Kashmir’s resistance literature gets ‘Nigah-i-Anjum’
Srinagar: In yet another ‘rich’ addition to the resistance literature of Kashmir, Anjum Zamrud Habib’s Autobiography ‘Nigah-i-Anjum’, which revolves around the political sphere of the state and especially Kashmir, was Monday released at the function in Srinagar.
Anjum has earlier written a jail dairy, originally in Urdu and which was translated into English and Hindi, titled ‘Qaidi Number 100,’ recounts her years which she spent in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. The book was received well by the audience in Kashmir as well as outside the state.
The release function which coincided with the world human rights day which was observed on 10 December was attended by renowned writers, critics and academicians. The book has been published Kitab Mahal, a Srinagar based Publisher and Distributor.
While many termed the book as the precious addition to the already existing meagre resistance literature, some said that the book has at some points attempted to correct the narrative.
The author, while talking about the book, said that she has narrated what happened around her—be it on the political sphere or the social sphere—she has recorded that.
“It recounts the turbulence I went through and what happened around me, more on the political front, what I have written is the native and insiders account,” she said.
While Qaidi Number 100 already has recorded her years in the prison, some parts of those days have once again found space, this time in her autobiography.
While talking about the book, columnist Javed Iqbal said the book narrates in a poignant style the happening on the social as well as the political sphere of Kashmir.
“The book, while it is the autobiography of the author, cannot be separated by the political and the social atmosphere that prevailed around her and she has aptly painted all the events in a subtle way,” he said.
“The book is a detailed narration of what happened in Kashmir for last three decades, while it also tells a lot about the author,” he added.
Abdul Majeed Zargar, who also presented a detailed overview of the book, appreciated the author for her work while saying that the book—daringly—has attempted to correct a few instances of the history.
“I congratulate her for the book and the service that she has done by presenting the correct version of certain instances of the history,” he said, adding “the book is full of facts which were not even known to be.”
Zargar impressed that the way Qaidi Number 100 was translated, in the same fashion, the author and the publishers should try to get the autobiography translated in order to increase its audience reach.
Later, writer and activist, Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikandar also presented a critical analysis of the book.
Others who were present during the function include Z G Muhammad, Prof Hameeda Nayeem, Khurram Pervaiz, Zahir-u-Din, apart from various other dignitaries.
Irfan Tramboo
