By Sheikh Mustafa
Nestled amidst a tapestry of emerald meadows and dense forests, close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Rustum area of Uri sector, an All India Radio (AIRs) Station launched three years ago, provides some hope to the conflict battered communities living in the region.
The radio station airs local news and other programmes on current affairs, interviews, talk shows and music in Urdu, Kashmiri, Pahari and Gojri. The language programmes are particularly gaining popularity.
Promoting Local Languages
For the Pahari and Gojri speaking population, the radio programmes are a way to reclaim their pride in their language and heritage.
As Pervaiz Ahmad Mughal, an undergraduate student, avers, “Our Pahari language is like blood in our veins. We take great pride in our culture and way of speaking. Sadly, it’s almost gone, but the new station in our area is bringing it back to life.”
“This will also make us feel more connected to our community,” he said.
Another Pahari resident, Sameer Ahmad, said, “Our language is on the brink of extinction as people no longer communicate in their mother tongue. The stories that were earlier told in Pahari are now retold in other languages. To popularise it through radio programmes means preserving the language, and, thus, safeguarding our cultural identity.”
According to a 2018 survey, 10,22,982 people in Jammu and Kashmir speak Pahari. The survey also found that 63% Paharis live in Jammu and 37% in Kashmir. Majority Pahari speaking people leave close to the Line of Control in both provinces.
Pahari speaking populations straddle both sides of the Line of Control.
Conversations with a cross-section of people revealed how they have seen a replacement of Pahari language in their personal and public spaces with Urdu.
Like the Paharis, the Gujjars and Bakerwals – in the region find the radio programmes in their language – Gojri – a reason to rejoice. The Gujjar and Bakerwals comprise the third largest ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir.
Uri is home to a sizeable section of Gojri and Pahari speaking people.
“The radio station is historic,” says Tabarat Ahmad Sheikh. “For decades, marginalized communities were muted on the airwaves. The impetus on public broadcasts in our own language enables our culture, voice and identity to find its rightful place on the world stage,” he opines.
“Mother-tongue broadcasting does not just builds bridges,” Sheikh says, and adds, “It also fosters literacy, celebrates diversity, and empowers the unheard to become storytellers, educators, and change makers.”
Radio Services
Maqsood Ahmad, Editor of Radio Kashmir Srinagar claims that the Radio is not only filling the airwaves but also captivating the hearts of the locals.”
“People feel more connected – like one big family,” he says.
He adds, “This special station with a 10 KW transmitter relays local music, narrates news, programs on current affairs and local culture, and stories of brave soldiers. The programming is designed to appeal to a wide audience, and it is hoped that the station will become a popular source of entertainment and information.”
The radio station operates from 6:00 AM to 11:20 PM, broadcasting a mix of programs from All India Radio Srinagar, Vividh Bharati Mumbai, AIR Srinagar and other local programs. The station also has an FM frequency of 100.1 MHz for listeners in the local area and across the border, while in Srinagar itself, the station can be accessed on 103.5 MHz.
Some of the popular programs like “Wadi ke Aawaaz,” “Shahrbeen News Service Kashmir (SNS”) “Sur Sungam,” “Hello Farmaish,” “Sufiyism,” and “Baithak,” resonate with the audiences for their focus on folklore and traditions, Pahari music, art forms,, languages, development, social issues, and much more.
Bridging the divide across LoC
Launched in November 2020, the station is built 9000 feet above the Sea level in Uri’s Rustum sector, with the aim of not just making communities living in Uri sector connected but also bringing communities across the Line of Control (LoC) together through a shared understanding of culture and life.
The LoC has often remained the source of tension between the two countries for decades, and the new radio station is seen as a way to promote peace and understanding.
“The local news, music programs like ‘Wadi Ke Awaaz’ and especially Pahari and Gojri programs are aired from this station for the Kashmiri population who are living on the other side of the LoC,” Maqsood Ahmad says.
”By serving as a window into the latest developments, cultural events, and traditional music, the station would help to foster a sense of community and belonging,” He reasons.
He further explains that, “Shared language goes beyond the man-made borders, creating a sense of community that shares social and cultural realities. Listening to the radio is like sitting in the same room, even though being miles apart. The familiar voices, the shared laughter at jokes, the famous musical programs, the discussions on common cultural touchstones – all contribute to a powerful sense of connection.”
“Featuring interviews with people, discussions on shared cultural heritage, and even musical collaborations create a platform for mutual understanding and the empathy,” Ahmad, who is in-charge of the Rustum radio station, says.
“It is better that local people involvement should be there where young people can talk about the problems in their area and find solutions. This way, the issues can be fixed and the community can benefit. We need to give young people a platform to speak up about the problems they see in their communities. This will help us address those problems and make our communities better places to live,” he said
How people are connecting?
The launch of the new radio station has been welcomed by people living close to the LoC. Many have expressed the hope that the station will help to build bridges between communities and promote peace in the region.
“This is a very positive development,” said Inam Ahmad resident of Uri. “I hope that the radio station will help to bring promote peace and understanding between the two communities. We are extremely thankful to the government for this historic step.”
Peace and calm on the borders is much cherished in this border region where living is like walking a tightrope, says Rouf Parray.
Ishfaq Ahamd Paray, a Mass Communication Graduate of Uri, “For us, fear is a constant companion. We have witnessed the terrifying and prolonged effects of conflict and the weight of uncertainty hangs heavy. Each day, we offer a silent prayer for peace, a yearning for a better days.”
Both agree that the launch of the radio station provides a glimmer of hope while living in constant distress and fear.
Another reason why people are connecting, says Ishfaq, is the difficult topography of the region which witnesses 3 to 5 feet of snow every winter, on an average.
“The roads are blocked and sometimes the area is isolated from rest of the world for over three months. Like the stockpiling of essential items which we do before the onset of winter for our survival, the radio programs will help us sustain the rough weather,” he says.
People of Uri hope that through the many times of despair, the radio station will hum with life. Within its walls, stories will continue to be woven, voices will find expression, and communities will bond together.
This unassuming blue and white building, nestled amidst the high mountains, green meadows and dense forests in Uri’s Rustum is more than just a radio station. It is a symbol of hope and connection for the people living on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
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