Sulah

Though violent extremism is often linked most strongly with men, underestimating its impact on the other half of the general population has resulted in insufficient efforts to prevent it. Women are often involved directly or indirectly with violent extremism. There is ample evidence to show that women can play a critical role to prevent violent extremism by instilling values of tolerance and compassion to members of their families and communities. 

Another important role is played by religious leaders as the extremist religious interpretations are leading youth towards violent extremism.  Religious leaders, like women, shape the mindsets of the youth. Their ways of explaining and preaching religion are important as youth look up to them as sources of inspiration. Together, women and religious leaders can do a wonderful job of establishing peace in society.  With technical and financial support from the ALLY project, four ALLY Fellows from India created the Social Action Plan ‘Sulah’ – the Urdu word for reconciliation – to help in untying the threads of hatred, malice present in the youth of India.

The four fellows – Aasif Umar Dar, Ifrah Mushtaq Butt, Ruksar Khatun, and Baksheesh Sachar, as well as volunteer Hina Mushtaq – began their work by meeting with youth and women from vulnerable communities of Pulwama, Tral, Shopian, Anantnag, and Srinagar. They conducted these meetings to create effective advocacy and dialogue between the local indigenous community/stakeholders and the national government.

The fellows are also engaging the communities directly, not just online. In December 2021, they created a platform by the Name of Achabal Open Mic to engage the young artist’ and provide them a platform to showcase their talent. started a weekly music program at Achabal Mughal Garden,  and expanded it to Khundroo village and Martand Sun Temple near Anantnag. They are promoting these young artists through social media and community radio stations. As of February 2022, six episodes have been conducted.

Additionally, the fellows installed 40 youth clubs in the district of Anantnag and established a research center by the name of Mehmud Gami Research Centre for Art, Culture and Peacebuilding at The Government Degree College for Boys. The research center aims to engage with the college students for peacebuilding and preventing violent extremism in Kashmir and to train the raw artists In the college through their department of Music and Fine Arts.

#AchabalOpenMIc posts can be found on different social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.