Lived Experiences and Narratives of Forced Displacement

Abstract

Despite globalization, border conflicts among states have been observed as a major concern in the contemporary world. This study envisions the border conflict between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue through humanitarian aspects. Thus, it aims to document the narratives and lived experiences of the forcibly displaced borderlanders of Chorbat valley during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. It also attempts to explore the reunion strategies employed by the separated families to reconnect with their kins and kith across the border. The displaced people residing in Skardu district of Baltistan were studied through qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, participants’ observation, case studies and Focus Group Discussions to collect data from a sample of 30 forcibly displaced persons of Chorbat valley. Indo-Pak conflict of 1971 compelled them to leave behind all hearts and homes, moveable and immovable property and personal belongings. Narratives of displaced people echoed the hardships and sufferings of the forcibly displaced persons during displacement. Lack of food, cold temperature, complicated routes and fear of the enemy over their head added to their distress throughout the way. Role of state in the settlement of displaced people is considered inadequate and even negligible after fifty years of displacement. The displaced people lost their homeland, identity, familiar social settings, social relations and most importantly family members. Owing to strict borders, the separated families’ opted novel ways for the reunion over the years. People contacted each other through letters, cassettes, radio Pakistan, telephone and internet but virtual reunion could not alleviate the agony and anguish of separated families and they longed for the physical reunion. Physical reunion in India and Pakistan by crossing international borders and meeting in third countries at religious sites located in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq are alternative reunion strategies. These strategies are not only an economic challenge but also a physically exhausting journey for them. People live just a stone’s throw away from their native place but they have to travel a long way through international borders to reach their villages instead of a short route. The rigidity of the borders and complicated system of visa acquisitions has made the process of unification harder for the people. For that reason, the separated families demand for the opening of Kargil-Skardu and Turtuk-Khaplu roads for the smooth and affordable reunion of the separated families especially for female and older people. Sense of belonging and longing for the homeland and also for the separated kin groups was prevalent among them which kindled the sense of nostalgia among the forcibly displaced persons. Displaced persons shared Balti songs and poetry across the border and expressed their longing for their loved ones. Place making and community organization acted as a coping strategy to minimize the alienation of the new place and also maintain collective memory of the displaced persons. Key Words: Balti Separated Families, Belonging, Chorbat Valley, Forced Displacement, Lived Experiences, Longing, Narratives, Nostalgia, Skardu.