Violent conflict has dogged both Jammu and Kashmir, and Afghanistan for several decades, claiming tens of thousands of lives. Regular clashes between the security forces and disaffected Kashmiri youth in the Valley, sustain the cycle of violence and conflict. In Afghanistan, the conflict remains unresolved and the country faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Jammu and Kashmir. Territories controlled by each state are divided by the Line of Control (LoC), which separated families and severed villages. We work to increase collaboration across the LoC, and build opportunities for Kashmiris, including youth and women, to participate in economic and public life.
Afghanistan has witnessed armed conflict for over 40 years. Following the US withdrawal in 2021, a period of transition and Taliban rule emerged. Instability remains because of political and security contestations, magnified by the humanitarian crisis. We support local initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue between conflict parties to reduce violence, enabling the provision of basic services to communities, and consolidating peaceful societies.
The more people I met from the other side, the more my perceptions changed. We may have different languages, education and culture but we can accommodate these differences