MTV Iggy, a recently launched global pop culture initiative from MTV Networks, is currently showcasing a wide-angle view on the Kashmir conflict entitled, MTV Iggy Presents Change: Kashmir. The series is a comprehensive multimedia survey of the conflict’s current status and history, featuring on-the-ground clips of everyday Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, photojournalism, background, documentaries, and profiles. MTV Iggy has already posted a number of interviews with noteworthy individuals like economist Jeffrey Sachs, writer and historian William Dalrymple, Deepak Chopra, Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, and Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the former prime minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir [AJK].
The website also features the stunning photography [see below] of Malik Sajad, a young Kashmiri currently attending the Institute of Music and Fine Arts in Srinagar, Kashmir. His first graphic novel about the Kashmir conflict is under publication. Click on his photo below to see the entire slideshow, which truly captures the vibrance of the Kashmiri people.
Photo by Malik Sajad
The initiative is significant because it not only seeks to raise awareness on the Kashmir conflict, but also because it highlights the diversity of opinion on the topic. Moreover, the use of multimedia technology is important in connecting today’s youth to the problem, empowering them to probe discourse on the issues. Given that Kashmir has been a fundamental cause of tensions and conflict between India and Pakistan since 1947, viewing the conflict through a different, more human angle is a needed change. What do you think?
Wow. I think its a great initiative to put the region under different lens(es). I guess one thing which is sad and is missing from this whole is the need for the local folks to bring out their voices depicting their life-style, culture, thinking, issues, problems and everything that they face etc. Its also important to show the “good” and the “normal” things that happen as compared to the mainstream media that gives air-time only when things go “bad”.
Agreed Asim. I like the feature they have right now where they talk to average Kashmiris on the ground – the people who are living in the refugee camps are really fascinating especially.
[...] url: “http://teabreak.pk/mtv-iggy-presents-change-kashmir-42/19384/” }); Read more at: CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan ahmed khan, arundhati roy, booker prize winner, conflict between india and pakistan, culture [...]
I feel that it just gives a human face to this conflict. The Kashmir conflict is very important to peace in the region, and one way to tackle militancy would be to resolve the conflict.
Exactly, I think a regional solution is necessary in order for Pakistan to be able to solve many of its militancy issues. It’s hard for the military to even consider training their forces in counterinsurgency for the western border when they are constantly poised for a war on the eastern border. It prevents us from fighting our own internal war in the end.
this is the first time i’m hearing of this and i’m heartened to see the kashmir issue isn’t a forgotten one. not a day goes by without bloodshed or struggle in those parts, at least via these mediums we can share some solidarity and feel they’re not struggling in vain.
i’m a pakistani kashmiri myself and feel us people have more of an affinity with pakistan and have integrated well into pakistani society, living a relatively peaceful existence. so far there has been no threat of militancy in our parts (and i have family from all the way in muzaffarabad to kotli city and that includes the family living nearby the indian border).
unfortunately the same can’t be said about kashmiris (particularly the muslim majority in kashmir valley).
Thanks for the comment Supe – I have a question though. My best friend’s friend is a Kashmiri from Srinigar and I made the mistake of asking him whether he was from the Pakistan side or Indian side of Kashmir – because for him he’s Kashmiri first, before being Indian or Pakistani – do you feel the same way or does your family?
*unfortunately the same can’t be said about kashmiris *living in in india (particularly the muslim majority in kashmir valley).
not at all. we actually call ourselves pakistani first. which is why there’s such a difference between living on either pakistan’s or india’s side. we may have our trivial gripes but overall we’ve never felt we weren’t a part of pakistani society. in fact we also call our patch of land; Pakistan.
the stark differences between either side are startling. many a time the people of AJK have mused that kashmir’s issue can be resolved by building a big wall between both countries and we’ll both be better off, but that’s resulted in an outcry by muslim kashmiri’s in india’s side who very much don’t want to lose contact with the people of azad, jammu and kashmir. as if we’re some semblence of hope for them.
it’s kind of upsetting really.
That’s an interesting dynamic, and I’d like to hear more from other Kashmiris on this forum to get their insight as well. Thanks supe!
From what I know from my many (Pakistani) Kashmiri friends who are all from the lower class (farmers, mistris …) they don’t give a damn about Pakistan (they are not even excited about the Pakistani cricket team). When Kashmiris tell me they go to Pindi, they say “I go to Pakistan”, thus implying their country is different. And the Muhajrs I know in “Azad” Kashmir who live there since 30 years now actually call it “Azab” Kashmir since they are neglected by the local government.
All of them want an independent Kashmir (I know Kashmiris who have the Kashmir map – including Indian, Chinese Kashmir and somwhat ridiculously also Tibet – hanging in their living room and not the Pakistani map).
So forgive my ignorance but when did the violence in Kashmir start, was it with the Pakistan sponsered insurgency, or before that with an indigenous movement or what? Certainly in retrospect it can safely be said to have been a rather large error. Bet they never thought half the Indian army would set up camp there.
And what exactly is regarded as living in Kashmir on the Pakistan side. All of the old state or just the ‘Azad Kashmir’ bit?
Certainly it seems today a majority of people seem sick and tired of both India and Pakistan as countless surveys show (who can blame them), though I can’t see how an independant state would survive economically if India and/or Pakistan were bitter about losing their bits (though of course Pakistn with the Azad Kashmir idea has limited potential loses), without turning to the various criminal enterprises similar areas have endured elsewhere in the world.
Do the various independance parties have a strategy for keeping their nieghbours sweet and their potential state viable?
Chris,
International Crisis Group has a report (from 2003) on Kashmir that provides a really good history of the conflict. You have to register with the site, but it’s well worth it.
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=2409&CFID=1666527&CFTOKEN=30914305
@ Supe,
I want to know your thoughts about Hindu Kashmiri who are presently living in camps in Jammu. Have you conveniently forgotten the very fact that they are also Kashmiri because they are Hindus and not Muslims? Kashmir doesn’t belong to Muslims or Hindus- it belongs to kashmiris. You haven’t even been to Indian part of Kashmir and don’t know their situation and yet you speak with authority. People like you basically don’t want to resolve the conflict between the two countries because you are sitting peacefully in Britain.
@ Supe- Please go through the interviews of Hindu Kashmiri on MTV iggy who are forced to leave their lands and now living in camps of Jammu. It will give you some insight on Kashmir problem. Also , decide whether your loyalty is towards Kashmir or Pakistan and by Kashmir i mean both Hindu and Muslim Kashmiri. Next time, please do your research before think before speak as a sympathizer of Kashmiris.
Anjali: let’s not get into refugees from either side, i have a few stories to share of muslim refugees who fled from rajori, one example is my neighbour in kotli, who whilst fleeing not only left behind her property, land, cattle but lost her 6 year old daughter.
i did not spoeak with any authority, i was simply sharing my views here. you’re obviously not getting the gist of what i was trying to communicate.
as a pakistani kashmiri, i am loyal to pakistan and never found any reason not to. i can’t vouch for every inhabitant of AJK but can comfortably say my thoughts are shared by many, most likely the majority, if not every single one.
if that translates to you as a comment that’s attacking india, then think again. it was not a politically driven statement, simply the honest, non-pretentious voice of a local.
and who said i’m living in britain? if so, that’s irrelevant to the topic and certainly none of your business. azad, jammu kashmir is my birthplace and my permanent home.
pray tell, where may you live?
The last winter, I went to Strassbourg here in France, fantastic place. It is sandwiched between France and Germany, and saw a lot of bloodshed over the years. The French and the Germans occupied and re-occupied this region several times over. So much bloodshed, especially in the 2nd world war. Now the city is one of capitals of the European Union, it houses the European parliament. It has great saucages (German influence) and great wine (French influence). The architecture of the city is one of the best I have seen, and it is best seen by the touristic boat ride on the river Ill.
Nobody bothers about the borders between Germany and France these days.
You can sure guess what I was dreaming about !
Do you think Strassbourg will be Kashmir one day? It’s hard to imagine!
@ Supe Just remember, next time, when you talk about Kashmir, don’t forget that Hindu kashmiri are also an integral part of Kashmir. It is sad that you can’t even relate to another kashmiri because of different faiths and we talk about education in U.K.Huh
Anjali-
With all due respect, I think Supe was just trying to convey her experiences when I posed the question – she wasn’t trying to speak for all Kashmiris, or marginalize Hindu Kashmiris. Obviously your experience and opinion are markedly different, and it would be interesting to hear what that is as well! Thanks!
I think it’s great how they are speaking to the average Kashmiri rather than just the elite or a specific class of Kashmiris. These are the real people of the region who have day to day problems and we need to hear their opinions the most.
Anjali – Could you elaborate, please? As Kalsoom mentioned, your opinion is somewhat different so would love to hear more about your experiences etc.
Omar- I am also working as an associate in Citigroup and have Pakistani friends who were educated in UAE and therefore their outlook is secular and moderate. I am forwarding the link. http://www.jaia-bharati.org/anglais/gupta-kashmirpandits.htm
Kalsoom- I was expecting neutral attitude from you the way five rupees blogger does but I was mistaken.
Anjali,
I think you misunderstood where I was coming from. I was just saying that I thought Supe wasn’t trying to offend you, but I apologize if you were offended. As I noted before, I think your opinion and your experience are different from hers, and I would love to hear more from you as well.
Hey, it’s okay. No worries. I am a silent reader of your blog.I have always admired the great work you are doing for your country. I am pretty sure that your work will one day make a real impact and bring about changes which Pakistan needs. Keep it up.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
I hope you continue to read and contribute as well!
I imagine Srinagar to be serving as a bridge between India and Pakistan, just as Strassbourg serves now for between France and Germany.
We might even have a South Asian parliament and a South Asian panel of human rights located there.
Even though this is hard to imagine, the alternative is worse. Nuclear war between India and Pakistan, it will erupt inevitably if all the disputes are not settled. Imagine, France and Germany hated each other a lot more than what India and Pakistan have done. And they have paid enough for their hate too. Let’s hope that we get to our senses before some very deep price is paid.
I m kashmiri and have seen thousands dying in past 18 years of freedom struggle. Indian atrocities have been worse than Genocide & prosecution of Jews by Nazis.
India with its democratic make up has been fooling the whole world about kashmir and world has been listning.
We Kashmiris have no reason not to believe that India is a military power & has strength but we will keep on fighting this brutal state for ever or until we dont get independence from India.
i would like to point out our freedom struggle is not against any religion or caste or race, we respect Indian masses & we know indian media has been mis informing them and keeping them in dark about reality in Kashmir.
Malik Farooq Ahmed
A Kashmiri
From Khanyar, Srinagar
Well, we all know the economic diffirences between India and Pakistan.. Pakistan’s economy is in the ICU now. India’s economy is growing like never before. Wouldn’t it be better for kashmiris if kashmir stays with us. We can give them development that pakistan cannot. It can hardly afford to match our resources.
Just because majority people in kashmir are muslim does not justify pakistan asking for it. India has more muslims than pakistan combined. I dare say, they have a higher rate of being successful than anywhere in the muslim world.. India is built as a secular country.. Our constitution guarantees Muslim’s legitimate right.. I know a lot of muslims who think they like the idea of India better than pakistan.. Let me give an example of an educated Indian muslim, M.J.Akbar. He is a renowned writer. Just read his articles.. you can find them online.. I am sure they’ll interest most of the people here..
What we indians(kashmiris strictly included when i say indian) are trying to do is help kashmir govern itself. We just concluded 2 sets of free and fair elections(free and fair as recognized by the whole world and pakistan too, rather mildly).. one for the state assembly and another for lok sabha(upper house of parliament).. I am happy to tell you 68% people voted. Now they have picked their representative. I think all the questions on kashmir should be through him right?? The CM now is omar abdullah.. he is a secular, forward-looking, patriot.. His views, i am sure, will echo the views of whole of India and kashmir especially..
Thank you..
Anoop, Bangalore, India.
Well the problem here is not about economic status which India can provide or not, its more to do with the basic right of freedom which the Kashmiri people want (thats the feeling i got after watching those videos).Well i can understand to a certain degree whats going through the minds of people of kashmir as similar kinds of events took place in Punjab which i am fully aware of,most probably on the front of government oppression and killings by police and army.
Regarding the issue of letting Kashmir go as an Indian i would rather leave theses decisions to the Kashmiri people.It’s there choice if they want to be free join India or Pakistan.Forcing someone to say your an Indian is not a thing i pride much on and its not the no of states that should be important it the people that should come first.
But anyway a good effort to put forward the views of kashmiri and it shattered my pride as an Indian.
Harman,
Nobody can force anyone into their nationality. I am support complete implementation of Article 370 as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. I support withdrawal of Army from Civilian areas in J&K. I support as much freedom as humanly possible,but within the Indian Constitution. There can never be a plebiscite in Kashmir. The future of India will be thrown into jeopardy. Kashmiris can be Kashmiris.
But, what CAN happen is a indirect plebiscite. Let the Hurriat join in the election next time and if they win the elections then India will have to change its stand drastically.
I am saying this because I know Hurriat does not represent the majority view. One Hurriat guy contested the election in North Kashmir the last assembly election. I forget his name. He lost to NC. He couldn’t even gain 3rd place as Congress took that.
Hurriat only represents the Muslims of Kashmir and they never cared when the Pandits were being hunted down. Separatists dont deserve a second look unless they contested the elections and prove their support.
I have quite a few good friends who are from different major and minor religions of the world. Most of these folks are well educated. I have only heard mostly from muslim friends how they are ill treated in whole world , not only in kashmir. Muslims friend always seem to cry foul. There are more crime and problems in muslim countries. There seems to be more self inflicted destructions and killing these countries. Am I not understanding or what? Both Hindu and muslim brothers and sisters help.
I just came across this article. Being a Hindu Indian, I am absolutely in favor of independent Kashmir only one condition. Independent Kashmir must be secular and not based on Sharia Law. It’s only fair considering that there is a minority of Hindus who were born and raised in Kashmir and have every right not to be subjected to a law that they don’t believe in. Do you think this is possible? Can a Islamic state be fair to all it’s non-muslim citizens considering the fact that it’s fundamentally rooted in Sharia Law?