Pathans in Kashmir - Wall Street Journal

[John Doe]

Pathans in Kashmir Preserve Identity

By Nafeesa Syeed

GOTLI BAGH, Indian Kashmir – Abdul Wadud Khan is a fiercely proud Pathan, who speaks what he deems as “pure Pashto.” But he doesn’t live in Afghanistan. Nor does he reside in Pakistan.

The 83-year-old belongs to a small minority of Pathans settled in Indian-administered Kashmir who have maintained their distinct cultural and linguistic identity a century after their ancestors emigrated from Peshawar and the Swat valley in Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. They carry on customs such as holding jherga councils to decide disputes and observing strict rules of purdah (separation) for women. They watch TV programs broadcast from Peshawar and Kabul and set Pashto pop songs as their ringtones. But times are changing for this insular group, as more youth, especially girls, pursue their education and employment outside. With norms being eroded, some are worried about the community’s future cohesion.

Beyond speech, customs and blood, they are also tied to their brethren across borders when it comes to being affected by conflict, by the troubles raging in South Asia. In Gotli Bagh, they say they’re pained when they hear about ongoing violence impacting fellow Pathans in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Read full article here:

Pathans in Kashmir Preserve Identity Amid Conflict - India Real Time - WSJ

 

[alphamale]

change is a never ending phenomenon. they will most probably forget their pashto roots in few decades like their counterparts in india & other parts of world. when one is far away from its roots then the culture can only survive for 2-3 generations.

 

[Pakistanisage]

Pathans migrated not only to Kashmir but also to Uttar Pradesh in large numbers. The UP Pathans however took up Urdu as their first language and most do not speak Pushto anymore.

 

[alphamale]

Pathans migrated not only to Kashmir but also to Uttar Pradesh in large numbers. The UP Pathans however took up Urdu as their first language and most do not speak Pusto no more.

not only UP they are scattered all over india from north to south & west to east.