Lived experiences of borderlanders provide a deeper understanding of what significance borders carry for the people. This paper is an outcome of a qualitative study undertaken across two time periods in a border village in Jammu and Kashmir. The paper is based on the lived experiences of borderlanders capturing their struggle, hope and resilience. The paper brings in the narratives of the people from the village and deciphers the meaning that those narratives carry. The paper offers a broader understanding of what significance borders carry and how they need to be relooked from the perspective of people rather only from security prism. The paper makes certain recommendations for a larger policy perspective to be formulated by the state with respect to governing of border areas

Border, Borderlander, Cross Border Shelling, Cease Fire Violations, Resilience

Large number of people reside along the borders in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and faces difficult circumstances due to their proximity to border. This vulnerability should be delt through a specific policy measure, which is still missing as a state response. The issues and concerns that remain unaddressed because of non-availability of policy documents thereby impeding the work of the officials when it comes to governing the border lands which demand specific measures. The continuous displacement and loss of lives of people from border areas is a cause of concern and the suffering and persistent hopelessness in the psyche of the border dwellers is a worrisome trend. We believe that borders need not be seen from a security paradigm only (though that is essential), rather borderland should be seen no less than any other civilian area but with a different context. A nuanced understanding in terms of policy framework needs to be developed which takes care of borderlanders as prime stakeholders and ensures safe, secure and better life. Inclusivity through borderlanders participation in planning and management can ensure their larger welfare. Border areas are to be treated as habitation of civilians who need our attention, who need state induced development and whose rights need to be fulfilled through envisioning a future. On the basis of this study, we are proposing the following key policy recommendations: 1. The role of political dispensations and diplomatic engagements is the most crucial and vital in making borders peaceful or docile. It is strongly believed that there is a need to improve and increase diplomatic engagements between the two countries so as calmness could prevail and volatility along the border reduces. In the larger interest of the governance of the borders we believe it is important to build public opinion in the direction that supports the idea of diplomatic engagements between two countries. 2. The safety of the people along with their livestock should assume significance on all policy frameworks with regard to the governance of the borders. We strongly advocate for new construction and repair of already existing of both individual and community bunkers in villages along the borders while keeping in view of local conditions and technological advancements. There should be proper managing authority to look after these bunkers and keep them functional. 3. Borderlanders should be active participants of any policy framework. Local and Regional consultations should be organized particularly regarding the resilient architectural designs which are safer and more suitable for such settings to minimize the loss of life and property. It will not only boost the confidence of the villagers but will also help in risk mitigation during emergency situations. Borders are the existing reality of current nation states. Borders can either be porous or stringent however volatility of borders is something which is adding a concern to the populations living across the borders. Irrespective of volatility and other challenges of borders in Jammu and Kashmir, borderlanders have belongingness and attachment with their places. The feeling of home and land being part of one's identity is something that attaches the borderlanders to their villages. Thus, in this sense it becomes crucial to understand borders as living entities which carry identity, meaning, homeliness and of course belongingness. Therefore, the borders need to be seen from a nuanced understanding of this social reality rather than as a security paradigm where nation states want surveillance and control only

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