Kashmir: A Tragedy of Errors

by Tavleen Singh

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

253 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1995

About the author

Tavleen Singh is the author of three books, Kashmir: A Tragedy of Errors, Lollipop Street: Why India Will Survive Her Politicians and Political and Incorrect. She spends her time between Delhi and Mumbai and writes four weekly political columns, in Hindi for Amar Ujala and Jansatta, and in English for syndication and an exclusive column for the Indian Express.

Reviews

[Abhilash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tavleen Singh gives a close account of Kashmir issue with a journalistic approach. The book gives a nice perspective about how the Indian political system, Govt (mostly Congress) and post-independent rulers looked at Kashmir and some of acts. But I felt that the author has deliberately omitted a great deal of facts from the following categories; (i mean, though some of them are mentioned, many major incidents are not mentioned)
- Chinese invasion and Aksai Chin
- Ethnic cleansing & exodus of Kashmiri pandits
- Terrorist training camps in POK and role of Pakistan in Kashmir issue (IMO, this is one of the heavily underplayed sections of the book; being a journalist and also with network the author had with natives, it could've been an good addition to the book)

IMO, after reading the book, you will feel that the author has deliberately attempted to hide some facts that support the similarities between Khalistan issue and Kashmir issue. The author goes in length to establish that Kashmir issue is not at all similar to Punjab but conveniently omit facts like autonomy was also promised to Punjab also. Same is the case with secessionist activists and incidents prior to Farooq Abdullah's second term and National Conference's role in using the secession emotions when ever they were not in power.

I would recommend this book as a must-read to anyone who wants to know in some what detail about Kashmir issue as it gives a different perspective and interesting facts; but definitely not worth if this is going to be the only book you are going to read on Kashmir or want a comprehensive & unbiased book on Kashmir issue. Also liked the lucid & gripping narrative style of the author.

[Vivek Kumar]

It is a good book and tell some of the unheard fact that we don 19t know from our press. This book clearly proves that it was Indian political parties whom to blame for the problem of Kashmir. No doubt Pakistan is also a factor but this factor can be nullified had Indian politician had a clear vision about Kashmir.

[Aravind P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tavleen Singh is a journalist and in this work she writes in great deal about the mistakes and more mistakes committed by the authorities that pushed a peaceful valley into a warzone.

[Rhea Sarawgi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was my first non fiction read of the year, and it was kind of my fault for picking something published almost 30 years ago cause it didn’t get into recent developments obvs. Also I did find it a bit repetitive but also it was a history book lol. I liked the writing style but didn’t love it, had to keep forcing myself to come back

[Ruchi Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone interested in knowing the political history of Kashmir would find that this is a good place to start. From describing the enviable beauty of Kashmir to the political collapse, tavleen Singh has done it all beautifully. I would definitely read other written material on the subject before forming a point of view, however I am eager to pick up other books from the author to widen my perspective on Indian political history.

[Prabhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writer raises a valid point, but presents a predominately one sided view, indecently while accusing the other side of being biased. Truth must be somewhere in the middle I believe. Anyhow the book needs to be read for better understanding the J&K situation.