Cultural weave

Tibetan Muslims in Kashmir carved out a space for themselves by blending two rich cultures, all while dealing with statelessness and economic hardship

- BY TARIQ BHAT

The Dalai Lama's remarkable escape to India during the Tibetan uprising of 1959 is well documented. But, there was another migration triggered by the upheaval—of the Tibetan Muslims. It is now a largely forgotten chapter of modern Asian history. They returned to their roots—their ancestors were from Kashmir—and, over six decades, have quietly built a life for themselves at Hawal and Eidgah in Srinagar.

“Our elders came to Kashmir from Tibet in 1961,” said Omar Adil Qazi, a prominent member of the community. His father, Ziauddin, was among the members of the 129 families that left Tibet, hoping to rebuild their lives in the land of their forefathers. A few families stayed in West Bengal, but most chose Kashmir, believing it to be a sort of spiritual homeland.

The decision to leave Tibet was not easy. Many had lived there for generations, their culture shaped by Tibetan customs and Islamic traditions. But, when China reportedly offered them freedom and facilities for abandoning their faith, they chose exile.

“Our elders approached the Indian government, citing Kashmiri ancestry,” said Qazi. A note by the external affairs ministry to the Chinese embassy in India on September 24, 1959 read: “Persons whose permanent domicile remained in Jammu and Kashmir and who visited India from time to time... whose parents or grandparents were born in undivided India are potential citizens of India. It is this group of persons who have repeatedly stated to the Chinese authorities that they were Indian citizens. They have submitted applications in writing for registration as Indian citizens and are entitled to claim the benefits of Indian nationality.”