Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir

“Some thinkers say that history is a fiction, or that the fate of every living or non – living thing was set in stone millions or billions of years ago by the Almighty, whatever the truth, God and the historians were certainly cruel for not adding a few pages of happy ending to Kashmir’s story.”

Malik Sajad’s Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir is a graphic novel following the story of the eponymous protagonist, a boy navigating his young life in Kashmir. It is set in the mid-1990s, depicting the political instability, violence and communal disharmony in Kashmir. It is unique in that it is the first graphic novel that speaks of the territorial dispute and political goings on in Kashmir, considered to be a highly controversial issue to this day. It is also semi- autobiographical, drawing heavily from the author’s own experiences. The graphic novel, through its vivid illustrations and jarring yet darkly humorous dialogue, explores the themes of secessionism, social justice, representation, occupation, the power of religion.

Kashmir has been a flashpoint issue between India and Pakistan, two long-standing rivals for decades. The territory is under dispute, and both countries administer certain parts of Kashmir. Historically, there has been a lot of unrest in Indian – administered Kashmir, claiming thousands of lives. The story of Munnu unravels the human cost of this dispute. The novel introduces Munnu, his four siblings and his parents, living in Srinagar. Crackdowns by the Indian army, protests and militant violence are very much a part of their daily lives and their lived realities. Munnu’s father’s business as an artisan struggles, and his own school is shut down due to their principal’s arrest. The novel portrays the severely imbalanced power dynamic between the Indian army and the citizens of Kashmir, highlighting the latter’s helplessness and powerlessness in their journey to self – recognition. The armed forces are able to legitimize their indiscriminate violence and torture of Kashmiris in the name of national security and sovereignty. The novel showcases how Kashmiris themselves feel a growing resentment towards India, and an building alignment with Pakistan on the basis of a common religion. Some groups also yearn for a free Kashmir, under the control of neither country. Throughout the narrative, the reader is made aware of the multiple interest groups and stakeholders operating within this region, all fighting for different things. Thus, the fragmented identity of Kashmir is a key contributing factor to the continued political upheaval.

The oppression of the citizens of Kashmir occurs not just on a physical level, through violence and the threat of violence, but on an ideological one as well. Through various mediums like the education system, the Kashmiri youth undergo a form of indoctrination. For example, when Munnu’s school finally reopens, the Kashmiri language is strictly prohibited, and speaking in it is considered “uncivilized."The teachers go to great extents to ensure discipline amongst their pupils, leaving Munnu in deep fear of going to school. Later in his life, when Munnu attempts to use his comics as political commentary and to criticise the establishment, he is afraid to do so for fear of the repercussions. This highlights how basic human rights such as freedom of speech are denied to Kashmiri citizens.

The Kashmiri resistance is kept alive by tales of injustice. The death of characters like Mustafa angers the community further, turning these martyrs into symbols of hope. During crackdowns, men of a certain age and height are rounded up, and returned to their homes bruised and battered. Often, they are wrongly accused of being militants and killed. This displays the lack of due legal process afforded to Kashmiris before their fate is decided.

When Munnu grows up, he attempts to learn the history of Kashmir, and the many alternate versions that people tell. Media portrayal of the issue in the 90s is also criticised due to the fact that the data reported is often very different depending on who is talking (Sajad, 2015, p. 286). The subjectivity of the Kashmir issue heightens its complexity further. The novel is critical of the so – called Kashmiri revolutionaries as well, claiming that some of them make deals with the reporters, and that the constant infighting between them leads to no progress. Sajad also depicts the lack of intervention by the international community in the scene where Munnu meets the European Union officials. The various stakeholders that have the power to affect change in Kashmir are, in some way or another, either powerless, apathetic to the cause, or prioritise their personal gain over justice.

It is important to note that the novel takes the perspective of a born and bred Kashmiri. This is significant because Kashmiri voices have historically not been heard in this debate. According to the novel, Kashmiri votes have been rigged, and they were not consulted during the Indo – Pak talks, The colonial powers, Maharajas, Pakistan and India have all spoken for Kashmir. The Kashmiris in the novel are drawn as Hanguls, a subspecies of deer found in the valleys and mountains of Kashmir. This is a very poignant statement on the part of the Sajad, who draws the connection between “endangered species” and “endangered humans." Indeed, the people of Kashmir are endangered by being constantly under attack by the political and ideological forces intent on disallowing their right to self – determination. Novels like Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir highlight just how important representation is to the people of Kashmir.

In conclusion, one must not be entrenched in or blinded by pre – existing political and religious divisions but rather take into account the various complexities and nuances of this issue for there ever to be progress in Kashmir.