"Those Who Stayed: The Sikhs of Kashmir"
Written by Bupinder Singh Bali”
Genre: History
Published by Amaryllis (An Imprint of Manjul Publishing)
Pages: 284
MRP: Rs. 699/-
Thank you Manjul Publishers for a review copy of the book.
Introduction
Bupinder Singh Bali’s “Those Who Stayed: The Sikhs of Kashmir” is a poignant account of the Kashmiri Sikh community’s experience living through decades of political turmoil, militancy, and socio-economic marginalization. The book goes beyond a simple historical narrative, intertwining personal anecdotes, historical events, and collective memory to explore the Sikh community's struggle to maintain its identity and existence in a conflict zone. Published in the wake of increasing targeted killings, especially the shocking murder of a Sikh schoolteacher in 2021, Bali’s work is both a documentation of historical suffering and a meditation on survival.
The book opens with a chilling incident that sets the tone for the narrative—a phone call during a classroom lecture informing Bali about the killing of a Sikh teacher in Kashmir. From this incident, the author weaves a rich tapestry of personal and collective experiences of Sikhs in Kashmir, offering a raw, emotional, and intimate look at the community's plight.
Historical and Political Context
Bali provides readers with a broad historical backdrop, focusing on the events that have shaped modern Kashmir. From the tribal invasion in 1947, which saw mass killings of Sikhs, to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Kashmir of its special status, the historical events serve as both a reminder and an explanation for the persistent insecurity faced by Kashmiri Sikhs. The narrative frequently returns to the 1947 massacres, the role of Maharaja Hari Singh, and the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, linking these larger political narratives to the personal lives of Sikhs.
The book traces the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) and the gradual shift from direct military confrontations to proxy wars and insurgencies. Bali vividly describes how these geopolitical dynamics created a living hell for ordinary citizens, irrespective of their religious background. However, the spotlight remains firmly on the Sikhs, a micro-minority caught between the Indian state and separatist movements, both of which have contributed to their marginalization and victimization.
The Sikh Dilemma: To Stay or Leave
One of the central themes of the book is the question that haunts the Sikh community: should they stay in Kashmir, the land they consider home, or should they leave in search of safety and stability? Bali explores this dilemma by presenting various episodes of violence and fear that have driven many to flee. For instance, the book recounts the brutal massacre at Chithisinghpora in 2000, where 35 Sikhs were killed in cold blood, leading to widespread fear among the community.
Through personal stories and eyewitness accounts, the author paints a grim picture of the violence, the socioeconomic challenges, and the continuous state of insecurity that Sikhs face in Kashmir. These stories are interspersed with Bali’s own reflections, as he recounts conversations with family members about whether to migrate out of the Valley or to remain tied to their ancestral lands.
This theme resonates throughout the book, particularly in the sections where Bali describes the targeted killings of civilians in 2021, which reignited debates within the Sikh community about the prospects of staying in Kashmir. Bali's narrative is infused with an undercurrent of fear, uncertainty, and frustration, making the reader acutely aware of the precariousness of the Sikh community’s existence in Kashmir.
Socioeconomic Challenges
Beyond the threat of violence, Bali delves into the economic and social challenges faced by Kashmiri Sikhs. These include the lack of employment opportunities, poor educational infrastructure, and systemic discrimination in both government and private sectors. Bali’s depiction of everyday life in Kashmir highlights the financial struggles of Sikh families, who often find themselves at the bottom of the social ladder due to their minority status.
Education is a recurring theme, with Bali highlighting how many Sikh children are unable to access quality schooling due to their marginalized status. The book discusses the plight of government schools, where low enrollment rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources impede progress for both students and teachers. The author’s own experience as a teacher adds depth to this discussion, as he recounts personal stories of teaching underprivileged students who, despite their potential, are trapped by the limitations of the system.
Identity and Resilience
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Bali’s portrayal of the Kashmiri Sikhs is not one of helpless victims. Rather, he emphasizes the resilience, courage, and deep-rooted sense of identity that have allowed the community to persevere in the face of relentless adversity. The book celebrates the cultural and religious traditions that have sustained the Sikhs in Kashmir, from the teachings of the Gurus to the communal festivals that provide moments of joy and solidarity.
Bali repeatedly highlights the strength and fortitude of individuals within the community, focusing on those who have chosen to stay despite the constant threat of violence. In doing so, he sheds light on the complex relationship between identity and belonging, exploring how Sikhs navigate their dual identities as both Kashmiri and Sikh in a region that often forces them to choose sides.
The author’s reflections on his own identity are particularly moving. He speaks candidly about his sense of alienation from both the broader Kashmiri Muslim population and the Indian state, expressing a deep sense of isolation that many Sikhs in Kashmir share. Bali’s introspective moments give the reader insight into the emotional toll that decades of conflict have taken on his sense of self and community.
The Revocation of Article 370 and Its Aftermath
A significant portion of the book is devoted to analyzing the impact of the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Kashmir of its special status. Bali examines how this political move has exacerbated the already tense situation in the region, leading to increased military presence, curfews, and restrictions on civil liberties. For the Sikh community, the revocation has heightened fears of further marginalization and displacement.
Bali discusses the broader political implications of this move, particularly how it has affected the relationship between the Kashmiri people and the Indian state. While the author stops short of taking a definitive stance on the issue, he clearly articulates the sense of betrayal and disillusionment that many Kashmiris feel in the aftermath of this decision. The revocation of Article 370 becomes a metaphor for the loss of autonomy and agency that the Sikh community, like other minorities in Kashmir, has long experienced.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
An important aspect of the book is its critique of the media’s role in shaping public perception of Kashmir. Bali is critical of how the Sikh narrative is often overlooked in favor of more sensationalized accounts of the majority Muslim population's struggles. The Sikhs, who form less than 1% of the population, are rarely the focus of media coverage, their stories of suffering and resilience lost amid the larger political discourse.
Bali argues that the lack of media attention has contributed to the erasure of the Sikh narrative from both national and international discussions about Kashmir. He calls for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding the region’s complex dynamics, one that acknowledges the experiences of all its minority communities.
Conclusion
“Those Who Stayed: The Sikhs of Kashmir” is a powerful and evocative exploration of the Sikh community’s struggle for survival in one of the most conflict-ridden regions of the world. Bupinder Singh Bali masterfully weaves together personal stories, historical analysis, and cultural reflections to create a deeply moving narrative that captures the resilience and fortitude of a community that refuses to be erased.
Bali’s book is not just a chronicle of suffering; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sikhs who have chosen to stay in Kashmir despite the overwhelming odds. It is a call for recognition, empathy, and understanding—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who continue to fight for their right to exist.
The book’s relevance extends beyond the Sikh community, offering valuable insights into the broader issues of identity, belonging, and survival in a conflict zone. For anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Kashmir and the diverse communities that inhabit it, “Those Who Stayed” is an essential read.
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