Ties That Bind, Borders That Separate: The Enduring Impact of Jammu & Kashmir Partition on Divided Families

Abstract

The cross -LoC exchange as an outcome of peace process has yielded significant result for building peace in the region and likewise among India and Pakistan. It becomes quite apparent as per the understanding of the people that the exposure to visitors from AJK to J&K particularly to the Poonch and Rajouri has changed their mindset significantly. The study finds that as per the host (families receiving the guest from other side of the LoC) observations, most of the visitors came with perception of the area having lack of religious freedom and sense of suppression of the Muslims whereas the visit has astonished of the same as false propaganda. The other important aspects which really surprise them are the multi-religious society with manifestation of co-existence. Study further finds that the people exchange has shattered much of the propaganda orchestrated form militant organizations operating from Pakistan.