The Untold Story of the People of `Azaab’ Kashmir

The study of people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the so-called `Azad Kashmir’ has of late taken off given the importance of the role of this group as part of the “Pakistani Diaspora’’, particularly throughout countries in North America and Western Europe, such as Great Britain. It is estimated that there are approximately one million Pakistanis in Britain and approximately two-thirds of these Pakistanis are Kashmiris under occupation of Pakistan and for whom “Azad’’ Kashmir is “Azaab’’ Kashmir. “Azaab’’ in Urdu signifies Pain, Torture, or Torment.

“Azad Kashmiris’’  have too often been ignored by historians of Pakistan and by social and political thinkers operating in the West who have tended to adopt the reductionist and essentialist notion of the Pakistani ethnic classification in relation to this group. However, it is quite clear that some “Azad Kashmiris’’ do not see themselves as part of Pakistan, while some Kashmiris from Jammu certainly do not regard them as part of Kashmir either.

Dearth of Literature on PoK

There is a dearth of literature that specifically focuses on the historical, social and political developments of the region of “Azad Kashmir’’ since its illegal occupation by Pakistan in October 1947. It is striking that little is known of the internal struggle facing this body of people during a traumatic time of political change. It is difficult to obtain independent and analytical perspectives on the range of different issues at play that pulled people and groups in different directions in relation to the choice to be made to accede to Pakistan or India during the time of Partition. What really went on during that time? What was the role of different significant actors of the time, from Maharaja Hari Singh to Jawahar Lal Nehru to Sheikh Abdullah? How has the regional polity of the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir been shaped over the decades, and what kind of implications have there been for local communities as part of the political process that can be understood in a wider historical and sociological context?… These and other important questions have not been tackled by scholars or the region’s people until the publication of The Untold Story of the People of `Azad’ Kashmir by Christopher Snedden.

Christopher Snedden’s  Book on PoK

Christopher Snedden, an Australian politico-strategic analyst, author, and academic specializing in South Asia contends that in October 1947, pro-Pakistan Muslims in south-western J&K instigated the Kashmir dispute. He provides comprehensive new information that critically examines Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’s administration, economy, political system, and its subordinate relationship with Pakistan.   Snedden, who visited J&K frequently, undertook research and interviewed many elder statesmen involved in Kashmir politics.

Christopher says that the people of PoK are disenchanted with Islamabad as some “Azad Kashmiris’’ now favour independence.  Many scholars, after the publication of this book, however,  feel that the people of PoK now want to be with India.  Christopher’s book is the authoritative modern history of one of South Asia’s most sensitive yet overlooked regions, the part of Kashmir under Pakistan’s illegal control. It is meticulously researched and clearly written, and the account of the origins of the Kashmir conflict.   The author says that he was once told by the people that their area is not `Azad’ Kashmir but is `Azaab’ Kashmir.

Robert G. Wirsing, Visiting Professor, at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service at Qatar, observes that Christopher Snedden’s masterful historical narrative of the events surrounding the birth and development of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir gives a thoroughly researched study of this largely neglected but vastly important dimension of the Kashmir dispute.

The book is in two sections. They explore the historical issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir leading to partition. The sections analyze the development of the POK from 1947 to the present, charting it machinations, and set in a sociological, political, and historical context. This book is rich in detail, balanced in its analytical approach, and comprehensive in its description of events and outcomes. It uses interviews with key actors in the region to discuss the present situation, as well as previously unavailable official letters and documents to provide deeper insights into the past.

Andrew Whitehead, former BBC South Asia correspondent and the author of “A Mission in Kashmir’’ says Christopher’s book is meticulously researched and clearly written.

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