Kashmir has yet again cloaked itself in an enigmatic veil, post 5th August 2019 ( Abrogation of Article 370 & Article 35A), with each associated faction searching for their own respective moorings & anchors. For some, it is about the closure, while for others it signifies abandonment, with no strings attached? Some might disagree & say that the land’s chained beyond redemption, and seeks answers. As usual, there are several schools of thought pre-supposing or pre-empting their claims to the past, present & future of my homeland.

I refrain from delving into the strategic/political extrapolation of these schools of thought because in a span of ten days almost everyone has something or the other to say & prove their K-Expertise. All I can say is that the spotlight on two predominant ethnic communities of valley, the Kashmiri Pandits & Kashmiri Muslims, has rendered other minorities inconsequential & voiceless. In the last 30 years, the identity politics of Sikhs of Kashmir has undergone a lot of upheavals. Their identity seeks a definite narrative befitting their placement, down the centuries.

ETHNICITY & OUR NUANCED IDENTITY

In my opinion, the only affiliation that binds people idealistically is humanity followed by ethnicity, in that order. The feeling of belonging together (sharing common symbols and a structure of discourse) is usually multidimensional and such an identity manifests as solidarity towards fellow members, with a nurtured sense of camaraderie. This connects binds Kashmiri Sikhs to Kashmir & Kashmiris, more than to Punjab. However sectarian & religious demarcations in present-day Kashmir, have driven people towards their respective confinements. In this gambit, anything beyond their horse blinkered realm seems hazy. In this self-exploratory journey amidst varied boundaries, we are predominantly recognized by our regional and religious affiliation. Sikh identity in Kashmir is tagged with several such adages, not by virtue of their lineage & heritage which goes back more than 500 years, but as a fall-out of their positioning post-1990.

A few days back I was asked by a well-meaning Kashmiri friend, and I quote “So you speak Punjabi? What’s your cuisine like?” The import of the query conveys a deep sense of confusion about our placement in Kashmir. Not blaming, but did they not try to find out in all these centuries, or did we not inform? Well, we speak a dialect called Hindko which has its origins in NWFP, and our cuisine is a confluence of Pandit, Muslim & Punjabi style of cooking.

To another, I corrected—“Yes, I am a Sikh, but not a Punjabi. There can be Marathi Sikhs as well because that’s their ethnicity”. All Sikhs are not Punjabi & all Punjabis may not be Sikhs. In the same vein, Kashmiri Sikhs are conditioned by a beautifully woven canvas comprising of hues from all existing identities/shades of Kashmir. They have been privy to the diversity of Kashmir, and they also are the only remnants of diversity in Kashmir, post the tragic Kashmiri Pandit exodus in 1990. Elements of “Herath”, mannats in Khanqahs, invoking the Rishis & Pirs, reciting the Japji Sahib, and some more; snugly enveloped the myriad beauty of diversity towards a sublime confluence of existence in Kashmir of yore.

Taking into account our lineage and subsequent metamorphosis; we have been exposed to Punjabi and Kashmiri “tehzeeb” (cultural sensibilities). This confluence eventually got ingrained as a peculiar synthesis of cultures, into our psyche. The verse of Shiv Batalwi, Amrita Pritam, Waris Shah, and associated Punjabi folklore, on one hand, has been merged into the syncretism & spiritualism of Lal Ded, HabbaKhatoon, Rasul Mir, Mahjoor, Nund Rishi and the likes. Makhdoom Saab and ChararSharief were revered at par with Zeshta Devi, Kheer Bhawani, and Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi. We may speak Kashmiri fluently and at the same time would take pride in Gurmukhi & Punjabi folk. All this and more, attuned us to the essence of Kashmir and that of Sikhism which has deep-rooted significance in the history of Kashmir.

STATISTICS OF LINEAGE & PLACEMENT

The Sikh community in Kashmir defines itself as a distinct ethnic identity with visible distinction on the basis of religion, language and scripture of its own. There are more than approx. 3 lakh Sikhs spread across the length & breadth of J & K including Kashmir, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi & Jammu. In Kashmir, we form a very minuscule (2% approx.) yet visible minority and its members are spread over various parts of the Valley. There are varied opinions/confusion about their placement in Kashmir post 90s; most bordering between extremes, wherein Sikh placement in Kashmir is ascribed either to a pro-separatist or to nationalist leanings. The matter of the fact actually remains contentious, basis the “no-where people” scenario of Sikhs in Kashmir. Sweeping statements have been made ascertaining their status basis respective sense of entitlement and scorecard keeping by the prominent stakeholders of Kashmir. Kashmiri Sikhs also need to understand their bigger picture scenario, bereft of linkages and as a stand-alone entity. Selflessness at the cost of annihilation isn’t that good an option. Greater good lies in holistic understanding and collective stock-taking.

This has to be understood in light of their background, lineage and current circumstances. Sikhs from Kashmir have ancestry in Kashmir, dating back to the 18th Century. They arrived in Kashmir from areas around NWFP/ Hazara of Pakistan, during the Afghan rule, as part of their army. There is no clear narrative of their presence in Kashmir and there are various accounts to support different versions with respect to this. Primary version refers to their advent into Kashmir with the lieutenants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh but authenticated versions also state that Sikhs are local natives. They were native Punjabi Brahmins who embraced Sikhism during the visit of Guru Nanak (the first Sikh Guru) to the Valley. According to Max Arthur Macauliffe, Guru Nanak made many converts in Kashmir and thereafter went into the Himalayas. G.T. Vigne who visited Kashmir in 1835 states that the Sikhs with honed martial skills came to Kashmir from Hazara province of Pakistan, in the service of Raja Sukhjewan, a Hindu of Shikarpur who was sent as governor of Kashmir by Timur Shah of Kabul about A D 1775. There are others who opine that there were Sikhs in Kashmir during the time of Guru Hargobind(the sixth Sikh Guru) and that Sikhs existed in Kashmir as far back as the time of Jahangir. There are various Gurdwaras spread across the length and breadth of the state which support these theories with purported facts, on the basis of religion, language, and scripture of its own.

During the Sikh rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Kashmir, they remained in the army and some Kshatriya Hindus converted to Sikhism. So did some Kashmiri Pandits. Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his life against their persecution by Aurangzeb in Kashmir. As per sources, Kirpa Ram, a Kashmiri Pandit embraced Sikhism & died fighting in the Battle of Chamkaur. With Dogras taking over (Treaty of Amritsar) they were rendered jobless and thrown into the barren and rough terrain of the valley.

With their steadfastness and hard work, they rose to become agriculturists in villages; service class in cities; some in the army. In Sheikh Abdullah’s original party, it was Budh Singh Tyagi, a Kashmiri Sikh leader who got the name changed from Muslim conference to National Conference. Since centuries now, they have been living in Kashmir and churned out a unique culture; assimilated from the ethos of Muslims, Pandits, and Punjabis. Culturally they are bonded to Kashmir, and by virtue of religion, to Punjab. However, the former affiliation takes precedence over the latter. Despite their presence and pluralistic ethos, they never were given representation in any considerable administrative or governance positions, barring a selected few. Many, including my close family, lost vast tracts of land & chakks without compensation, in the “Land to tiller” reforms of Sheikh AbdullahHowever, they remained non-complaining.

MILITANCY IN KASHMIR & KASHMIRI SIKH IDENTITY

With the advent of militancy, they chose to stay back in Kashmir due to multiple reasons, ranging from helplessness, no-where to go, no freebies/assistance/aid, no avenues of earning outside Kashmir and rooted to the homeland. This was labeled as a pro-separatist stance of Sikhs in Kashmir, or as being pro Khalistani, in wake of Punjab turmoil and Operation Bluestar. On the ground, all this was a humbug perspective created to suit agencies and stakeholders. How could they have escaped this rhetoric after all, and who was there to give them refuge outside Kashmir. SGPC & Punjab was also non-committal & just about lip service, to no avail. Till date, no aid has been accorded to Kashmiri Sikhs by DSGPC or SGPC. Why is Manjinder Singh Sirsa/ Manjit Singh Khalsa or SGPC not pleading our case for the betterment of our future generations? Why was Kashmir leadership & Hurriyat always silent on practical aid to us? Why just the lip service again. High time Kashmiri Sikhs deconstructed the nuances of their identity politics, and demanded their rights in due deliverance

On top of that, in wake of severe antagonism between two predominant factions, our placement was used to score points over Pandits, or as a tool to tag Sikhs as co-militants, having a soft corner for separatists. Perhaps the tragedy that befell all of us turned us into hostile warring factions. Truth be told, we are still cut from the same cloth & can’t do without one another. That said, Sikh identity politics in Kashmir has been hijacked or decided by others, without asking them. Till date, not a single Kashmiri youth has been associated either with Islamic Jihad or with the Khalistani movement. This should not serve as a justification but as a nuanced observation for all to discern. This is not about vilifying, but about a factual analysis & evaluation. It has been hurtful & a tight rope when our antecedents of loyalty have been questioned or have been glorified as an example of loyalty under duress. Camouflaging the essence of our existence in various hues by our brethren has at times been as per their choice & suitability, without our consent or dissent. In the absence of any contrarian voice/opinion from our quarter, this has been overwhelming as well as disappointing at times.

Sikhs have also undergone immense loss and transition in all respects, post-Chithisinghpora massacre when 36 Sikhs were murdered and till date, no one has been convicted. They have equally borne the brunt of conflict in all respects; be it the loss of life, property or honor. Sikhs in Kashmir have silently gone through perils, since the Qabayli raid of 1947 in Kashmir, when most casualties were those of Sikhs. They are damned if they speak & damned if they don’t. They are owned up or discarded basis scenarios & scorecards, and yet are appropriated or shamed at times, basis the respective affiliations of Kashmiris at large. Their middle path neutrality out of love for both Kashmiri Muslims & Kashmiri Pandits is doubted at times and not harnessed either. They are pressurized to be polarized in keeping with times. Despite this everyone is in blissful oblivion of Sikhs in Kashmir

Under such uncertain & compelling circumstances, the Sikhs in Kashmir feel deprived, and the day is not far when the last microscopic minority shall have to think to leave Kashmir and migrate to other parts of the country for sustenance. This won’t augur well for anyone, am sure. India has never acknowledged that a micro minority exists in the valley which kept the diversity of Kashmir intact. Rather than casting aspersions, they need to be thanked for the same. It has not been a cakewalk for anyone since Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated Kashmir as a part of the Sikh kingdom. Otherwise, we had lost it to Afghans. Sikhs carry further that legacy of holding together & being secular in the right spirit.

It behooves the majority communities & GOI to know that Sikhs have borne the brunt in several ways as a minority, primarily in terms of cultural annihilation, poor representation in governance or jobs, no guarantee of safety in the long run, sandwiched between majoritarian voices, no voice as a neutral stakeholder, threat to life in wake of any uprising, pawns in the bigger gambit, who are either praised, victimized or rebuked, basis scorecards of respective lobbies. Bereft of diversity in Kashmir; are they in the league of Afghan Sikhs who are on the brink of extinction?

Over the years, Sikhs continue to carry on with whatever little they hold on to in Kashmir, as a matter of economic sustenance. This scenario doesn’t seem to be encouraging for future generations, in the wake of shrinking spaces for Kashmiris in general and Sikhs in particular. The migration of Sikhs due to varied reasons of continuous strife & economics of survival has been on for long. No minority quota, no cabinet representation, no jobs, no attention, and no one cared to know or document our loss or our concerns—No vote bank here.

In wake of current developments, the ruling dispensation needs to dispense justice to Pandits, ensure their safe homecoming, assuage the fears of Muslims, reinstill their faith & integrate them in the right spirit, and simultaneously not turn a blind eye to the existence of Sikhs in Kashmir.

There’s much more to our camaraderie rather than playing into the hands of divisionary forces, which also can’t be denied, even for Sikhs. Those handling Kashmir & Kashmiris themselves need to know that Sikhism is supposed to be a confluence between Hindus & Muslims. Its genesis can’t do it any other way. We all need to hold the ropes & fasten the anchors, lest we go astray forever.

KASHMIRI SIKHS AS CONFIDENCE BUILDING TOOLSTOWARDS CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEACEBUILDING

In retrospect, all communities have their respective woes, which if synthesized, may yield a totality of the scenario. Such cohesion, may mould the enormity of the past baggage of tragedy into comprehensible components, letting open the floodgates of pent up emotions and leads to catharsis, healing & a sane understanding of perspectives without defense mechanisms/ blame games. The collective actualization of a society rules roost in such a scenario, where there’s no place for individual entities spewing venom, feeling vulnerable, mind games, one upmanship, keeping scorecards or Schadenfreude

Kashmiri Sikhs are an inseparable part of the greater Kashmiri fabric, wherein their cultural affiliation has sculpted them irrespective of religious background. However disillusioned we maybe with our sense of alienation or the indifference to our sensibilities, we track back our path to Kashmir. The point is that we haven’t suffered any less, in the turbulence; though there hasn’t been any documentation of the tangible & intangible loss. Our core philosophy believes in the adage of survival & resurfacing against odds. By doing so we don’t do anyone a favor because it’s equally about our roots and our collective tragedy.

The scenario where Kashmir is increasingly becoming a tragic story on both sides of the religious divide and conflict since the last nearly 30 years; the polarization along the religious divide is all the more disturbing. This makes Kashmiri Pandits the defacto agents of India and Muslims, the same for Pakistan. The deep gorge of a divide has divested Kashmiris of human values and sentiments, whereas jingoism rules roost.

However I believe that in the true spirit of Khalsa, Guru Nanak & martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur; Kashmiri Sikhs in particular & Sikhs, in general, could be the bridge between communities, given the goodwill they have created over the years. They too need to go by the ethos of their ideology without unnecessary tilts towards any specific community. By advocating the philosophy of mutual love and brotherhood, secularism & fighting against injustice, Sikh ideology can help to unmask the real human psyche & to lead towards reconciliation. Pandits & Kashmiri Muslims are our inseparable twins; none of us is complete without the other.

There are numerous examples of truth and reconciliation committees, all over the world which have overcome the damage of geopolitical and social tragedies and united humans once again. We, the Kashmiri Sikhs, believe in the invincibility of the Kashmiri spirit & greater faith in the humane aspect of all of us. We strive to be that confidence-building tool (CBT) which enables the phoenix to rise again, as a collective Kashmiri entity balanced with the syncretism and ethos of LalaDed, Noor-ud-Din Rishi, Advaita Shaivism,and the essence of spiritual discourse of WaliQandhari with Guru Nanak in Kashmir. As they say, when winter is here, can spring be far behind…..

In the words of Lal Ded

“Zuv chum brahmaan ghare gat’s haa”

My whole being pines to go back home…..ALL OF US, IN LETTER & SPIRIT

Post Script: Not many, especially mainstream media, is interested in publishing our non TRP saga. Hence the pondering pause!