TIMELINE: 2013-2014

The Global Peace Index (2013), that take into account estimated the number of deaths due to internal disturbances, level of perceived criminality in society, level of respect for human rights, terrorist’s activities, number of jailed persons, numbers of violent demonstrations, and access to small arms etc, ranks India 141st and Pakistan 153rd out of 162 countries assessed. This makes both countries two of the most violent countries in the world.

India has witnessed some major communal riots in the country including the Bombay riots (1992-93), Godhra riots and its aftermath in Gujrat (2002) and Kandhamal violence in Orissa (2007-2008) and Muzaffarnagar riots in Uttar Pradesh in 2014. The incidences of communal violence in varying degrees continue to be on the rise in the country’s landscape, causing fear and insecurity among the minority communities, be they religious or caste minorities or a mix of both.

On the other hand, its counterpart, Pakistan, suffers from the vulnerability of the political classes, the ambitions of the powerful military, the impact of religious forces, ethnic and sectarian clashes as well as the rise, fall and rise of the Taliban, responsible for keeping the nation on tenterhooks. In addition, Pakistani civilians are increasingly caught in a tripartite tug of war between the Taliban, Pakistani government and the US war on terror. Territorial claims have since independence, been a bone of contention for both countries, leading to widespread prejudices, fragile security across the borders and precarious living of the civilians.

The communities are divided on the basis of religion, ethnicity, language, gender and class. The civil and political rights as well as the economic, educational and socio-cultural rights of the communities have been largely compromised and violated. The disruption in civil amenities and law and order leave women and children without any say, adding to the injustices and a climate of violence.

IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS:

Jammu Border Area schools with Peace Clubs of 50 members in each school

• St. Francis School, Akinoor
• St. Joseph School, Arneeia
• Nirmala Convent School, Kalleeth
• Holi cross convent school, R.S.Pura
• St. Antony’s School, VijayaPuram
• Nirmala convent school, Kunjwani
• St. Mary’s convent school, Ismailpur

Jalandhar Border Area schools with Peace Clubs of 50 members in each school

• All Saints School, Ajnala
• Sacred heart convent school, Patty
• St. Francis convent school, Derababana
• Sacred heart secondary school, Gadiyal
• St. Joseph convent school, Kasa
• St. Francis School, Amritsar

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