Kashmir
Kashmir is the newest region where we work. With a population of roughly 13 million, this region is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Since 1947-48, when the newly-independent nations of India and Pakistan fought their first war over which country the Muslim-majority princely state of Kashmir would accede to, the portion of Kashmir controlled by India has been governed according to Article 370 of India’s constitution. Article 370 granted Kashmir substantial political and economic autonomy. However, in August 2019 India unexpectedly revoked Article 370 and placed Kashmir on strict lockdown to quell protests against the unpopular move. Just as this lockdown was beginning to be eased, the Covid-19 pandemic struck and prompted further lockdowns.
Kashmir is divided into three regions. Jammu is majority Hindu, Ladakh (now a separate union territory after India’s revocation of Article 370) is majority Buddhist, and the Kashmir valley is majority Muslim. Our main leaders, Peter* and Sarah*, and the other pastors and missionaries we support are working in the Kashmir valley. The majority of our partners are from Muslim backgrounds, and so they are well equipped to reach their staunchly religious community with the love of Jesus. They also know the dangers they face in following Jesus.
In 2021, our support made it possible for our partners to provide food relief for 450 low-income families amid Covid lockdowns, as well as relief supplies for another 100 families whose homes and livelihoods were badly damaged in a severe snowstorm. 10 economically disadvantaged women received training to be employed as beauticians and/or start their own beautician businesses. Five local Christian leaders received bicycles to enable smoother travel to ministry sites, and three pastors were supported to launch income-generating projects to better sustain their families and ministries.
Capital: Srinagar & Jammu
Population: 13 million
Religion (Indian-administered portion): Muslim 67.0%, Hindu 29.6%, Sikh 2.0%, Buddhist and other 1.1%, Christian 0.3%
Ministries: Pastor Training, Women’s Empowerment & Social Enterprise
Give directly to our Kashmir fund:
