Opinion | A Mirror Across the LoC: The Current Contrasting Realities of Kashmir and PoJK

Kashmir lives with two distinct realities: one, the Kashmir Valley, is associated with peace, progress, tourism, and economic growth, while the other, Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, is often associated with crisis, instability, poverty, unrest, and various allegations of human rights abuses. But here lies the irony and the reality: the very issues unfolding in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan’s occupation are the same issues that Pakistan alleges exist in the Kashmir Valley.

PoJK has a history of being under fire set by Pakistan, but over the past few weeks, the occupied region has witnessed one of the worst tensions in its history of occupation. The voices that were once raised for employment, jobs, energy shortages, and inflation have now become widespread, taking the shape of major unrest. Over time, issues like governance, revocation of the mandatory oath, reserved refugee seats, and administrative reforms have become core public demands. With several rounds of talks between PoJK and Pakistan taking place but failing to reach a resolution, public anger has intensified, pushing people onto the roads and streets to raise demands for their basic rights. And it is Pakistan that they are protesting against, it earns them a bullet. Within a few hours of the protests, reports of killings, detentions, and injuries emerged from PoJK.

While Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continues to witness strikes, protests, political unrest, and public discontent, the Kashmir Valley on the Indian side is hosting one of the country’s largest annual religious pilgrimages, welcoming tourists from across India and abroad, and witnessing increasing economic activity.

The contrast has become particularly visible in recent times. In PoJK, reports have emerged of shutdowns, demonstrations, arrests of activists, and growing resentment over governance, inflation, unemployment, and restrictions on political expression. Local organizations have called for strikes and protests, alleging that dissent is being met with coercive measures rather than dialogue. These developments have once again drawn attention to the long-standing grievances of residents in the occupied region.

Across the border, however, a different picture is unfolding. The annual Amarnath Yatra has commenced with thousands of pilgrims travelling to the holy cave shrine under elaborate security arrangements. Hotels, transport services, restaurants, and local businesses have seen increased activity as the pilgrimage adds to an already active tourism season. Visitors continue to explore destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, adding ice on the cake to those associated with hospitality and tourism industry.

As of now, Kashmiris are welcoming Amarnath Yatris coming from across the country, while citizens of PoJK are unfortunately facing tear gas shells and bullets by Pakistani forces. When Kashmir’s streets are filled with public activity, PoJK gives a deserted look. When a Kashmiri father is carrying his son on his shoulders, playing and laughing, at the same time a father in PoJK is carrying the dead body of his son, crying and mourning. Kashmiri mothers are embracing their loved ones in their laps and smiling, while PoJK mothers are embracing their dead sons and mourning. Kashmir’s streets are witnessing paintings, murals, and art, while PoJK’s streets are stained with violence and blood. Kashmir is booming with tourism, while PoJK is burning in unrest. Kashmir’s colleges and universities are functioning normally, while PoJK’s educational institutions remain closed and far from normal functioning. Kashmiri school-going children are enjoying vacations and family trips, while for PoJK school-going children, such normal moments remain distant. While children in my village play cricket and football in the village ground, children in PoJK are forced to remain indoors. Where Kashmiris cheer for their teams in local tournaments, PoJK mourns the loss of neighbours and loved ones. Kashmiri women contribute to the economy, participate in sports, establish businesses, and make their mark, while PoJK women are left crying and mourning their dead. Where Kashmiris continue to go to work and earn their livelihoods, workers and daily wagers in PoJK face growing financial challenges amid ongoing instability. Where the Army and police organize tournaments, support local talent, and engage with civilians with care, Pakistani forces in PoJK are using force, including arrests and detentions. While Kashmiris move freely and participate in daily life, PoJK citizens continue to face unrest and crackdown.

While activism is given space in Kashmir, public voices are deemed as terrorist organizations in PoJK by Pakistan. PoJK has mandatory oath controversies, reserved seat issues, and demands for administrative reforms, while Kashmir has none of these. While Kashmir is calm, normal, and progressing towards a better tomorrow, PoJK is burning, plunging into darkness, and engulfed in violence. While news of growth, achievements, and happiness emerges from Kashmir, reports of deaths, detentions, crackdowns, and human rights violations dominate the headlines in PoJK. While Kashmir enjoys network connectivity and internet access, PoJK remains under heavy communication blockades. Where Kashmir remains free and open, PoJK remains under Pakistan’s crackdown. While Kashmiris enjoy delicacies, food and feast, unfortunately, PoJK faces food shortages and challenges under Pakistan’s brutal crackdown to crush protest.

Nevertheless, the present developments present a notable contrast with the situation unfolding across the border. While Kashmir’s current discourse increasingly revolves around tourism, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, education, and religious pilgrimage, discussions in PoJK frequently focus on protests, governance issues, economic grievances, and political uncertainty. If the situation continues, prolonged disruption could further impact access to healthcare, social services, and employment opportunities, placing additional pressure on vulnerable communities.

Ultimately, the story emerging today is one of two contrasting realities across the same historic region. On one side of the border (PoJK), the headlines are dominated by strikes, demonstrations, and political discontent. On the other (Kashmir), pilgrims continue their spiritual journey, tourists fill markets and hotels, and economic activity continues during one of the busiest seasons of the year.

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