Muntaha in Kashmir
Muntaha in Kashmir
Unlike the rest of the world, Kashmir has been in lockdown since the 5th of August 2019 - not just a few weeks or months but a whole year. Covid-19 simply shifted the nature of the restrictions from political to viral.
Muntaha shares with us here what it feels like to grow up in an endless chain of restrictions and the mental health impact of the barbed wire.
We link you back to the multimedia homepage at the end, but if you want to return earlier just click the "start" button in the side menu at any time.
Muntaha shares with us here what it feels like to grow up in an endless chain of restrictions and the mental health impact of the barbed wire.
We link you back to the multimedia homepage at the end, but if you want to return earlier just click the "start" button in the side menu at any time.
Lockdowns are normal
Lockdowns are normal.
Third time lucky.
It
took me three attempts to speak to Muntaha.
The first time, there was an information blackout in Kashmir; without the internet there was no way of reaching her.
The second time, Muntaha was grappling with a state of anxiety and felt unable to continue.
As we started the third take, I could hear hesitation in her voice. Recent reports of violence and the risk of speaking out about political issues loomed large.
The first time, there was an information blackout in Kashmir; without the internet there was no way of reaching her.
The second time, Muntaha was grappling with a state of anxiety and felt unable to continue.
As we started the third take, I could hear hesitation in her voice. Recent reports of violence and the risk of speaking out about political issues loomed large.
Sustainable Activism.
Now we can see you
Now we can see you.
Looking for the light.
"This
lockdown is very important.
But you ask me about the violence: violence in any part of the world is always a tragedy, in any form.
Whenever a person dies it’s the most traumatic event their family can ever feel, whichever side of the line they are.
I am constantly looking for that light in what seems is this impenetrable darkness. The hope of peace is a ray of light for me."
But you ask me about the violence: violence in any part of the world is always a tragedy, in any form.
Whenever a person dies it’s the most traumatic event their family can ever feel, whichever side of the line they are.
I am constantly looking for that light in what seems is this impenetrable darkness. The hope of peace is a ray of light for me."
Looking for the light Pt. 2.
Looking for the light Pt. 2.
Fullscreen
"All
this has made me see the world with more humble eyes. I have learnt to
acknowledge others and respect differences. Everyone is unique and everyone
has a story to tell.
I always say this: unexpressed grief becomes violence. Expressed grief becomes wisdom.
Be that any kind of grief or trauma, we need to give people the space and opportunity to grow and learn from that."
I always say this: unexpressed grief becomes violence. Expressed grief becomes wisdom.
Be that any kind of grief or trauma, we need to give people the space and opportunity to grow and learn from that."
Your feelings are valid
Your feelings are valid.
10 straight hours.
"I want to listen to what security personnel feel when they are on the street for 10 straight hours. How does it feel standing on a street carrying a heavy gun for 10 straight hours?
Kashmiri Resilience
Kashmiri resilience.
Our cage.
"Understand
how pain can transform your life. It’s ok to feel pain. It’s ok to feel
helpless. It’s ok to cry. That helps us to grow.
We need to know our cage. We need to know what’s stopping us and then that sets us free."
We need to know our cage. We need to know what’s stopping us and then that sets us free."
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All We Have
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For more from our global contributors in lockdown roam our digital exhibition or you might like one of the stories below:
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Muntaha in Kashmir
Lockdowns are normal.
Third time lucky.
Sustainable Activism.
Now we can see you.
Looking for the light.
Looking for the light Pt. 2.
Your feelings are valid.
10 straight hours.
10 straight hours.
Kashmiri resilience.
Our cage.