‘Lal Chowk’ by Rohin Kumar: The multiplicity of truths in Kashmir

It can’t be this or that when it comes to Kashmir, which remains a conundrum. Journalist Rohin Kumar’s ‘Lal Chowk’, translated into English by Dharmesh Chaubey, unravels the complex layers of history, politics and human emotions tied to the Kashmir conflict. The book, aptly named after the iconic square in Srinagar, serves as a compounded metaphor for the heart of the Valley, pulsating with stories that have been told, untold and retold; heard, unheard and silenced: “‘Lal Chowk’ intends and hopes to explain the politics of optics, and the differing perceptions and narrative.”

One of the most striking features of ‘Lal Chowk’ is its treatment of the different perspectives surrounding the conflict. Rather than promoting a singular narrative, Rohin captures the multitude of voices — of ordinary Kashmiris, including women, journalists, soldiers, politicians and former militants. Each voice represents a distinct facet of the Kashmir experience, reflecting the many ways in which the conflict has impacted lives.

Amidst the obvious sections on “torture” and “political rhetoric” are the not-so-obvious portions on “gendered militancy” and “politics of mourning”. The author seamlessly shifts between these patterns and frames, allowing readers to see the conflict through various lenses, none of which is wholly right or wrong, but all of which are innately human. “If you knock at anyone’s door in Kashmir, a woman will open the door even when men are present in the house. Why? Because of their memories and experiences.”

While exploring different realities, ‘Lal Chowk’ reiterates that truth is relative in conflict zones, with individuals caught in a muddle of political tensions, religious divides and personal tragedies. The author effectively captures this ambiguity on the ground and transports it on the page, leaving readers grappling with questions about human rights, morality, justice, and the true cost and effect of the Kashmir conflict.

For those unfamiliar with the conflict, the book comprehensively offers the necessary context and history — from the accession of Kashmir to abrogation of Article 370, counting all the pegs in between. However, the most poignant aspect of ‘Lal Chowk’ is its revelation of the “hidden secrets”. The author peels layers of official narratives and propaganda through his conversations with the affected people to expose the darker, often unrecounted, realities — the secret operations, the covert alliances and the personal betrayals that have shaped the course of events in the Valley and overshadowed the lived realities of Kashmiri people, however simplistically they might have been projected.

The anecdotes and conversations, rich in detail and emotion, immerse the reader in the stark tragedy of Kashmir, more like a dance around the pyre. A separate section on ‘Interviews’ with senior politicians of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh adds to the book’s attempt in documenting the alternative history of Kashmir, dug with utmost care. However, the strength of ‘Lal Chowk’ lies not just in its telling of the story, based on research and extensive fieldwork, but in its invitation to reflect on the multiplicity of truths that exist within a conflict that has raged for decades. While the book offers no easy answers, it does offer a profound understanding of the complexities and quagmires that define Kashmir today — a conflict that is rife with moral ambiguity, where the lines between the victim and the perpetrator are often blurred beyond comprehension. ‘Lal Chowk’ leaves a lasting impression, urging readers to think beyond headlines and read between scripted lines.

— The writer teaches at GGDSD College, Chandigarh