The Jammu and Kashmir that was once known for its religious pluralism and tolerance has turned to be a place of sectarian divide, religious nationalism and fundamentalism. The valley of Kashmir that was renowned for its geographical beauty with mountains, valleys, pure streams, fresh air and a hospitable valley now functions as the lodgments and fortresses for conflicts. Nationalism is at the core of the dispute, but religion plays an important role as well. The Jammu and Kashmir region of India has a long recorded history of incongruities and conflicts that are perceived by different people as politico-religious and socio-economic affairs. Religion as a core tenet of every cultural worldview, has become the progressively vital central marker of identity and a smouldering keg of gun powder for conflict in Kashmir.
The India that is known as the mother of religions cannot relegate the primary role of religion in their political and socio-economic affairs. Therefore, it is right to acknowledge politico-religious and socio-economic factors in the present state of Kashmir. And, it will not be wrong to affirm that religion plays a key role in creating positive mind set among people of Kashmir. Tensions and unresolved grievances around these historic disputes continue to feed wider regional instability and undermine efforts for de-militarisation and anti nationalism in the region, therefore religion amity can mark major difference in improving integration of J&K. In almost every conflict region in the world, interfaith efforts have contributed to resolving or avoiding disputes, as well as improving the conditions of millions caught up in civil strife. Kashmir breathes within its locals and visitors alike with a pulse that they can sense, a heartbeat that they can feel and an expression that they can personify. Religion, however, can play an important role in peace-making and conflict prevention and resolution.
Religion connects with peace in following major ways: The ideas of human dignity and the common humanity of all, derived from the notion that all are created in the image of the divine, are foundational to true peace. Religious concepts of redemption and forgiveness underpin key post-conflict reconciliation efforts, providing resources to help societies heal the shattering consequences of affected citizens. Religion represents influential civil society communities and institutions, often seen as representing unifying values that transcend disputed issues; they are often among the most stable, most trusted entities in crisis venues, capable of contributing to mediating disputes local and international religious entities play a large and often unappreciated role in promoting education, delivering health care services and addressing poverty, all of which create conditions of hope, support to the needy and stability; conditions without which peace cannot flourish. Religion can contribute by empowering the weak, by influencing the moral-political climate, by developing cooperation and providing humanitarian aid. History presents cases of mediation and peacemaking by religious leaders and institutions. Religion is a powerful constituent of cultural norms and values because it addresses the most profound existential issues of human life (e.g. freedom and inevitability, fear and faith, security and insecurity, right and wrong and sacred and profane). Strengthening integration of J & K can seek hope in religious amity which can help in creating faith among citizens their own nation India is where the minds are without fear.
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