Late Sampat Prakash
Ji -
Identity wasinseparable from his Kashmiri Pandit heritage
Adil Mir===========Muzafarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
The landscape of
Kashmiri political and social history witnessed the passing of a towering
figure, Sampat Prakash, on July 1, 2023, who passed away a few days after
celebrating his 84th birthday. His death was mourned across the region and
beyond, reflecting his multifaceted life as a Kashmiri Pandit, a dedicated
trade union leader, and a determined voice advocating for justice, secularism, and
Kashmiri identity. Op-eds published in Kashmiri newspapers and national
newspapers alike paid tribute to his enduring contributions, describing him as
a seasoned trade unionist whose interviews fueled important political debates
and stirred regional sentiments.
Sampat Prakash’s
identity was inseparable from his Kashmiri Pandit heritage, yet his worldview
transcended sectarian boundaries. He was a man deeply rooted in the history,
language, culture and spiritual traditions of Kashmir, while also embracing a
broader Kashmiri identity that encompassed all communities in the valley. His
ability to speak authentically as a Kashmiri Pandit while advocating for the
rights and dignity of all Kashmiris exemplified his commitment to the idea of
Kashmiriyat, a harmonious cultural ethos emphasizing mutual respect and
coexistence among diverse faiths and communities.
His perspective on
the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits during the insurgency and their subsequent
displacement reflected his keen awareness that their pain was part of a broader
narrative of regional conflict and human tragedy. For Sampat Prakash, the pain
of the Pandits was intertwined with the suffering of the Kashmiri Muslim
majority, and he believed that healing the valley required acknowledging this
shared pain, promoting dialogue and resisting the politics of division.
Throughout his
life, Sampat Prakash stood as a staunch critic of identity politics — an
approach that often divides societies along sectarian lines, fosters
polarization, and stands in the way of genuine reconciliation. While he may not
have articulated his political stance explicitly in contemporary times, his
actions and words have strongly opposed the divisive narrative that fuels
hostility and mistrust in Kashmir. He identified himself as a “modest student
of Marx and Lenin,” remaining strongly aligned with communist principles until
his last days. His Marxist worldview shaped his understanding of the importance
of social justice, economic equality, and workers’ rights. Yet he did not see
these principles as compatible with Kashmiri nationalism or the cultural
integrity of Kashmir. Instead, he saw them as complementary forces—a means of
empowering the oppressed, uplifting the marginalized, and shaping a society
based on justice and secularism.
While committed to
Kashmiri nationalism, Sampat Prakash was also deeply engaged in countering the
influence of political Islam, which he saw as a threat to secularism and
pluralism. His advocacy was rooted in the belief that Kashmir’s strength lay in
its diversity and that any attempt to impose a single religious or ideological
identity undermined the social fabric of the region. His efforts to promote
Kashmiriyat—a comprehensive, tolerant, and culturally rich identity—often met
with resistance from those advocating a sectarian or Islamic framework. Despite
these tensions, Sampat Prakash’s voice remained unwavering. His leadership of
low-paid civil servants and workers in protests—where slogans echoed Marxist
ideas—reflected his belief that economic and social rights were integral to the
stability and development of the region. Sampat Prakash’s activism was marked
by bold acts of resistance. During the turbulent years of the 1960s, he emerged
as a fearless leader who was willing to confront the authorities. His
participation in the 1967 strike exemplified this spirit. When the police tried
to suppress the protests, he fended them off—addressing a gathering, then
slipping into a taxi as the authorities closed in. On another occasion, facing
imminent arrest, he made a daring leap into the icy waters of the Jhelum River
while swimming to escape capture. Such acts of defiance underscored his
unwavering commitment to the working class and the marginalized. His eventual
arrest and solitary confinement in Jammu did not dampen his resolve. From jail,
he made plans and maintained his activism.
His escape from
jail became legendary – a testament to his resilience and ingenuity. These
episodes of resistance, combined with his steadfastness, inspired countless
Kashmiris who yearned for justice, equality and peace. Under the leadership of
Sampat Prakash, the trade union movement in Kashmir blossomed as a powerful
force for social change. The movement was characterized by its militancy –
passing resolutions, organizing protests, and demanding better working
conditions – yet it remained firmly committed to secularism and non-violence.
His leadership helped improve the lives of countless workers – mule drivers in
the mountains, gardeners tending Mughal gardens, transport workers, sanitation
workers – who formed the backbone of Kashmiri society.
His advocacy was
not simply about economic gains.
