Kashmir’s Quiet Resilience And Spirituality Amid Conflict
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches on Feb. 28, Muslims worldwide prepare for fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. In India’s Muslim-majority region of Kashmir, the atmosphere is heavy with prayers for peace — a yearning deeply ingrained in a land scarred by decades of conflict and violence.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Kashmir’s stunning valleys and streams have long inspired comparisons to heaven, often depicting the region as a symbol of divine beauty and tranquility.
However, this beauty belies a tragic reality: A legacy of unresolved disputes, political instability, and human suffering. Over the past three decades, the region has witnessed repeated cycles of violence that have disrupted lives, fractured communities, and left deep psychological scars on its people.
Tens of thousands have been killed, and countless others injured in violence that has torn families apart. The trauma has been exacerbated by lockdowns in the region due to periods of unrest and the coronavirus pandemic, leaving young people isolated and struggling with their mental health due to the absence of robust social support systems.
"I suffered severe bouts of depression every time violence escalated in Kashmir,” said 25-year-old Beenish, whose name has been changed to protect her identity. “I experienced hallucinations — visions of people dying in front of me. But with medical treatment and the support of my family, I began to develop a more positive outlook on life. I now hold on to the hope that the Kashmir dispute will one day be resolved, and peace will finally prevail.”
For months, Beenish turned to the Sufi shrines of Kashmir in search of solace. These sacred spaces, with their aromatic prayer halls and whispers of Quranic verses, have been a source of healing for many Kashmiris. Sufi Islam, a mystical expression of the faith emphasizing an intimate connection with God, has provided spiritual refuge in a region where government mental health resources remain scarce.
History, conflict and the power of faith
Kashmir has a rich tradition of spirituality, with hundreds of Sufi shrines offering comfort to those seeking peace amid chaos. These shrines serve as havens where people can momentarily escape the harsh realities of the outside world.
At the Hazratbal Shrine, a Sufi Dargah and mosque located on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar that contains a relic, known as “Moi-e-Muqqadas,” believed by Muslims to be the hair of the Prophet Muhammad, caretakers view faith as a powerful remedy for anxiety and depression. As one caretaker out it: “These shrines are where we worship Allah. The teachings of Sufi saints guide us on a path of love and inner peace.”
Dr. Abdul Majid, a senior psychiatrist in Kashmir, agreed.
“Religion has always been a coping mechanism for the people of Kashmir, especially during times of turmoil,” he added. “Prayers and meditation offer profound psychological relief, helping individuals navigate and process trauma.”
According to a 2015 survey by Médecins Sans Frontières, 45% of adults in Kashmir displayed symptoms of mental distress, with many showing signs of depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Islamic scholars also emphasize the calming effects of Quranic recitation, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and enhance resilience to stress. This perspective aligns with research suggesting that spiritual practices improve overall mental health by fostering hope and emotional stability.
The roots of Kashmir’s turmoil trace back to 1947, during the partition of the subcontinent. When the Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India rather than merging with the Muslim-majority Pakistan under a special constitutional provision known as Article 370, it was granted a degree of autonomy.
However, the region became a focal point for disputes between India and Pakistan, both of whom claimed the region in full. The first Indo-Pakistani war in 1947-1948 resulted in the division of Kashmir.
Since the late 1990s, militant separatism and political unrest have intensified, claiming over 47,000 lives, according to official data. The 1990s saw the rise of an armed insurgency against Indian rule, supported by Pakistan, which fueled widespread violence and led to the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit (Hindu) community.
Protests in 2016, sparked by the killing of militant Burhan Wani, resulted in five months of unrest, leaving 93 civilians dead and thousands injured. For many young people like Beenish, these violent episodes triggered profound mental health struggles.
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 by the parliament, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, marked a significant turning point. This move, coupled with enforced lockdowns, a communication blackout, and new laws, has exacerbated existing tensions. Critics argue that these measures have undermined Kashmir’s unique cultural and political identity.
Spirituality as solace
The communication blockade following the abrogation of Article 370 and the lockdown after the eruption of the pandemic severely disrupted education in the region. Schools and colleges were closed for months, and limited access to high-speed internet made online learning almost impossible. This educational disruption had a lasting impact on students, many of whom struggled with academic setbacks and psychological stress.
Majid highlights that young people have been particularly affected by the region’s turmoil. “The constant uncertainty about the future, coupled with exposure to violence and loss, has left young Kashmiris especially vulnerable to depression and anxiety,” he said.
Despite this, mental health services in the region remain inadequate, with only a handful of trained professionals to serve a population of nearly seven million.
Amid these challenges, Kashmiris have shown remarkable resilience, often turning to spirituality for solace. During the devastating floods of 2014, which claimed nearly 300 lives, the region’s interfaith harmony shone through. Muslims sought refuge in Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, while mosques welcomed people of all faiths.
“This is the beauty of Kashmir,” Majid said. “Religion serves as both a unifying force and a powerful coping mechanism.”
In the tranquil halls of Sufi shrines, people meditate, hum Quranic verses, or simply sit in silence. These spaces offer a stark contrast to the fear and violence outside. Beenish’s journey of healing reflects the resilience of an entire population that continues to seek light in the darkness.
The emphasis on communal harmony has played a vital role in fostering a sense of solidarity among Kashmiris. Despite the divisive narratives often perpetuated by political actors, the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the region serves as a reminder of its intrinsic unity.
As Ramadan approaches, the prayers of Kashmir’s people resonate more deeply than ever. They pray for peace, not just for themselves, but for a future where their children can live without fear. These prayers are imbued with the hope that one day, the beauty of their homeland will no longer be overshadowed by its pain.
Until that day comes, their faith remains a beacon of hope in a land of unyielding beauty and resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of a people determined to find peace amid the chaos.
Zaffar Iqbal is a journalist based in Kashmir, India. He has reported for 18 years on armed encounters, environmental issues, crime, politics, culture and human rights. He’s formerly the bureau chief of Jammu-Kashmir for NDTV.