A Desolation Called Peace: Voices from Kashmir

by Ather Zia, Javaid Iqbal Bhat

The accession of Kashmir to the Indian Union in 1947 had raised objections both in Kashmir and India, echoes of which continue to be heard even today. At the time, Sheikh Abdullah was the uncrowned king of Kashmir; today, his grave is under security lest it be vandalized. What accounts for this change in attitude?A Desolation Called Peace provides important insights to understand the political aspirations of the people of Kashmir and the change in their perceptions since Independence. Written and edited by Kashmiri authors, this collection of ethnographic essays explores the desire for 'azadi' as a historical and indigenous demand. While the accounts traverse the period from before 1947 to the momentous time of 1989 when militancy began, the essays illustrate how postcolonial politics has impinged on Kashmiri lives and aspirations, thus paving the way for the intractable dispute of today. This anthology of deeply felt essays will enable an understanding of Kashmir beyond the hackneyed tropes that portray the issue reductively as a proxy war, terrorism or a simple law and order situation.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, India, Politics, Essays

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2019

Reviews

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review : 4.5/5

The book consists of 12 different chapters which cover the stories of Kashmir from 1947 to 1989. It tries to make readers understand the wishes & aspirations of Kashmiris. Each essay tells a different perspective pertaining to the lives and experiences of Kashmiris existing since a long time. It deals with the permeating feeling of ‘azadi’ within masses, why it exists & its significance. They also give us a brief idea how militancy permeated through and the post independence politics created a tug of war situation leading to the dispute we see today. Each essay extracts a different shade of pain, loss & suffering.

Read the full review on Just Another Bookaholic

[Wanderingg__soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written and edited by Kashmiri authors, this anthology gives us insights to understand the political aspirations of the people of Kashmir and the change in their perception since independence.

This book is a collection of 12 essays ranging from the period 1947 to 1989.
I think in current times when there is so much chaos all around us, a book like this is very important to understand the situation. The essays are written from different perspectives which help us grasp the reality and depth of the situation rather than just consuming the news and forming brief opinions under social influence.

Some of my favorite essays from this book are: The Life Story of Kashmir by Zareef Ahmed Zareef, The Calm and Early Signs of Conflict by Anuradha Bhasin Jamwal, How I Became a Kashmiri Rebel in India by Syed Zafar Mehdi.

I will highly recommend this book if you love reading about politics or are interested in understanding more about Kashmir!

[Nikita Nautiyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[Shashank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pictures Kashmir very very differently. I would say read all versions of the troubled state and then move on to this. It clearly shows the partisan thinking of Kashmiris since 1500 and so and how the partition affected the process. Some of the stories are too affecting.

Ever wondered how does it feel to go to Kashmir and talk to people regarding how does it feels to be there? Well then this book is your answer.

[Ahmed Hayat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contributions and plethora of discussuions from different authors with lessons aplenty. Essential reading for anyone wanting persepective on Kashmir

[Azin Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ather Zia and Javaid Iqbal in their evocative piece of work have brought together a set of 12 essays, highlighting the political history and the happenings in Kashmir between the years 1947 to 1989. The book explores the political aspirations of the Kashmiri people and contextualises it from a historical perspective. The distinctive feature of this unique piece of Kashmiri literature is how it has ventured beyond the idea of the Kashmir Conflict as a geo-political issue. The book explores the decades long conflict in Kashmir not just as a conflict between two nations and their geo-politics but also through the lens of the Kashmiri people and their leaders, highlighting their struggles and sacrifices. 

The book acts as a good starting point for people who want to understand the Conflict through the Kashmiri perspective bringing out their lived experiences. However, for people who are already in touch with the lived realities of Kashmir and do have some understanding of the nuances of the Kashmir Conflict, it can also feel as a one sided narrative with strong ideological footholds. It did seem as if a pre-drawn conclusion was being inferred by the writers in the first place, without leaving any choice of conclusion with the reader. 

[Naureen Rehman]

The book will take you on a poignant journey that sheds light on the often-overlooked perspectives of the Kashmiri people. As someone who previously held little understanding of the complexities surrounding the region, I found this book to be an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the full spectrum of the Kashmir conflict. For once, I was listening to the voices of those who have endured unimaginable suffering—individuals marked by torture, loss, and grief. It powerfully illustrates the experiences of a population that has been systematically silenced, deprived of the basic privileges that many take for granted. The emotional weight of certain passages is staggering; they break your heart and evoke a deep sense of empathy for the children of conflict.

This will always remain one of those books that have opened my eyes regarding a situation or catered
to my curiosity about Kashmir in general. I have visited the place number of times but the next time I do, it will always remind me of these stories and the term 'beautiful prison'

[Syed Umar Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

' A DESOLATION CALLED PEACE ' .
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Edited by @aziakashmir and Javed Iqbal Bhat.
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Book consist of 12 chapters. All the happenings from 1947 to 1989 are presented. Above all deep research has been done of everything one needs to know about Kashmir known as paradise on earth. But we all don't know many things about Kashmir and which we'll come to know after reading this Masterpiece.
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I'd recommend this book to those who really want to know about Kashmir and Kashmiris.

[Siddharth Karandikar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decentish bunch of collected essays, good in intention. Some are well written, some are not. A lot of them focus more on events than the personal stories of oppression, which is fine I guess, but I had different expectations. I thought these will be more like how humans exist under dehumanisation.

[Adil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good compilation of essays.

[Rashid Manzoor Ahanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology of essays which speaks about the conflict from the beginning. It's a must read for everyone, who wants to understand the current political scenario of kashmir

[Neelam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So refreshing to read more indigenous narratives of the kashmiri experience during and after partition. Extremely educational for anyone interested in politics and culture of the region

[Francisco Javier · Rating 2 out of 5]

One-sided perspective of a two-sided conflict

[Navender · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of essays which primarily outline atrocities committed by armed forces in Kashmir as well as strong Anti-India sentiment amongst group of people in Kashmir. This book is not ideal for anyone who wants to understand history of Kashmir. The theme of the essays is quite repetitive and solely focused on single issue.

[Iqra Tasmiae]

https://thewire.in/books/kashmir-arti...

[Neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Simnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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