Bhat Yasir
In the center of Kashmir echoes a infamous phrase handed down via generations: “If you find a snake and a Gujjar/Bakerwal man in the forest, let the snake be, kill the Bakerwal man, the snake is not as dangerous.”
Having spent a number of years in Srinagar, I personally haven’t confronted such taunts or been labeled with this derogatory identify. However, the truth stays that villagers in Srinagar are constantly marginalized, a phenomenon not distinctive to Kashmir however a world prevalence the place one class deems itself superior, casting derogatory views upon these thought-about inferior.
The Gujjars, constituting a tribal group in Jammu Kashmir, additionally inhabit the excessive altitudes of Himachal. Their life-style is marked by simplicity, but they usually discover themselves economically deprived in comparison with Kashmiri linguistic group or Dogras. Srinagarites generally stereotype anybody from the villages dwelling within the metropolis as a Gujjar, fueled by variations in speech patterns or behavioral traits incongruent with Srinagar’s folks.
In 2017, an incident at Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar drew nationwide consideration, highlighting deep-seated discrimination. Suraiya, from the distant Moore village of Kupwara, confronted medical neglect as docs refused instant remedy, citing biased causes like, “Amis Chu Fakh yiwan, yim chi Gujjir” (They odor foul, they’re Gujjar). Despite intervention from one other physician, Suraiya was denied an in a single day keep and tragically gave beginning on the street, with the new child not surviving.
This incident triggered outrage throughout Kashmir, prompting former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti to hunt motion.
The pervasive utilization of slurs and attribution of “bad qualities” to the Gujjar neighborhood in Kashmir speaks volumes in regards to the rampant discrimination inside Kashmiri society, with phrases like Gujir Nasal (race), Gujir Khaslat (traits), and Gujir Fakh (Smell) incessantly employed.
Historical Perspectives
The Gujjars, constituting a big tribal group in Jammu and Kashmir, hint their roots to the excessive altitudes of Himachal. Despite the breathtaking fantastic thing about the area, their life-style is characterised by simplicity, with financial disparities marking their existence in comparison with mainstream Kashmiris or Dogras. Srinagarites generally stereotype anybody from the villages dwelling within the metropolis as a Gujjar, primarily based on perceived variations in speech patterns or behavioral traits incongruent with the folks of Srinagar.
The Gujjar & Bakarwal neighborhood in Jammu Kashmir, numbering practically 2 million, is at the moment embroiled in protests and social media campaigns.
Their rivalry arises from the calls for of the self-proclaimed “Pahari” neighborhood to be acknowledged as Scheduled Tribe members within the union territory. Gujjars and Bakarwals, alongside smaller tribal communities just like the Shina tribals of Gurez and the Gaddis of Jammu, argue that the “Pahari” neighborhood is just not a tribe however merely a linguistic group, making it ineligible for Scheduled Tribe standing.
The time period “Gujjar” is incessantly used pejoratively in on a regular basis conversations, akin to an insult or abuse. It turns into a instrument to criticize conduct, speech, and even private disliking. During the Amarnath agitation of 2008, slogans concentrating on Gujjars have been prevalent, reflecting a way of superiority and dismissal in direction of these main a distinct life-style away from the facilities of energy.
Stereotypes towards the Gujjar Bakarwal neighborhood exist not solely inside but in addition outdoors Kashmir. The Gujjar Bakarwal neighborhood, to some extent, falls underneath the class of the “outside” on account of linguistic and geographical distinctions. This intensifies the hole between them and Kashmiri linguistic group.
Efforts are important in any respect ranges, commencing with schooling to instill a spirit of inclusivity. Institutional measures ought to comply with to advertise attitudes that don’t demean communities. Renaming necessary milestones after outstanding figures from the Gujjar Bakarwal neighborhood may contribute to elevating their picture.
Amidst inner conflicts in Jammu Kashmir, the conflict between the Gujjar tribe and the Pahari-speaking folks presents a big problem. Rooted in historic variations, the battle has intensified with the inclusion of Gujjars within the Scheduled Tribes checklist.
Political events exacerbate the divide for vote financial institution positive factors, resulting in tensions and disputes in numerous points of life, from elections to authorities tasks.
Addressing these divides requires an accurate understanding of the communities concerned, the stakes at hand, and efforts to appropriate the present state of affairs.
The escalation of this divide may turn out to be unmanageable, posing a problem in a area already grappling with excessive ranges of armed battle.
Recent controversy
In recent occasions, a social media controversy has erupted, shedding mild on the regarding development of on-line abuse focused on the Gujjar neighborhood in Kashmir. Unfortunately, this incident is just not an remoted case, as a surge in such occurrences displays the diminishing values of tolerance and inclusivity in on-line areas.
The escalating crime and intolerance on-line have prompted the Gujjar neighborhood to take a stand towards the persistent abuse they endure on social media platforms. “Many people are labeling mainstream politicians as ‘Gujjars,’ and we have screenshots. I’m a student and don’t want to harm anyone’s career. It’s important for us to unlearn these biases. For the past few days, there’s a gang of a few people who post these unacceptable things on social media,” Muzzafar Choudhary stated.
The “unbearable” assaults and the gravity of the state of affairs is encapsulated in a Police criticism, outlined as follows:
In a distressing flip of occasions, members of the Gujjar Bakerwal Community have filed a proper criticism towards a collection of offensive posts and feedback on the social media platform X (Twitter). The abusive content material not solely overtly referred to as for violence towards the whole neighborhood but in addition propagated damaging stereotypes and false accusations.
The criticism outlines a number of alarming cases of discrimination confronted by the Gujjar neighborhood in each on-line and offline areas. The customers on social media, hiding behind the veil of anonymity, branded the whole neighborhood as “Gujjar Mukhbirs,” accusing their ladies of inappropriate relationships with safety forces. Such baseless allegations contribute to the unwarranted criminalization and shaming of a whole neighborhood.
One specific consumer, recognized as Mr. Corez, also referred to as Zakir Hussain, exemplified the deep-rooted prejudices by perpetuating a decades-old stereotype. His publish recommended that if one have been to come across a Gujjar and a snake collectively, the Gujjar ought to be killed first. These derogatory remarks expose a troubling mindset prevalent in public opinion, particularly within the Kashmir area, towards marginalized tribal communities.
Expressing the gravity of the state of affairs, the Gujjar neighborhood emphasizes that they’ve been enduring slurs, stereotypes, and abuses for years, each on-line and offline. Now, with an rising frequency of such incidents, they’ve determined to take a stand and search authorized recourse.
The plea implores authorities to take strict motion towards these chargeable for the slurs and abuses. Additionally, it requires using platforms like social media to sensitize most people, urging them to not have interaction in derogatory language or reinforce unacceptable stereotypes towards the Gujjar neighborhood.
The criticism is rooted within the modification of the SC, ST Atrocities Act, 1989, significantly Section 18 (A), which expedites the method of registering an FIR with out the necessity for a preliminary inquiry. Furthermore, it highlights that no approval is required for the arrest of the accused, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the matter promptly.
The Gujjar neighborhood earnestly requests that an FIR be registered towards the accused Twitter customers, recognized via cyber police underneath Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and different related legal guidelines. The
plea seeks justice for the intentional insult, intimidation, and humiliation inflicted upon the Scheduled Tribe Community, hoping that swift motion will set an instance and deter future cases of intentional abuse and humiliation towards members of the ST neighborhood throughout the nation.
Cultural Diversity within the ‘Paradise on Earth’
The area of Jammu and Kashmir, sometimes called the “paradise on earth,” “crown of the Indian union,” and “the Switzerland of Asia,” is home to various racial teams, international communities, and numerous religions. These components have considerably influenced the cultural philosophy and lifestyle of the area’s inhabitants. Under the People of India scheme, the Anthropological Survey of India has meticulously studied 100 and eleven racial communities/teams in Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite interactions, the assorted racial teams within the state have distinct areas of excessive focus. For occasion, Kashmiris predominantly reside within the valley backside, whereas Dards inhabit the Gurez valley, and Hanjis are confined to the water our bodies of Kashmir. Among these teams, Gujjars and Bakarwals emerge because the third-largest cultural neighborhood in Jammu and Kashmir. Comprising roughly 20 % of the state’s inhabitants, they’re probably the most populous scheduled tribes. While many Bakarwals and a few Gujjars lead a nomadic life-style, a good portion of Gujjars has everlasting houses, and each communities are predominantly Muslim.
The Gujjars, who are likely to cattle, primarily buffaloes, and the Bakarwals, who herd sheep, type a part of an all-India neighborhood that’s primarily Hindu. However, within the particular context of Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to the adjoining areas of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, all Gujjars and Bakarwals are Muslims. The time period “Bakarwal” is derived from the gojri/Urdu/Punjabi/dogri phrases, “Bakra” which means goat or sheep and “wal” which means one who takes care of. Essentially, “Bakarwal” implies high-altitude goatherds/shepherds. Bakarwals, belonging to the identical ethnic inventory as Gujjars, freely have interaction in intermarriages with them.
Historically, Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir are believed to have migrated from Rajasthan and neighboring areas of Gujrat and Kathiawar on account of extreme meals crises. Researchers counsel that they entered the area in two waves—immediately and after deciding on the Pathiawar plateau in Punjab. Poonch historically has been their citadel, adopted by Reasi and Jammu districts. The Bakarwals, also referred to as dhangars, share the identical ethnic inventory as Gujjars and primarily herd sheep.
Despite numerous theories about their origin, together with migration from Western India or Central Asia, the Gujjars have a wealthy previous and are thought-about both the unique inhabitants of India or migrants who arrived between the third to sixth century CE. Discrepancies amongst historians and social scientists exist concerning their origin, however they’re acknowledged as an integral cultural group in Jammu and Kashmir with a novel and vital presence.
Voices from the Community
Muzaffar Choudhary, a sufferer of racial profiling, displays on his experiences rising up as a “Gujjar” in Kashmir. He remembers concealing his identification at school, fearing repercussions.
Muzaffar emphasizes the weaponization of the time period “Gujjar” to demean people, calling for accountability and urging the neighborhood to face collectively. He advocates for schooling, empathy, and the embrace of variety to build a really inclusive society, expressing dismay on the persistence of stereotyping in Kashmir.
In 2023, whereas walking in direction of his school, Muzaffar overheard a dialog that left him deeply shocked. A lady was insulting a boy, saying, “Aap ke style se lagg raha hai pta nhi kis Gujjar gaon se aaye ho.” (It appears out of your type that you’re from some Gujjar village; I don’t know which one)..
“It saddened me to realize that even in the 21st century, society continues to propagate discrimination through hurtful language,” he instructed The Kashmiriyat. He additional highlighted that it was disheartening to witness that the Gujjar neighborhood remains to be subjected to derogatory remarks, each in digital and bodily areas.
Muzzafar Choudhary, expressing the feelings of the Gujjar neighborhood, acknowledged, “From the past several years, there has been the growth of many stereotypes about the Gujjar community, which hurts the sentiments of this community.” In 2019, the SC/ST Atrocities Act was applied. Under this Act, the Gujjar folks obtained the suitable to file a criticism towards racial abuse. “We never revealed our identity in schools for avoiding racial abuse,” he stated.
“When old Kashmiri individuals inquire about our identity and we mention being Gujjars, they often reject it, associating Gujjars with being old and uncivilized. Even Kashmiri politicians face criticism by being called Gujjars, turning it into an insult. We aim to eliminate this behavior from our society, and resorting to a petition was our last option to address these issues. If you need more evidence, I can provide.” he instructed The Kashmiriyat.
He emphasised the essential want for people to teach themselves and problem these ingrained biases. He acknowledged that nobody ought to be judged or belittled primarily based on their caste, neighborhood, or background.
Navigating Identity and Overcoming Stereotypes
Racism, a societal ailment, thrives in environments the place social, cultural, financial, moral, and political subordination to parochialism prevails, fostering stereotypes. Those missing enlightenment and broad-mindedness usually perpetuate this bias, asserting management over cultural, social, political, and even spiritual points, all of the whereas believing themselves to be society’s true caretakers. In actuality, their actions plunge subordinates, usually from economically and socially weaker backgrounds, into darkness.
Throughout historical past, racism has continued, victimizing the impoverished plenty primarily based on caste, colour, creed, language, tradition, and civilization. Pre-Islamic durations in Arabia, in addition to Roman, Greek, Persian, Buddhist, and Hindu civilizations, have been marred by vandalism, oppression, and the ascendancy of stereotypes and illiteracy.
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) sought to eradicate such barbaric customs, emphasizing a common Ummah based on peace, unity, justice, and equality. Islam explicitly rejects racism, with the Qur’an stating, “The most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” The final sermon throughout Hajj-ul-Wada additional dismantled limitations of racism, feudalism, capitalism, and stereotyping primarily based on superiority.
In the valley of Kashmir, identified for its Sufi saints and a historical past of hospitality and egalitarianism, there exists a multi-cultural, pluralistic society. Despite this, unethical and inhumane social formalities persist, tarnishing its fame. Among the predominantly Muslim inhabitants in Kashmir, remnants of inhuman customs echo the pre-Islamic period, fostering corruption, trickery, and division primarily based on caste, creed, and colour.
Matrimonial bounds with different castes or tribes are deemed crimes, resulting in frustration, melancholy, and elevated instances of rape and suicide. Female infants are thought-about offenses, resulting in over-aged single people and a surge in social points. Communal rituals and ancestral despotism prevail, defying the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In this dichotomy of excessive statuesque and disgraceful inhuman actions, the place daughters are seen as burdens, impoverished individuals are handled as animals, and racism and caste techniques thrive, claiming to be a civilized society turns into questionable. The Twenty first-century world world calls for essential examination of actions and adjustments, and it necessitates the collective accountability of all people, no matter their societal standing, to unite towards barbaric rituals, narrow-mindedness, and the trampling of social identification. Teaching and creating consciousness about basic social rights and values are essential for fostering a simply and inclusive society.
Muzaffar Choudhary, a sufferer of racial profiling, displays on his experiences rising up as a “Gujjar” in Kashmir. He remembers concealing his identification at school, fearing repercussions. Muzaffar emphasizes the weaponization of the time period “Gujjar” to demean people, calling for accountability and urging the neighborhood to face collectively. He advocates for schooling, empathy, and the embrace of variety to build a really inclusive society, expressing dismay on the persistence of stereotyping in Kashmir.
Muzaffar acknowledged that nobody ought to be judged or belittled primarily based on their caste, neighborhood, or background.
“In the 21st-century global world, where each activity, custom, or change is critically examined, observed, and questioned before acceptance, the challenges faced by Kashmir’s society resonate with the broader global struggles against ethical and moral degradation,” he instructed The Kashmiriyat.
Inclusivity as a Collective Responsibility:
Despite the various and pluralistic nature of the society within the valley of Kashmir, unethical and inhumane social practices persist, staining its fame. Within the predominantly Muslim inhabitants, remnants of inhuman customs echo the pre-Islamic period, fostering corruption, trickery, and divisive attitudes primarily based on caste, creed, and colour.
Matrimonial restrictions with different castes or tribes are thought-about legal offenses, resulting in frustration, melancholy, and an upswing in social points, together with rape and suicide instances. Communal rituals and ancestral despotism persist, contradicting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This dichotomy between excessive statuesque and disgraceful inhuman actions, the place daughters are perceived as burdens, impoverished people are handled as animals, and racism and caste techniques flourish, challenges the assertion of being a civilized society. In the Twenty first-century world world, the place scrutiny of actions and adjustments is paramount, there’s a collective accountability for all people, no matter their societal standing, to unite towards barbaric practices, narrow-mindedness, and the suppression of social identification.
Promoting schooling and consciousness about basic social rights and values is essential for fostering a simply and inclusive society. As we navigate the complicated terrain of identification in Kashmir, allow us to attempt for a future the place biases are dismantled, and inclusivity turns into the cornerstone of our collective journey.
