"Our Moon Has Blood Clots- A Memoir of a Lost Home in Kashmir" by Rahul Pandita

This is my second read from Rahul Pandita, which in fact should have been my first one. My previous review (kind of) of Rahul Pandita's "Lover boy of Bahawalpur" was also centered on Kashmir and its issue. This one though, is more detailed account of what has been the situation of Kashmir since ancient times. This book can be handy to interpret the situation in valley and its umbilical connections with Pakistan. For a keen curios reader, this book should be preceded by "Lover boy...". That will enable one to understand and comprehend the situation in Kashmir valley in a much better way.

The plot encircles the 'FORCED' MASS EXODUS of Kashmiri pandits from THE VALLEY after 90s. The atrocities met out to minorities were most heinous, brutal and inhumane. The scars of which can still be seen on Kashmiri pandits' lives, even after two decades. 

Kashmir is said to be Heaven on Earth, and indeed it can be known from graphic visualization as the writer narrates. Kashmir has remained a platform for geopolitical conflicts since ages. Having been placed along a transitioning route that enables one to penetrate Indian mainland, the region has remained a complex issue since ages. Every ruler around it tried to claim and leverage its geographical advantages. Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful places on earth had become one of the most disturbed region of the world, and remains so even today. Peaceful periods for Kashmiris has remained brief along intervals of history.

Being a memoir, the reader can empathize the feelings of Kashmiri Pandits. Rahul Pandita's depiction of events unfolding like peeling an onion, ironically waters your eyes. Few events even send shivers and chills down your spine, goosebumps are often while reading events in this work. The author portrays incidents and events that matches and synchronizes with actual events in political background like visit of Indira Gandhi and her insult by uncouth civilians, later Rajiv Gandhi's visit and issues with Governor and his role during Exodus, etc. This enables one to conclude a decent authenticity of memoirs. Being a journalist his work also encapsulates interview with fellow kashmiris, one such being with Vinodkumar Dhar, lone survivor of Wandhama massacre, which made to top headlines during the period. 

I personally believe without reading this book, I wouldn't have ever known the exodus and its impact upon the Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities. I came across the ACTUAL grievances of Kashmiri Pandits only after the abrogation of Article 370, which was welcomed warm heartedly by Kashmiris from across the world. Although my perspective remained much narrow than, until now. After reading this book you can understand the actual situation in the valley. I am still feeling the vibes emanating from the book especially relating to trauma faced by the minorities.

To understand the Geo-political issues of Kashmir, this book is a must read as none other than a Kashmiri itself can satisfy your curiosity relating to the subject, and what better way can one find other than reading this Memoir?

Rahul Pandita's 'The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur'

Rahul Pandita is a Journalist and a Writer. I came across his work while I was searching some other book related on Spying/Investigation etc. This is my first read from him. Anyways, his work is based on investigation associated with terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama (Jammu Kashmir) on 14th February 2020. The book thus reveals how the case was cracked and links of suicide bombers were successfully established with Masood Azhar (now a UN designated terrorist) and his organization (Jaish-e-Mohammed) based in Pakistan.

Jammu Kashmir has remained a sensitive issue for 3 stakeholders, One, India; Two, Pakistan and Three, Independents (Separatists, who now are aligned with Pakistani interest). The issue of Kashmir is older than independence. The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, who belonged to Dogra clan, had aspirations of independent state after India's independence along with partition. However, Pakistan staked its claim on Kashmir with unofficial sanctioned invasion with the help of Pakistani tribesmen, Kabaili. Seeing the destruction, inhumane and unruly behavior wrecked upon subjects along with failure of royal military to take the siege under control, Hari Singh had to approach Government of India for help. The story continues with the accession of the state by Government of India. However, a major territory of the state was occupied by Pakistan, which is today known as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK). PoK since than has become a buffer for Pakistan to launch terror attacks on India, with a ulterior motive of "Bleeding India with thousand cuts" which is also a Pakistan's military doctrine. The motive to put the long story was to make you understand the history of Kashmir unease, which is not a modern phenomena but has a history of its own. Although the book does not mention it, accept it as a complimentary from me.

The Book throws light on politics in Kashmir especially after 90's which resulted in infiltration of cross border terrorism and simultaneously flushing out Kashmiri pandits from their homes in the valley. Mass exodus along with unspeakable atrocities broke the community's soul. At the same time, Kashmir became a melting pot for different terror groups with different ideologies, with same goal of snatching Kashmir from India. The book also points, although not directly, but a sound minded reader would know that Government of India has always acted in a manner as a parent treats a child, to Kashmir and its issue. Meanwhile, attacks on Jammu Kashmir assembly in 2001, later an attack on Indian Parliament, the same year points to laggard nature of Government in dealing towards the issue. Article 370 of the Constitution of India which gives a special status to Jammu & Kashmir has remained a contentious issue in Governance in India and the State as well. The freedom accruing from the Article 370, was used in malignant manner. Until August 5th 2019, when it was finally abrogated. Abrogation of Article 370 was followed by strong reactions from separatists both within Indian borders as well as cross border separatists, additionally even Pakistan showed contention at this move of the government. Naturally, as a pre-emptive measure, government took several measures so as the region would not witness any chaos and terror activities as an incitement against the decision. However, there were many elements across the border who were planning to bleed India Big this time. And unfortunately, Pulwama attack was one such incident.

The book also throws light on events and elements that nourishes terrorism in the valley. The terrorism is often known as an organized crime but how organized?, you can know from this book. The role of 'Hawala' (Money laundering), Off Ground Workers (Mostly stone pelters), even the local-disoriented, brainwashed, illiterate youths, etc. feed the entire terror network and ensure its sustenance. 

The story revolves around a LOVER BOY who is considered a prime suspect in the terror attack. Through him links were established to his uncle, who had a considerable say or rather a prime role in carrying out the attack. The uncle later was found to be Masood Azhar, from across the border. If having a keen interest in investigative literature, you would expect some tactics at play, but only to your disappointment. Being a sensitive issue concerning National Security, the details of investigation were not disclosed elaborately in the book, the argument to which we can willingly align! Through investigation of just one terror attack, it tries to establish the fact that the valley is infested with terrorists and is vulnerable to attacks any time. It also helps us to understand how Kashmir and its politics with India has always been wrongly presented at International platforms. Through this one incident it becomes easy to gauge the ground realities.

Overall the book is a good read, it enables you to understand the ground picture of Kashmir. The flow of writing incidents grips you well to not let go off the book. Concluding it as an insightful yet entertaining read, would be apt.