Roshni Kapur

Roshni Kapur is a Programme Manager at the Rule of Law Asia Programme, Konrad-Adenaeur-Stiftung and PhD student at the University of Ghent. She specialises in political violence, caste, social change, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, nationalism, violent extremism and transitional justice in South Asia. She is an editor of the book 'Sustainable Energy Transition in South Asia'.

1st September 2023

Western Governments’ Response to Diasporic Separatists: Weighed and Found Wanting

Recent public mobilisations in certain Western countries of separatists demanding that a homeland for Sikhs be created in Punjab (or Khalistan) are raising concerns about the threats that these groups pose to India’s security. Tamil Eelam nationalists are also continuing to mobilise themselves in activities hostile to Sri Lanka that openly display militant iconography and messages.

orfonline.org • 9th June 2023

Ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka: Another missed opportunity

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe initiated an all-party meeting on 13 December 2022 to resolve the longstanding ethnic issue. The President made an ambitious promise to achieve meaningful reconciliation by 4 February 2023—Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The meeting concluded with Wickremesinghe proposing a two-track approach for greater devolution of powers and resolution of longstanding issues.

orfonline.org • 16th August 2022

Tatmadaw’s outreach to armed organisations: Extending an olive branch?

The Tatmadaw’s outreach to Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar for peace talks has drawn much domestic and international attention. The rare conciliatory tone towards rebel groups could be driven by growing international pressure to focus reconciliation efforts as constant fighting with these groups has resulted in heavy losses.

orfonline.org • 17th June 2022

New anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan: Genesis of a low-intensity conflict?

Although it has been 10 months since the Taliban’s return to power, many Afghans still do not accept the group’s legitimacy. Taliban 2.0 has proven to be not much different from its previous avatar in terms of harbouring an ultra-conservative ideology, policies, and practices. The Taliban is implementing policies to further consolidate their power, even though they undermine good governance and rule of law.

orfonline.org • 29th April 2022

The Sri Lankan crisis: Domestic and regional implications

Sri Lanka is once again at the forefront of breaking news. The country is experiencing its worst economic crisis with basic commodities in severe shortages, 13-hour power cuts, and people queuing for hours to secure essential supplies. Many shops have stopped operations due to electricity shortages. It has become difficult for Sri Lankans to earn money or even get to work.