The conflict in Kashmir dates back to October 1947 to the birth of the two modern nations of India and Pakistan.  The conflict of whether this mountainous region is to be governed from New Delhi or Islamabad has cost tens of thousands of human lives, and continues to be the main source of negative relations between India and Pakistan. Since the 1990s, a separatist movement have started fighting for an independent Kashmir.

Anwar Jaan, age 63, 'widow' of Mohammad Yaqoob Khan who disappeared on 14 July, 1990 during height of insurgency

Estimates range between 2000 and 6000 women do not know the whereabouts of their husbands. They are Kashmir’s Half Widows, women whose spouses have disappeared during the conflict. Some have been killed by security forces or militants, some have crossed the border to take up arms, and some have been jailed. Regardless the cause of their disappearance, they’ve left behind children, and their wives. Without proof of their husbands death,  the women are unable to re-marry, receive government funding, and are often cast out of society as a great stigma is attached the now single women. Most of their in-laws disown the women and their children.

For the first time these women are leaving their homes, and are seeking work as seamstresses, taking odd jobs, and begging on the street in order to provide for their children and themselves. They continue to search for their husbands and to hang on to the thought that they may come home. Every women I’ve met and photographed says they haven’t lost hope of their husbands return.

I hope to continue to document these women by photographing them through their daily life. The struggles, the stigmas, and the hope.  My goal is that this story raises awareness to the quiet injustices in this conflict.

Munira, age approx. 36. Her husband's name is/was Mohammad Akbar. He disappeared in 1996-97

 

 

 

Hasina Begum, age 32. Her husband's name is/was Mansoor Ahmad Mir. He disappeared in October, 2003

 

 

 

Atiqa Begum, age 38, is 'widow' of Nazir Ahmad who disappeared on 28 May, 1990

 

Tahira Bano, age approx. 36. Her husband's Name is/was Tariq Ahmad Rather. He disappeared in 2001