In the turbulent landscape of Kashmir, cricket has evolved beyond a mere sport—it has become a symbolic battleground where political tensions, societal dynamics, and historical grievances intertwine. The celebration of Pakistan’s victories and the perceived joy at India’s losses in cricket matches are not merely expressions of sports fandom; they are manifestations of deeper-seated issues that have permeated the socio-political fabric of the region.
Historical Context: Seeds of Discord in Kashmir
To understand the complex relationship between cricket and conflict in Kashmir, one must trace the historical roots that have contributed to the prevailing sentiments. The region has been marred by political unrest for decades, and the intricate web of geopolitical forces has left an indelible mark on the psyche of the Kashmiri people.
The inception of this narrative can be traced back to a period when a handful of influential individuals, estimated to be no more than 100 to 200, exerted a disproportionate influence over the collective mindset of Kashmir. These figures, driven by their own motives and agendas, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative that celebrates Pakistan’s victories and, by extension, India’s defeats in cricket.
The repercussions of this narrative have been profound, with the loss of over a lakh lives in the deadly conflict. The manipulation of sentiments, fueled by financial support from both sides of the geographical divide, has created a lingering perception among Kashmiris—a perception that even if India adorns the roads and bridges with gold, they will not consider themselves Indians.
Elite Class and Double Standards: Safeguarding Their Own
A stark disparity emerges when examining the behavior of the elite class in Kashmir. While they actively perpetuate the narrative of celebrating Pakistan’s victories, they meticulously ensure the safety and future of their own children by keeping them at a distance from the conflict. The elite, whose offspring pursue education in the world’s best universities or embark on high-salary careers, paradoxically contribute to a narrative that encourages the common Kashmiri, particularly the youth, to be the flag bearers of sentiments that may jeopardize their own futures.
This dichotomy raises questions about the responsibility of those in influential positions in shaping a narrative that is not only divisive but also places the vulnerable at the forefront of a conflict they did not create.
Systemic Exploitation: Ordinary Kashmiris as Cannon Fodder
The ordinary Kashmiri, particularly those from the economically disadvantaged strata, finds themselves unwittingly ensnared in this narrative of celebration and conflict. Obedience to the commands and orders of the elite becomes a way of life, perpetuating a cycle of beliefs handed down through generations. This exploitation reaches its zenith when the ordinary Kashmiri and their children become the cannon fodder in the larger Kashmir conflict.
Over the last three decades, the Public Safety Act (PSA) has been wielded as a tool of control, with more than 18,000 individuals, predominantly youths, booked in Kashmir. This reveals a systemic exploitation of the vulnerable, further emphasizing the deep-rooted issues that plague the region.
Media, Academia, and Political Figures: Perpetuating the Narrative
The perpetuation of the narrative goes beyond the confines of individual beliefs—it extends into the realms of media, academia, and political figures. Those who occupy influential positions, particularly those whose children enjoy the privileges of education in prestigious institutions or high-salary careers, actively contribute to a discourse that normalizes celebrating Pakistan’s victories and India’s losses.
This normalization finds expression even within educational institutions, where incidents like the celebration of “India’s defeat” by veterinary science students spark controversies. The recent arrest of seven Kashmiri students under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for an alleged demonstration underscores the harsh consequences faced by those who challenge the established narrative.
The Challenge of Development: Addressing Psychological Residue
While the government invests in physical infrastructure development in Kashmir, the challenge lies in addressing the psychological residue left by those who, while changing their colors, have sown seeds of discord in the minds of the young generation. The celebration of defeats and the perpetuation of hate during cricket matches are symptoms of a more profound issue that demands nuanced solutions beyond infrastructure and development projects.
The famous Dal Lake, once a symbol of natural beauty, has become a metaphor for the challenges faced in cleansing the psychological impurities that persist in the minds of Kashmiris. Efforts by various NGOs to clean the lake have been thwarted, reflecting the deeply entrenched resistance to change.
Changing Perceptions: The Struggle for Identity
As the government grapples with the task of transforming perceptions and fostering a sense of belonging among Kashmiris, the struggle for identity remains a formidable obstacle. The belief that no amount of development will make them Indians is deeply ingrained, fueled by external forces that once received substantial financial support to keep the Kashmir conflict alive.
The evolving color of these external influences, adapting to the local atmosphere, does little to erase the residue left in the minds of young Kashmiris. The struggle for identity becomes intertwined with the celebration of cricket victories and the expression of hate during defeats, creating a toxic cocktail that poses a significant challenge to efforts aimed at reconciliation.
Cricket as a Reflection of Societal Divisions
The cricket field, ostensibly a space for sportsmanship and camaraderie, has become a reflection of the deep societal divisions in Kashmir. The conditional love for the game—dependent on either Pakistan winning or India losing—underscores the extent to which external influences have shaped the mindset of the youth.
This conditional affection is not merely a product of sports fandom; it is a manifestation of a carefully crafted narrative that has exploited historical grievances and geopolitical tensions. The celebration of defeats becomes a cathartic release for those who have internalized the belief that peace can only be achieved when India loses.
Loss of Lives: Tragedy Amidst Celebration
The tragedy inherent in this narrative is the loss of lives—youths who, driven by manipulated perceptions, find themselves entangled in a conflict not of their making. Two years ago, medical students celebrating Pakistan’s victory faced consequences, and more recently, veterinary science students faced arrests for allegedly celebrating India’s defeat.
These incidents underscore the human cost of perpetuating divisive narratives and the dire need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of the issue.
The Role of Institutions: Education and Rehabilitation
In addressing the deep-seated issues that permeate Kashmiri society, the role of institutions, particularly in education and rehabilitation, becomes paramount. Academic discussions on law and democracy in TV studios or courtrooms, while important, may not suffice to salvage the future of the youth.
The challenge extends beyond legal frameworks—it encompasses reshaping the narrative, rehabilitating those who have been influenced by divisive ideologies, and fostering an environment that encourages unity and understanding.
International Dimension: Shaping Global Perceptions
The international dimension of the Kashmir conflict cannot be overlooked. The celebration of Pakistan’s victories and the expression of hate during India’s defeats in cricket matches reverberate globally, shaping perceptions of a region caught in a perpetual struggle.
