Mahesh Kaul
Jammu And Kashmir State has the distinction of being blessed with varied topography, vegetation, climate, culture and people. The frontier areas of the state had importance for the strategic reasons for the rulers of the state and when the state acceded to India in the backdrop of the partition of India, it assumed political prominence for different reasons.
The imperial British overlords and the communal forces, which enjoyed their patronage, were hell bent to destabilize the state. It suited them to maintain their foothold and stranglehold over the Northern Frontier.
Dogra rulers who defined the geographical and political boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of viable administrative purpose kept a keen eye on the ethnic tribes that inhabited Gilgit and Baltistan. Their culture, tradition and way of life needed to be understood in order to govern the people.
Turtuk Unveiled written by Dr. Kavita Suri is a well measured move and welcome addition to the archival and research material available on the tribes of Turtuk, a part of Baltistan. It is pertinent to mention that the British paid significant attention to Gilgit as far the strategic value is concerned .Gilgit was in the centre stage of the intrigues to destabilize the defense of India so that advantage is given to Pakistan in the Himalayas. In this process of destabilization Baltistan was affected automatically as the region is in the geographical proximity of Gilgit.
People of this area have been suffering but it goes to their credit that they have retained their smile in spite of the inhospitable terrain. Dr. Kavita Suri’s book “Turtuk Unveiled” should be seen in this backdrop as it places Turtuk in proper perspective.
The book has been divided into 12 chapters acknowledgements, foreword, Introduction, references and Index. Author has utilized her skill as the professional journalist and photographer to give the vivid and pictoral description of Turtuk besides the well researched text. The book reveals the professional competence of Dr. Kavita Suri in terms of presenting the text photographs. Her vast experience as the reputed journalist associated with various newspapers of substance and credibility like the Statesman and the academic proficiency as an academician has added value to the book.
The Book has presented a unique issue regarding the unique place -Turtuk. Introduction to the text on the jacket of the book explains the crisis the people of Turtuk face and sets the tone for the reader as to why this book should be read about the place called Turtuk in the Ladakh region of the Jammu and Kashmir state. It reads:”Turtuk, small place nestled at the farthest end of Nubra valley in Ladakh has a unique history. It was part of Baltistan, had remained with Pakistan for a long time and then was reunited with India. Turtuk Unveiled which is first literary work of its kind on Indian side of Baltistan, throws light on Indian side of Baltistan, throws light on the history of the region which is dominated by the Balti tribal’s”
Explaining the locale of the place, she writes, “Situated amid the mighty Himalayas and Karakorum mountain range in northern Pakistan and Ladakh, Baltistan or Baltiyal (Land of Baltis or Homeland of Baltis as is popularly known in Balti language) is the historic junction of the Buddhist and Islamic Worlds.”(pp 40)
Balti is the prominent tribe of this area. It was during the expedition and conquest of General Zorawar Singh that this region became the frontline of the defense of the state of Jammu and Kashmir .Giving the historical background and writing about the conquest, Dr. Kavita Suri writes, “By the summer of 1840, General Zorawar Singh had conquered the whole of Baltistan. In addition to Skardu; In place of Ahmed Shah, his eldest son Muhammad Shah was made the king. Thus Baltistan came under the Dogras.”(pp 48)
Elaborating further she says, “Turtuk has an interesting history. From 1947-48 onwards till 1947, it was part of Pakistan and many villagers living in these areas were working with Pakistani army mostly posted in the northern area of Gilgit-Baltistan. Thang Top and Trig heights in the area are still under pak occupation and are overlooking Turtuk Valley. Just down below, Thang village on Indian side is thickly populated and so is Franoo village on the other side in Pak-occupied Kashmir. In 1971, India launched an operation to liberate Turtuk and reunited it with Ladakh.”(pp 66). Turtuk remained under Pakistani occupation till 1971 and it was during the Bangladesh liberation war that this area came under the ambit of theatre of war, leading to the reunification of this area with India.
People of Turtuk have witnessed the administration of both Pakistan and India. It who has shaped their perception in terms of identity and at present it has lead to identity crisis. The book deals at various aspects of this issue and can act as a guide for the policy makers to devise mechanism to develop this area.
Book deals in detail with the traditions, culture and way of life of the Baltis. The major problem being faced by the Baltis is the land ownership that has led to their identity crisis. Giving vent to the woes of the people she writes,” Since 39 years, Ghulam Mohammed has been trying to get the revenue papers made of his land and home in Turtuk. But all his efforts have been wasted. He is among the 5000 Baltis of this region who do not have any land records. There are absolutely no revenue records hare unlike the other parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.( pp 74-77)
Explaining this issue, Dr. Suri writes, “As Turtuk was part of Chorbat block of Skardu district of Baltistan from 1948 to 1971,all the land records and related papers were kept in the office of land revenue records at the tehsil headquarter of Skardu only and were maintained by the Pakistan administration. But when the Line of Control was redrawn after Operation Turtuk, the land records were left in Skardu resulting which the villagers became landless landowners of their own lands.Presently, though hundreds of acres of land is being cultivated or owned by the Baltis in the villages of Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chalunka,thanag and Bogdang but they are landless legally .”(pp 74-77)
The author has documented the pioneering role played by the Indian army in terms of Operation Sadbhawana leading to social transformation and capacity building besides infrastructural development.
Turtuk Unveiled by Dr.Kavita Suri is a must read for researchers, policy makers and the social scientists.
The cost of the book it quite exorbitant, it should be revised to suit the common reader. Publisher should take care of the typographical mistakes that have crept in.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
