Since 1989, when the movement for Kashmiri independence took the form of an armed insurgency, it has been one of the most highly militarized regions in the world. This book is based on the idea that preserving memory is central to the struggle for justice and to someday rebuild a society shattered by two decades of armed conflict.

"Mathur accomplished her research working in a conflict zone, earning the trust of the people who are constantly surveilled and often punished for speaking out, no ordinary feat. Given the paucity of research available on the human impact of the conflict, her research is an invaluable resource for future researchers interested in pursuing other aspect of this very important work." (Idrisa Pandit, Greater Kashmir, greaterkashmir.com, July, 2016)