Tensions between Pakistan and India have once again drawn attention to the ongoing suffering of the people of Kashmir. Whenever conflict arises between these two neighboring countries, it is the ordinary Kashmiri living near the Line of Control (LoC) who endures the most hardship. Their lives are filled with fear, disruption, and deep uncertainty. Families are torn apart, homes are destroyed, and economic life comes to a halt. This editorial highlights how the latest escalation has intensified the plight of Kashmiris, resulting in emotional trauma, economic devastation, and the weakening of family ties. It argues that true peace in the region requires both governments to prioritize the well-being of the people over political interests.
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Since the partition of British India in 1947, Kashmir has remained a contested region claimed by both Pakistan and India. This unresolved dispute has fueled several wars and ongoing hostility between the two nations. The LoC divides Kashmir into areas administered by each country, and thousands of civilians live near this heavily militarized boundary. As a result, they often find themselves in the crossfire when hostilities flare. Shelling, gunfire, and military operations are frequent occurrences that interrupt daily life and pose constant threats. Under such conditions, the dream of peace feels distant and uncertain as diplomacy fails to produce meaningful progress.
In recent months, cross-border skirmishes and political disputes have reignited tensions. Villages near the LoC have borne the brunt of this escalation. Families have been displaced, schools have closed, and communities live in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. Residents describe lives shaped not by agricultural rhythms or seasonal festivals but by the sound of gunfire and the fear of sudden violence. For instance, in Neelum Valley and Poonch, local accounts report civilian casualties and widespread damage caused by mortar attacks. These people have no role in crafting national policies, yet they suffer the most from decisions made in distant capitals by influential figures untouched by the violence.
Among the most heartbreaking consequences of this prolonged conflict is the separation of families. Thousands of Kashmiris have relatives across the LoC, and stringent border controls have made family reunions nearly impossible. During periods of heightened tension, even limited travel arrangements are suspended, deepening the emotional strain. The suspension of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, a once-symbolic bridge of hope, has left many unable to visit or even communicate with loved ones. These broken connections foster despair and helplessness, turning emotional closeness into a dream that seems forever out of reach.
Further, this emotional burden also has profound mental health consequences. The constant threat of violence has left a lasting psychological impact on Kashmiris. Fear, trauma, and stress have become part of daily life. Children grow up under the shadow of conflict, and parents live in continuous fear for their families' safety. Over time, this leads to widespread mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2022 report by Médecins Sans Frontières revealed that nearly 45% of adults in Indian-administered Kashmir exhibit symptoms of psychological distress. Yet mental health services remain scarce, and the lack of trained professionals or facilities leaves many to suffer silently. The emotional toll of war is as devastating as its physical destruction, yet it is often overlooked.
Alongside this psychological suffering, economic hardship has worsened for those living near the LoC. Most people in these areas depend on agriculture, small-scale trade, and local businesses. When conflict erupts, fields are damaged, shops are shuttered, and cross-border trade is halted. This leads to unemployment, rising poverty, and frustration among the youth. The suspension of cross-LoC trade once hailed as a step toward peace and prosperity, has dealt a serious blow to the region's economy. Without peace and stability, the prospects for investment, tourism, and development remain bleak. Economic deprivation, compounded by insecurity, leaves people trapped in a cycle of despair.
Furthermore, the education of children in these conflict-prone regions is severely disrupted. Schools near the LoC are frequently closed due to security threats, and both teachers and students live in fear of attacks. In such conditions, education becomes yet another victim of violence. Children miss years of schooling, and some never return to classrooms. According to the UNICEF, prolonged school closures in conflict zones are linked to increased child labor and exploitation. This denies an entire generation the tools they need to build a better future and leaves them vulnerable to long-term social and economic disadvantages.
Adding to these internal challenges, the external one is the silence of the international community. Although global leaders and organizations often speak of human rights and peace, few take concrete actions to address the Kashmir issue. Repeated UN resolutions have done little to push for real dialogue or conflict resolution. The reluctance to engage more directly due to fears of damaging diplomatic ties with either India or Pakistan has allowed the situation to worsen. This passive stance leaves Kashmiris feeling abandoned and voiceless. The international community must move beyond rhetoric and take meaningful steps to facilitate peaceful negotiations and protect civilians caught in this decades-long conflict.
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A critical analysis of the situation reveals that the suffering of Kashmiris stems not only from military actions but also from a consistent failure of leadership and empathy. Political elites on both sides often exploit the Kashmir issue to score points at home, sidelining the very people whose lives are most affected. Without acknowledging the humanity of Kashmiris and including them in peace processes, no sustainable resolution can be found. Lasting peace demands inclusive dialogue, not political posturing.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India have deepened the anguish of Kashmiris living along the Line of Control. Their lives are marked by loss, fear, poverty, and psychological trauma. It is imperative for both nations to move beyond political rivalry and embrace a human-centred approach. Only through sincere dialogue, mutual respect, and the inclusion of Kashmiri voices can the suffering be alleviated and a future of peace and dignity be secured. The region does not need more weapons; it needs healing, and that healing must begin with compassion and peace.
