Kashmir: A fertile valley which once was called Paradise on earth, is split between India and Pakistan but is claimed in full by both. Tens of thousands of people have died in a revolt against Indian rule in the state since 1989 and has become a dangerous place to live, its harvest merely razor wire and mines.  

Kashmir has for decades been shaped not only by geopolitical rivalry, but also by the deeply held aspirations of many Kashmiris regarding identity, dignity, and self-determination. These aspirations, expressed in varied and evolving ways, have been central to the region’s recurring cycles of protest, unrest, and resistance.

Since the late 1980s, an armed uprising against Indian rule emerged in parts of the region, driven by a mix of political grievances, disputed elections, regional influences, and popular disillusionment with existing governance structures. While the nature and intensity of this uprising have changed over time, it has left a lasting imprint on Kashmiri society. Large segments of the population, particularly youth, have articulated demands ranging from greater political autonomy to complete independence or alignment with Pakistan. These demands do not represent a single unified position, but rather a spectrum of aspirations shaped by history, personal experience, and circumstance.

Widespread protests, civil disobedience, and episodes of violence have often been met with strong security responses. This dynamic has contributed to mutual mistrust between the state and sections of the local population, affecting daily life, economic opportunities, and civic space. Human rights concerns, restrictions on political activity, and limits on expression have further intensified feelings of alienation among many residents.

Kashmiris have become immune to the death of their people. They have developed an inability to mourn. Today, there are more than 500 graveyards dotting Kashmir, and every epitaph standing on a grave tells a story - a tragic story of Kashmiris generation.​​

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