Farhan Lone
In the shadow of the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, the town of Uri is no stranger to hardship. Cross-border shelling, economic stagnation, and geographical isolation have long tested the resilience of its people. Yet, amid the devastation of May 2025, when over 200 homes were damaged or destroyed by renewed hostilities, a youth-led initiative, Abshar Trust, has emerged as a powerful force for hope and recovery. Founded in September 2021, this non-profit, driven by local young men and women, is redefining grassroots relief in a region often overlooked.
A Grassroots Response to Crisis
Abshar Trust was born from a collective yearning to serve. Established by a group of young volunteers from Uri Tehsil, the organization operates without corporate or government backing, relying entirely on crowdfunding through zakat, sadaqah, and donations from supporters. Its strength lies in its team: students and professionals who juggle personal challenges with their mission to uplift their community. Among them are Numaan Aftab, pursuing Social Work; Jumshaid Jeelani, an Automobile Engineering graduate; Junaid Jeelani, a Tourism student running a local computer center; Ahsan Lone, studying Hospitality Management; and Toheed Farooq, a Mass Communication student amplifying the Trust’s outreach.
When cross-border shelling ravaged Uri in May 2025, displacing hundreds and leaving families in despair, Abshar Trust sprang into action. Many team members, themselves affected by the destruction, felt the crisis personally. With government aid slow to materialize, the Trust launched an urgent relief campaign, mobilizing resources to deliver food, medicine, and temporary shelters to those in need.
Harnessing Digital Power for Good
In a digital age, Abshar Trust leveraged social media to amplify its mission. Partnering with Farhaan Lone, a respected content creator with a wide following, the Trust launched a crowdfunding campaign that resonated far beyond Uri. Transparent updates, heartfelt videos, and firsthand accounts of the crisis brought the realities of life in a conflict zone to the forefront. The campaign’s authenticity and urgency inspired donations from across Jammu & Kashmir and beyond, proving the power of community-driven storytelling.
“We wanted people to see the faces behind the numbers,” a team member shared. “Families sleeping in fields, homes reduced to rubble—these are our neighbors, our kin. Every donation restores a piece of their dignity.”
Tangible Impact, Transparent Action
In its first two phases of relief, Abshar Trust disbursed ₹2,57,000 to 34 families, addressing immediate needs like food, medical supplies, and temporary housing. Volunteers worked tirelessly, assessing damage and verifying beneficiaries to ensure aid reached the most vulnerable. “Our goal was simple: no one should sleep hungry or hopeless,” a volunteer said. Phase 3 is now underway, with plans to assist more families as funds continue to flow.
The Trust’s efforts go beyond material aid. By prioritizing transparency—every rupee is accounted for—they’ve built trust among donors and recipients alike. Their work is a testament to the power of local knowledge and collective action in addressing crises where institutional support often falls short.
Challenging Stereotypes, Inspiring Change
Abshar Trust’s story is one of defiance against the narrative of victimhood often assigned to conflict zones. These young volunteers are not merely survivors; they are agents of change, driven by empathy and resolve. Their work challenges stereotypes about Kashmir’s youth, showcasing their ability to lead and innovate under pressure. In Uri, where headlines rarely capture the full human toll, Abshar Trust is writing a new story—one of solidarity, resilience, and hope.
A Call to Sustain the Light
The road to recovery remains long. Scores of families still await aid, and rebuilding shattered lives will require sustained effort. Abshar Trust has issued a renewed call for donations, emphasizing that no contribution is too small. “It’s about intent,” a founding member said. “Together, we can ensure Uri’s people are not forgotten.”
For those inspired to help, Abshar Trust’s social media channels provide updates and avenues to contribute. In a region often defined by conflict, this youth-led initiative stands as a beacon, proving that even in the darkest hours, compassion and community can light the way forward.
(Note:Farhan Lone is a Kashmir-based journalist and content creator whose work focuses on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. With a deep connection to Uri, his reporting blends empathy with a commitment to truth, shedding light on stories of resilience in conflict zones.)
