By Zia Darakshan
Our vacation spot was the Land of Cockaigne, Wantrag, as my crew and I launched into a spinoff journey to the guts of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district—a cosmic enigma veiled above Mattan, the place historical mystique entwines with fashionable intrigue.
Nestled atop the peaks, Wantrag, a hidden gem a few 15 km drive from the bustling important city of Islamabad (Anantnag), emerges as a breath of contemporary air from the every day grind. It guarantees a journey of steep gradients winding up, mirroring the curves of a snake. Regardless of Wantrag sitting atop a mountain, the journey surprises with its smoothness, facilitated by pristine roads. I have to categorical that the street to it proves wonderful, and it didn’t take us very lengthy to get there.
The small village of Wantrag, adorned with well-furnished homes in a hilltop setting, defies the standard picture of a village. Concrete roads, a well-established drainage system, and the presence of electrical energy and dish TVs in lots of its well-furnished homes paint an image of modernity. Inhabited largely by a small Pashtun neighborhood that migrated from Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wantrag stands as a proof to their malleability and adaptableness.
Wantrag surpasses many neighbourhoods in Srinagar Metropolis, flaunting correct drainage and a very good street infrastructure.
Should you occur to go via Mattan, the Martand Temple, located on one aspect of the street, is a landmark in your strategy to Wantrag.
Upon reaching Wantrag, Tauseef,a younger man embodying the distinctive look generally related to Pashtun youth, warmly welcomed us. Tauseef, a historical past fanatic with a grasp’s diploma from IGNOU, is presently working alongside his father, within the orchid enterprise. For a lot of Pashtun tribes on this locale, horticulture serves as their major occupation.
Gull Mohd Khan, Tauseef’s father and a retired storekeeper from the Meals and Civil provides division of Jammu and Kashmir, courteously led us to the well-lit drawing room. The room, superbly furnished with fashionable equipment, was impeccably clear and well-maintained, embellished in a way akin to any Kashmiri household’s home. Tauseef, exemplifying courteous and good-manners, accompanied us all through our go to.
We obtained a heat welcome from Tauseef’s mom, who assisted us by offering heat blankets. Their immeasurable hospitality allowed us to savour scrumptious gravy rooster with tandoor rotis. The rooster was cooked in a particular Kashmiri type, and I have to say, I’ve by no means savoured tandoor bread like that ever in my lifetime. Surprisingly, we noticed that folks in Wantrag keep tandoors at residence, the place their girls put together rotis throughout Ramadan to serve within the native mosques.
Whereas we have been savouring our meal, Bashir Ahmed Khan, a retired college trainer and a Pashto activist, entered the room accompanied by Ghulam Mohd Khan, a retired supervisor from the R&B division.
They warmly prolonged greetings to us, and the dialog delved into the historical past and integration of the Pashtun tribe within the area.
“I’ve all the time discovered the story of this tribe to be very tragic,” Bashir Ahmed Khan started, recalling how this tribe assimilated with the native tradition, envisioning Kashmir as their residence for future generations.
This tribe traces its origins to Afghanistan and Pakistan, migrating lengthy earlier than the nation attained its independence. There was a time when our forefathers would go to Kashmir to evaluate the land earlier than deciding to settle right here completely. So far as their residing situations have been involved, they landed in a a lot better place, which was serene and peaceable in comparison with their earlier location. For almost all of the Pashtun tribe, often known as the Pashtoo, it was exactly because of this they selected to settle alongside the valley’s belts in vital numbers, primarily concentrating in Gutlibagh (Ganderbal). Kashmiri Pashtuns predominantly reside within the districts of Ganderbal, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kishtiwar, comprising a inhabitants of 40,000 people.
“There has by no means been any consideration on the ailing portion of this neighborhood,” stated Khan, persevering with, he remarked, “these have been the circumstances” and the general comparisons that made them consider they might construct a greater life right here. Someway, the folks of Wantrag exerted their finest efforts and managed to accumulate the Shamilati land. This apply of buying land endured till Sheikh Abdullah’s arrest in 1953, after which Bakshi Ghulam Mohd turned the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in the identical 12 months.
As a response to the dire situations confronted by this tribe, Bakshi granted them everlasting residence standing in 1953. Throughout Jawaharlal Nehru’s period, shortly after the assembly with Bakshi, the federal government swiftly handed an ordinance, awarding the tribe Everlasting Resident Certificates (PRC).
The neighborhood, consisting of the Shah, Syed, and Pathan clans, obtained a everlasting residence certificates, formally categorising them as farmers or agriculturalists. Remarkably, till 1976, the neighborhood had a acknowledged Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), originating from the Gultibagh space, the place the tribe had its highest concentrations, accompanied by elevated instructional requirements, proudly boasting away.
In 1957, the federal government’s Social Welfare Division initiated incentives for numerous tribes, together with the Pashtuns. Sadly, owing to instructional limitations, this tribe couldn’t absolutely exploit these benefits. This tribe continued to interact in numerous occupations resembling cattle herding, laboring, and farming, amongst others, to enhance their lifestyle. Equally, in 1970, the Pashtun tribe was categorized as a social caste, entitling them to a 12% reservation. Nevertheless, as a result of decrease schooling ranges, many have been unable to grasp or reap the benefits of this provision.
Bashir then shared a light-hearted anecdote, recounting an incident from Gutlibagh. He humorously recalled that some locals obtained scholarship cash from their lecturers in Nunar, Ganderbal. Nevertheless, in that period when schooling was minimal, the recipients discovered themselves perplexed, unable to grasp the importance or objective behind the sudden monetary help. It was a time when the idea of schooling was unfamiliar, and other people grappled with a lack of know-how about its significance.
Notably, an ethnic survey in 1986 erroneously included Pashtuns as a part of the Gujjar Bakerwala neighborhood, fostering a false impression amongst Kashmiris. The Pashtuns have been inaccurately perceived as Gujjars, and the time period “Khan ” erroneously turned synonymous with the Gujjar neighborhood.
Quite a few Pashtuns reside in Gutlibagh, Cheera, Baramulla, and different locales, and it’s essential to dispel the misperception that they’re synonymous with the Gujjar Bakerwalas. Every particular person on this neighborhood is rightly labeled below the Khan class. A Pashtun is characterised by qualities resembling god-fearing nature, honesty, and unshakable loyalty to the federal government. Their constant demonstration of fine conduct has fostered a reciprocal loyalty from the federal government. Importantly, the Pashtun neighborhood has steadfastly avoided partaking in delinquent actions, ensuing within the enduring security and tranquillity of their areas.
Regardless of dealing with quite a few challenges of their journey, the Pashtun neighborhood discovered a comparatively simpler path right here in comparison with the hardships they encountered earlier than. Whereas financial constraints have been a actuality, their lifestyle has by no means veered in the direction of delinquent tendencies. Consequently, these resilient people lead contented lives, holding a deep-seated perception in loyalty to the supply of their sustenance, understanding that loyalty begets the availability of important requirements.
In Kellar, Pulwama, a handful of Pashtun households coexist with the predominant Gujjar inhabitants. Sadly, the scenario for the Pashtuns on this space is disheartening; they face adversity, residing in modest dwellings often known as Kothas. In the meantime, in Machil, the place 300 Pashtun households reside, the challenges are much more pronounced. Just one particular person has achieved a matriculation qualification prior to now 5 – 6 years, accentuating the tutorial hardships confronted by the neighborhood.
Whereas the Pashtun situation is relatively higher than some tribes in Gultibagh and Wantrag, the general circumstances stay difficult. The neighborhood has tirelessly strived to determine themselves on this area. But, past their particular enclaves, the overall situations for the tribe are removed from preferrred.
Within the aftermath of the nation’s independence in 1947, the Pashtun tribe gained illustration on Radio Kashmir. The inauguration of Radio Kashmir in 1948 marked a big milestone as this tribe was accorded its personal devoted section. These particular applications, orchestrated by people from the Gultibagh tribe, featured a various vary, together with information highlights, recitations of the Quran Sharif, and culturally enriching content material. This broadcast not solely elevated the tribe’s status but in addition showcased its wealthy cultural heritage.
Nevertheless, owing to an absence of curiosity and logistical challenges resembling insufficient transportation, stay applications confronted a decline in participation. Subsequently, this system was relocated to Delhi and rebranded as ‘Pashtun Sagar’. Realizing the significance of preserving their tradition and language, the Pashtun neighborhood took proactive measures, reaching out to Delhi and efficiently reinstating this system in Kashmir.
The importance of this cultural program was acknowledged in Delhi, the place officers acknowledged the potential embedded within the distinctive language and tradition of the Pashtun neighborhood. Regardless of the neighborhood’s financial challenges, the language was deemed culturally wealthy, prompting decision-makers to heed their pleas and shift this system again to its roots in Kashmir.
Regardless of securing permission from the Director-Basic, bureaucratic obstacles emerged. The then-director, Bajjad, and others, together with Gujjar, expressed reservations, putting this system within the remarks part. Their concern centered round potential calls for from different communities if the Pashtun tribe have been granted this program. However, the Pashtun neighborhood endured of their efforts to retain and showcase their cultural illustration.
The problem at hand is the shortage of distinction between the Pahadi and Gujjar communities even by the central authorities. Our neighborhood, rooted within the Pathan neighborhood clan, is being erroneously amalgamated with the Pahadi subcaste Gujjars.
Regardless of being predominantly a part of the Pahari neighborhood, no matter linguistic variations resembling Pahari, Henko, Karnai, and so on., a good portion of our neighborhood is being mistakenly categorized as Gujjars for Scheduled Tribe (ST) functions. It is a misrepresentation, as our neighborhood predominantly identifies with the Pathan neighborhood. Some people have adopted sir names like Khan Pathan, whereas others have appended Gujjar-khan, resulting in an amalgamation with the Gujjar neighborhood.
The consequence of this misclassification is obvious in circumstances like Dadu Marhama, the place neighborhood members with the ST classification are reaping rewards. This has sparked discontent among the many Gujjars, who contested this apply. Nevertheless, these with ST certificates have been capable of substantiate their claims via historic data, resembling patwari data, which recognized Shakula Gujjar as their ancestor. This authorized victory has enabled people who’re genuinely Pathans to entry advantages when it comes to employment and schooling.
This example has created an id disaster inside the neighborhood. The confusion persists relating to who’s a Gujjar, who’s a Pahadi, and who’s a Pathan. The disparities in entry to ST advantages additional underscore the complexity of this id disaster, with some members of the identical neighborhood having fun with benefits whereas others, residing in the identical neighborhood, are denied such advantages because of the absence of ST classification. Resolving this id disaster is crucial for equitable alternatives and recognition for all members of our various neighborhood.
Within the 1986 census for Jammu and Kashmir, the reported Gujjar inhabitants is 30 lakh, encompassing numerous communities, together with Pathans and Paharis. Regardless of the assimilation of Pathans inside the Pahari neighborhood, a good portion of the Pahari inhabitants nonetheless identifies as Pathan, no matter the language they communicate. This recognition highlights the simple presence of Pathans inside the Pahari neighborhood.
At the moment, a big improvement is underway, suggesting a possible decision to this challenge by December 2022. The federal government is predicted to challenge an order by the 12 months’s finish, which may result in the inclusion of our tribe within the Scheduled Tribes (ST) class. This recognition as ethnic Pahadi tribals holds appreciable significance, establishing our neighborhood as a significant part. The approaching decision provides hope for a constructive final result.
Furthermore, Jammu and Kashmir now host tens of 1000’s of Pashtuns. Whereas the precise quantity may not attain into the lakhs, the presence of Pashtuns within the 1000’s is obvious from the gatherings of jirgas. Gultibagh, with a inhabitants of roughly 10-12 thousand folks, and Wantrag, with round 5-6 thousand folks, function notable facilities reflecting the various ethnic composition inside the area. This evolving demographic panorama emphasizes the necessity for correct recognition and illustration, which the anticipated authorities order might tackle.
It’s important to spotlight that, past an official survey carried out by the Division of Social Welfare, our neighborhood took proactive steps in initiating a complete survey. Our impartial efforts revealed a considerable inhabitants of 32,000 people, spanning numerous villages resembling Kishtawar, Lolab, Kupwara, and Doda. Our advocacy for this trigger centered round securing a definite class, particularly within the occasion that the Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation was probably eliminated. In pursuit of this goal, we have been requested to furnish data from the 1986 census. In response, armed with a letter from the social welfare secretary, we journeyed to Delhi to fulfill with the overall registrar. This proactive method aimed to strengthen our case and underscore the neighborhood’s dedication to searching for correct recognition and illustration.
Regrettably, our efforts to acquire information confronted a setback as we, being an NGO, lacked entry to authorities data. The ensuing report categorized us as Gujjars. This unresolved standing endured till the graduation of the Pahari motion, prompting us to align our trigger with this broader initiative. Subsequently, each the state authorities fee and the nationwide fee on the heart have submitted favorable stories on our behalf. Their complete findings affirm that our neighborhood shares similarities with the Gujjar Bakerwal tribe, warranting the identical rights and standing. The popularity of our neighborhood as tribal is a pivotal side of this deliberation. The federal government has assured that the tribal standing shall be formally granted, pending some procedural formalities. Anticipating a swift decision, we sit up for the conclusion of this promise, notably as each the state authorities fee and the nationwide fee have advocated for our trigger. Their stories underscore the unmistakable parallels between our tribe and the Gujjar Bakerwal neighborhood, reinforcing the legitimacy of our quest for rightful recognition and standing.
The federal government’s dedication to confer tribal standing upon our neighborhood is a promising improvement pending a couple of procedural formalities. Sadly, regardless of being granted Scheduled Caste (SC) standing in 1970, our neighborhood was unjustly disadvantaged of this recognition throughout the formulation of the Mandal Fee. Presently, we discover ourselves with none official standing. In response to a Supreme Court docket judgment that excluded our neighborhood, I explored authorized avenues throughout the time of Manmohan Singh. Nevertheless, the prospect of difficult the judgment proved financially daunting, requiring a sum of 80,000. At the moment, I confronted the problem of being alone and financially constrained, whereas the neighborhood, as a complete, was much less united and fewer conscious of their rights. Regardless of these obstacles, I’ve tirelessly labored to foster unity and lift consciousness, notably among the many youthful technology,” Bashir expressed with pleasure.
Within the 2011 ethnic census, it was decided that the Pashtoon household is categorized inside the Pahari neighborhood. Our ethnic teams embody Khan, Pakhtun, and Pathans. Traditionally, our ancestors have been primarily engaged in labor to maintain their livelihoods, with minimal emphasis on schooling. This neighborhood has confronted vital challenges all through its historical past. Presently, our focus is on making certain a brighter future for our youngsters via an emphasis on schooling.
The numerous milestone of turning into residents of Jammu and Kashmir in 1953, as per the ordinance, marked a pivotal second. Mir Ala Naqasbandhi, MLC, performed a vital function throughout that interval. In my capability, I attempt to contribute to our trigger by presenting documented proof of our historic backwardness.
Regardless of our efforts, the shortage of political illustration, recognition in cultural academies, and absence of applications on Radio Kashmir pose substantial challenges. This dearth in acknowledgment makes it troublesome for our language and tradition to thrive. The neighborhood has endured derogatory labels, being known as Gujjars, resulting in emotions of insult and humiliation. On this state of uncertainty and helplessness, I discover myself adopting each the phrases Gujjar and Pathan to navigate the complexities of our id.
At the moment, Gujjars are actively protesting towards the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) standing to our neighborhood. Sadly, our lack of assets and data of our rights hindered our capacity to problem their opposition successfully. Whereas the Gujjars mobilized and took to the streets, our neighborhood, dealing with instructional limitations, struggled to advocate for its rights. Presently, lots of our neighborhood members prioritize sending their youngsters to high school for schooling. In contrast to the Gujjars, now we have not loved reservations in jobs or schooling, and the federal government response has been lower than definitive.
With a brand new authorities in energy, claiming “sab ka saath sab ka vikas” (inclusive improvement for all), the query arises whether or not this promise shall be fulfilled. The assertion by Farooq Khan that members of a tribe ought to communicate Pahari confronted opposition from me. Whereas we might not establish as Paharis, our tribal standing shouldn’t dictate our language. The mission to safe our rights is ongoing, and our dedication stays steadfast. Regardless of our loyalty, we regularly really feel handled like outsiders, akin to mud particles in a rice sack. Regardless of our disintegrated standing, we keep a powerful dedication to honesty, shunning any compromise of our ideas. Residing with dignity, we maintain a profound love for our faith and cling to the precept of self-sufficiency, refusing to beg even in instances of hardship – a testomony to our Pathan id. Our tribal roots prolong into Pakistan and Afghanistan, and our slogan “Jahan RaheinGai Unkey Geet Gayengai” displays our enduring loyalty. Acknowledging the worth of affection and respect, we’re able to undertake any activity, irrespective of how unconventional. The debt of gratitude we owe to Bakshi for his help to our neighborhood is immeasurable.
In our neighborhood, Pashto stands as our major language, distinct from Pahari. Nevertheless, we discover ourselves incorrectly labeled as Gujjars, with an exclusion from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) class. Our plea is simple: both reevaluate our classification or embody our neighborhood within the ST record. Equity dictates uniform remedy for all, and as a tribe with a novel id, we consider we advantage equal recognition and alternatives.
Stuffed with hope, Bashir concluded his tribe’s narrative. As I listened, I couldn’t assist however share in his optimism, fervently needing a brighter path for the tribe.
What fascinated me essentially the most was that this tribe has not but given up their roots; nonetheless, they’ve absolutely built-in into the regional norms, traditions, values, and ethics. Quite the opposite, Kashmiris, who’ve forsaken their traditions and tradition to assimilate into fashionable life, have gotten incompatible with their very own heritage.
Apparently, we as Kashmiris, battle with our complexes and insecurities to be able to maintain tempo with the ever-changing world. However these tribes, however, having been blended with the tradition of our valley with pleasure, embraced our customs and traditions with open arms. In our quest to remain updated with the trendy world by being mere imitations, we painting modernisation with out preserving our genuine origins. This blind rat race poses a risk to our future technology whereas jeopardising our id and core definition. The timeless knowledge encapsulated within the proverb, “Kawa chala hans ki chaal, apni chaal bhi bhool gaya” (The crow imitated the stroll of the swan however forgot its personal) is an eternal lesson we learnt on this memorable journey.
With a smile on our faces, we vowed to return to this enchanting place quickly. I can nonetheless bear in mind the household seeing us off till we bought onto the primary street, and the reminiscences of this journey shall be embedded in our minds for a very long time to come back.
(PS: As of the final documentation in 2022, the standing of their demand stays in limbo. Nevertheless, a latest improvement marks a possible turning level of their journey. Regardless of the introduction of the invoice associated to the Pahari neighborhood in the summertime parliament session 2023, the decision continues to be pending. The tribe, linked to the Pahari ethnic group, pins its hopes on the winter session of parliament scheduled for December 2023. The expectation is that the invoice shall be handed throughout this session, probably resolving the longstanding considerations and calls for of the tribe.)
- Views expressed within the article are the creator’s personal and don’t essentially symbolize the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
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