Umair Ijaz
Kashmir is a disputed region and is recognized as an international conflict according to UN resolution. Kashmir exists in a temporary state of division, bifurcated into Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), and IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir) known as Jammu Kashmir.
AJK is administratively divided into 10 districts while Neelum Valley is the largest by area comprised of 3621 square km. It is located in the northmost part of Azad Jammu Kashmir and has an enclosure from the three sides by mountains, rivers, and geopolitical borders, forming natural seclusion. NeelumValley is situated in the lower and upper Himalayas and the area has been divided into three climatic zones, the glacial zone, the very cold temperate continental winter rains alpine region, and the very cold temperate continental winter rains region.
These climatic distinctions contribute to the re-gion’s unique environmental characteristics, further shaping its socio-economic and ecological dynamics. The central route of Neelum Valley runs along the Neelum River through Neelumroad from Taobat to Baryan and at many points shares Loc with close proximity.
However, the region has also been marred by persistent conflict between India and Pakistan, leading to a myriad of socio-political, economic, and environmental challenges.
Life in the Neelum Valley depends upon the security situation on the border and the situation on the border depends upon the India-Pakistan relations. Neelum Valley had enjoyed isolation for a very long period of time Few people traveled out of the valley the culture, and environment were very much preserved and the people lived with natural simplicity.
All that changed when the 1989 Kashmir movement evolved into an armed struggle in occupied Jammu Kashmir. The Neelum valley became the center of the struggle resulting in continuous confrontation through heavy shelling of Indian Army from 1989 to 2003 led to the suffering of the local community and destruction of the environment.
The 2003 ceasefire agreement between the two nations gave relief to the local population but the mined and fenced border didn’t give relief to the wild animal living in the region. The LoC remains most of the time peaceful till 2016 the rise of the BJP in India. The skirmishes of cross-border firing started after the martyrdom of Burhan Wani by Indian forces and continued till 2021 a CBM signed that both sides would hold the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
After 2021 both sides haven’t violated the agreement but the cluster ammunition used previ-ously had exploded several times in the valley.
Armed conflict has both direct and indirect consequences on the environment in Neelum Valley. The direct impacts include damage to infrastructure, deforestation due to military operations, and pollution from military-related activities. Neelum Valley was highly impacted by the protracted armed conflict from 1989 to 2003.
Around 2300 people were killed and more than 5,000 were injured or disabled due to the cross-border shelling, Infrastructure such as markets and houses were destroyed, the wildfire erupted due to the firing. Heavy militarisation on the other sides of the border had an enormous carbon footprint and the use of forests by the Army led to the deterioration of the fragile environment which has also impacted the flora and fauna of the region.
The cross-border shelling and extensive use of explosives also result in the release of hazardous chemicals into the air, water, and soil contributing to a range of health issues among the local population, including respiratory ailments and skin diseases. The indirect impacts encompass displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and altered land-use patterns, leading to changes in local ecosystems. The people were internally displaced and put pressure on host communities that had already scarce resources and the least economic opportunities in the conflict zone. Along with that many people moved to urban areas for better opportunities which resulted in the loss of traditional livelihoods.
People who were once engaged in agriculture or animal husbandry have shifted to urban areas, leading to altered land utilization. The displacement of the local community, the resource scarcity, the insecurity of conflict, and the loss of livelihood caused the erosion of indigenous knowledge and dependency on external aid which induced unsustainable practices among the local communities and paved the way for environmental degradation. Indigenous Knowledge is key to traditional livelihood which is disrupted by conflict and environmental degradation.
Neelum Valley now lies in the monsoon region due to deforestation and climate change, causing soil erosion which increases landslides, and flash-flooding in the region and shows a serious concern for the future. Also, the agriculture of Neelum Valley depends upon the rainfall, and due to the changing patterns, rainfall is also impacting the crop.
Extreme events such as Avalanches, summer snow, cloud bursts, and flash flooding in the high Himalayas are showing that climate change is happening and environmental degradation is the leading cause which is induced by the conflict. Moreover, the degradation of the environment is also exacerbating social and economic disparities, leading to social unrest and potentially escalating conflicts among the people to exploit scarce natural resources.
The Neelum Valley exemplifies the intricate interplay between conflict and environmental concerns. By understanding these dynamics and adopting a holistic approach that integrates political, social, and ecological perspectives, it is possible to navigate the dual challenge and pave the way for a more stable and sustainable future for the region.
[The writer is a student of Strategic Studies at National Defense –University, Islamabad and is currently serving as an intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.]
