New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- Fighting this month between Syria's government and Kurdish-led forces left civilians on either side of the frontline fearing for their future or harboring resentment as the country's new leaders push forward with transition after years of civil war.

The fighting ended with government forces capturing most of the territory previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the country's northeast, and a fragile ceasefire is holding. SDF fighters will be absorbed into Syria's army and police, ending months of disputes.

The Arab-majority population in the areas that changed hands, Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, have celebrated the SDF's withdrawal after largely resenting its rule.

But thousands of Kurdish reside...