Summary of "The Untold Story Of The People Of Azad Kashmir | Christopher Snedden

 The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir by Christopher Snedden

   

Theme 

The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir is a historical and political account of the region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a self-governing territory in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The book provides an insight into the region's complex history, its relationship with Pakistan and India, and the aspirations of its people.

Key Notes/Arguments

The book argues that the people of AJK have been neglected by Pakistan and are often overlooked in discussions on the Kashmir conflict. Snedden claims that the region's distinct identity and history have been overshadowed by Pakistan's nationalist agenda and its support for the Kashmiri independence movement. The book also explores the impact of the 2005 earthquake on the region, as well as the political, economic, and social challenges faced by the people of AJK.

Chapters: 

Introduction: The introduction provides an overview of the book's scope and themes, as well as the author's motivations for writing it.

The Historical Background: This chapter delves into the region's history, from its pre-colonial era to the present day. Snedden traces the region's political and economic evolution under the Dogra dynasty, British colonial rule, and Pakistan's governance.

The Earthquake and After: The third chapter focuses on the impact of the 2005 earthquake on AJK and the government's response. The author examines the region's reconstruction efforts and the challenges faced by the survivors.

Politics and Governance: This chapter explores the region's political system, including its government and electoral processes. Snedden also analyses the role of Pakistan in shaping the region's governance and its impact on the people of AJK.

The Economy and Society: The fifth chapter examines the region's economy and society, including its agriculture, tourism, and social welfare programs. The author also looks at the challenges faced by the people of AJK in accessing basic services and employment opportunities.

The Future of Azad Kashmir: The final chapter looks at the region's future prospects, including its relationship with Pakistan and India, its political aspirations, and its role in the Kashmir conflict.

Key takeaways 

- The book sheds light on the neglected history and identity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and its people's aspirations. Snedden argues that Pakistan's nationalist agenda has overshadowed the distinct identity of AJK, and the region's people have been marginalized in discussions on the Kashmir conflict. 

- The book also highlights the challenges faced by the people of AJK, including poverty, lack of basic services, and limited economic opportunities. 

- Finally, the author calls for greater recognition of the region's distinct identity and a more inclusive approach to resolving the Kashmir conflict.

Author's Background:

Christopher Snedden is an Australian academic and author specializing in South Asian politics and history. He holds a PhD from the Australian National University and has worked as a consultant for various international organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations. He has also published several books on South Asia, including Understanding Kashmir and Pakistan: An Unfinished Agenda.

Comparison To Other Books:

The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir provides a unique perspective on the region, focusing on its neglected history and the aspirations of its people. It differs from other books on the Kashmir conflict, which tend to focus on the Indian-administered part of the region or the broader political and strategic implications of the conflict.

Audience:

The book is aimed at scholars, policymakers, and general readers interested in the Kashmir conflict and South Asian politics.

Critical Response:

The book has received positive reviews for its insightful analysis of the neglected history and aspirations of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It has been praised for its accessible writing style and its contribution to a more nuanced understanding of the Kashmir conflict.

Publisher:

The Untold Story of the People of Azad Kashmir was published by HarperCollins in 2019.

Recommendations:

• Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris by Christopher Snedden: This book provides an overview of the history and politics of the region of Kashmir and the aspirations of its people.

• The Kashmir Dispute: 1947-2012 by A.G. Noorani: This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kashmir conflict, including its historical background, political implications, and legal dimensions.

• Kashmir: A Disputed Legacy, 1846-1990 by Alastair Lamb: This book provides a detailed history of the region of Kashmir, including its political evolution under British and Indian rule and the origins of the conflict.

Crux:

The book's biggest takeaway is that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been neglected in discussions on the Kashmir conflict, and their distinct identity and aspirations have been overshadowed by Pakistan's nationalist agenda. The author calls for greater recognition of the region's distinct identity and a more inclusive approach to resolving the conflict.