Love in the Time of Conflict: Kashmiri Writers Share Stories of Change

History Indian History

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-11 08:55:29 |

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Srinagar: A City of Unceasing Turmoil

Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, cannot be viewed as just another city; it is a city marked by turmoil and conflict. In her book, City as Memory, Sadaf Wani delves into the intricacies of a region constantly shaped by violence and unrest. Wani's exploration captures how the geography, demography, and the very idea of Kashmir have been altered over time due to prolonged conflict, marking the city as one of immense historical weight.

A Community in Limbo

Through the lens of ordinary Srinagar residents, Wani paints a portrait of a community living amidst unceasing turmoil. She highlights that the violence in Kashmir has been so relentless that it has denied the people a space to reflect on their past. There has been no time to document the changes or mourn the losses, leaving the people with a collective sense of unresolved grief. This void of reflection has had a deep impact on Kashmiris, who carry with them the weight of these unaddressed emotions and experiences.

The Struggle to Preserve Identity

In her conversations, Wani reflects on the difficulty of preserving a Kashmiri identity in such a fraught environment. Despite efforts to forge a sense of unity based on shared values, the constant conflict has thwarted these attempts. The book underscores how the violence has hindered the collective ability of Kashmiris to honor their cultural heritage and make sense of the profound shifts in their lives, leaving many in a state of existential confusion.

Memory as a Path to Healing

Wani’s City as Memory acts as both a witness and a testament to the resilience of the Kashmiri people. By shedding light on the personal and collective narratives, the book offers an opportunity to reclaim some of the lost memories of Kashmir’s cultural past. It highlights the importance of acknowledging the trauma and preserving the stories of those affected by conflict in order to pave the way for healing and understanding in a fractured society.

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