Book Title: Kashmir - Shock, Fury, Turmoil: Theft of Prophet's Relic, Outrage and Spin-Off
Author: Khalid Bashir Ahmad
Publisher: Gulshan Books Srinagar
Pages: 447
Price: Rs. 1,150
“Lord, this journey is too hard, and I feel so alone,
And I’m so afraid of all the unknowns.”
The Lord took me by the hand,
And in that moment, He helped me to understand.
He said, “My child, though the valley can be painful, it is a place of beauty.”
December in Kashmir brought a severe cold wave that winter, transforming the Valley’s scenic beauty into a virtual iceberg. Roads were snowbound with dangerously slippery, glass-like surfaces. Nights were damp and dark with sub-zero temperatures, making life unbearable for the common people.
As if the harsh weather wasn’t enough, the Valley was struck by shocking news—miscreants had carved a hole in the sacred walls of the Hazratbal Shrine and stolen the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh].
This act of sacrilege deeply wounded the hearts and souls of millions of faithful. Braving the bitter cold, the people, with blood boiling in their veins, were ready to sacrifice their lives to ensure the relic’s recovery.
This gripping tale forms the backbone of Kashmir - Shock, Fury, Turmoil, masterfully written by Khalid Bashir Ahmad.
The author meticulously reconstructs the theft of the Moi-e-Muqaddas—a strand of the Prophet’s [pbuh] hair—a sacred relic symbolising faith for Kashmiris. Ahmad’s work is a masterpiece, offering a detailed and evocative narrative of the dramatic events that unfolded. His vivid descriptions and thought-provoking conclusions bring the story alive.
Ahmad explores the broader implications of this event, highlighting its role in sparking a chain reaction of protests, political upheaval, and religious fervour that left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the Kashmiri people.
He provides a clear account of how the theft catalysed a series of events that extended beyond the borders of Kashmir, affecting political dynamics in New Delhi, Karachi, Lahore, and even New York.
The author does not shy away from exposing the deceitful actions of those driven by greed for money and power. The book also unveils cryptic tales of political rivalries within parties and families competing for control. Ahmad’s in-depth analysis peels back layers of intrigue, revealing the complex interplay of religion, politics, and power.
Khalid Bashir Ahmad, a poet, author, and former civil servant from Srinagar, wields a unique ability to present history through a blend of anecdotes, case histories, newspaper accounts, interviews, and oral traditions.
By complementing these narratives with scientific research, he makes history accessible and engaging. Known for exploring lesser-known facets of Kashmir’s history, Ahmad provides context to their political and religious significance, crafting narratives that defy stereotypes.
One memorable excerpt vividly describes the emotionally charged atmosphere in Kashmir:
“Amid protests, mourning, and political upheaval, and only hours after Sadr-i-Riyasat Karan Singh had visited the Hazratbal Shrine in the morning on 4 January 1964, Radio Kashmir interrupted its broadcast to make an important announcement.
At 5 p.m., broadcaster and newsreader Abdur Rashid Banday broke what he termed as ‘sabse muqqadas khabar’ or the most sacred news: that the Moi-ie-Muqaddas-e-Janab Rasoolallah [Salalahu alaihi wassalam] had been recovered.”
Ahmad painstakingly examines the motivations and dark elements behind this heinous act, balancing these inquiries with a judicious perspective. The narrative offers an intricate web of events, such as the emergence of a demand for Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to identify the relic. Abdullah, then imprisoned, became a focal point of public support as tens of thousands took to the streets demanding his release to verify the relic.
Ahmad’s storytelling is rich in suspense, particularly when recounting the mysterious death of a police officer central to the theft investigation.
With a tightly plotted narrative, the book often reads like a historical conspiracy thriller, holding the reader’s attention while unpacking political intrigue, miscarriages of justice, and hidden motives.
The author delves into the consequences of the theft on Kashmir’s political landscape, describing how it became a tool for manoeuvring and manipulation. Political players used the incident to settle scores, with rival factions within parties and families exploiting the public outrage for their own benefit. Ahmad’s ability to interweave political and religious elements with historical precision is remarkable.
Mysterious Mercedes Car
One particularly gripping detail relates to an alleged intelligence report suggesting that on the night of 26–27 December, two men with an electric saw arrived at the Hazratbal Shrine in a white Mercedes—a car so rare in Jammu and Kashmir at the time that only two existed: one owned by a Jammu businessman and politician, Dina Nath Mahajan, and the other in the possession of the State Motor Garages, under the use of G.M. Sadiq.
The mystery surrounding the theft remains unresolved, as Ahmad recounts:
“Sayyid Mir Qasim, who became Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir on 12 December 1971, recalls that after Sadiq took over as Prime Minister, they met Mullik and expressed concerns over the accused names being released. Mullik responded: “Who was the real culprit, where did he belong to, and why did he remove it [the Holy Relic]? This secret will remain in my dark chambers and will go with me to my grave.’”
Ahmad’s prose is evocative and laden with the emotional weight of the events he recounts. He manages to convey the collective trauma of a community grappling with betrayal and loss. His narrative is further enriched by his exploration of the broader socio-political context, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the incident’s impact.
The book’s academic value cannot be overstated. It is a treasure trove of information, offering insights into Kashmir’s history, politics, and culture. Ahmad’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this work a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and general readers alike.
Kashmir - Shock, Fury, Turmoil is more than just a historical account - it is a reflection on the resilience of a people and the enduring significance of faith in their lives. Ahmad’s ability to navigate complex themes with clarity and precision ensures that this book will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.
While the price may seem steep at Rs. 1,150, the depth of information and the richness of the narrative more than justify the cost. This book is not only a captivating read but also an essential addition to any academic institution’s library.
It is highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of Kashmir’s past and its relevance to contemporary issues.
In conclusion, Kashmir - Shock, Fury, Turmoil is a masterfully written account that combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling.
Khalid Bashir Ahmad has succeeded in creating a narrative that is as informative as it is engaging, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Kashmir’s history.
This book is a testament to the power of history to inform, challenge, and inspire.
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