The current crisis began when the Jammu and Kashmir government decided to transfer the sacred forest land containing the Armarnath Cave to the Shri Armarnarth Shrine Board. After Muslim protests the decision was reversed, but this prompted an angry reaction in the Hindu areas organized by ultra-right wing Hindu groups. Hindu protesters imposed an economic blockade on the Muslim areas by blocking the only road into India. This has been met with anti-India protests. A curfew was imposed and a number of people have been hurt or killed in clashes with the police.
The situation has quickly deteriorated with the continuing economic blockade and a growing number of casualties. Last week at least seven people were killed and around 200 injured by police and troops opening fire on demonstrators who defied the curfew.
Children are particularly badly affected because baby food and medicines have not been reaching the area. Hundreds of tonnes of fresh food have perished as there is no means of transporting it to India. Journalists have been attacked and local media are censored
The AA emergency response began on the 18th August and included medical and food relief to those injured in hospitals, first aid camps, assistance with a hospital helpline, three ambulances and a 24 hour medical helpline. AA will also provide food and livelihood support to 550 families who are left without their main breadwinner as a result of the violence. In addition to this, sheep, cows, machinery and raw materials for handicrafts and small grocery shops will be given to families to help fill the income gap. Education kits will be given to 1200 children.
On Aug 24th, AA vehicles were banned from transporting medicines, and were forced to suspend their activities for a week.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Kashmiris go fishing in the waters of the Dal Lake during a strike in Srinagar September 8, 2008. Indian Kashmir shut down for a day on Monday when separatists called a ...
