a deterrent strategy by both parties. The rationality of both parties in nuclear deterrence must be the basis of nuclear doctrine, considering the massive impact if both sides engage in a nuclear war. Globally, there needs to be cooperation in mutual control not only in nuclear-armed countries but also in diplomacy among countries that do not have nuclear powers to create global peace. At least in the event of war, both countries do not use their nuclear power.

Kashmir conflict in Perspective of UN Resolutions and Narendra Modi's Kashmir Policy

Hindistan ve Pakistan, 1947'deki bağımsızlıklarını kazanmalarından bu yana dört defa savaşmıştır. Bu iki devlet arasındaki rekabetin temel nedeni Keşmir sorunudur. Bu çalışmada Keşmir sorunun ortaya çıkışını ve Birleşmiş Milletlerin rolünü değinilecektir. Birleşmiş Milletlerin Keşmir'deki rolünü anlamak için Hint Yarımadası’nın bölünmesiyle ilgili tarihsel arka planı kısaca tartışılacak. Keşmir sorunla ilgili önemli tarihi olaylarını da ele alınacaktır ayrıca Modi yönetimi sırasında Hindistan tarafından yönetilen Keşmir'deki anayasal değişikliklerini da vurgulayacaktır.