By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: Women have always been the silent sufferers of conflict. As Kashmir erupted against the rigged elections of 1987, many Kashmiris picked up guns to fight against the Indian rule.
The Indian government too decided to deal the uprising with an Iron hand to put a curb on Kashmiris joining militancy. As the crackdown on militants started in early 1990’s, jails and torture centers of different Indian security agencies in Kashmir were filled with alleged militants and thousands of sympathizers picked up mere on suspicions.
According to the conservative estimates, there are around 8,000-10,000 cases of involuntary and enforced disappearances in Kashmir mainly attributed to be the work of Indian security establishments since the onset of militancy.
The disappearances which continued unabated during 1990s created a sub group of ‘widows’ who were called as ‘half widows’, the wives who don’t know whether their husbands are dead or alive.
The term ‘half widow’ is used for women whose husbands have disappeared and are still missing during the ongoing conflict in Kashmir. These women are called ‘half-widows’ because they have no idea whether their husbands are dead or alive.
The estimates of Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JCCS), puts the figure of 1,500 half-widows in the state at around 1500 whereas others put the number between 2,000-2,500.
The issues and ordeals of half-widows have often remained under reported in mainstream media. In an attempt to address this issue, Danish Renzu, a Kashmiri filmmaker has made a 96-minute movie on the half widows. The trailer of the movie, which was released recently, has already become an instant hit in the valley and across the globe.
Renzu, who was born and raised in Kashmir and is now settled in Los Angeles had studied electrical engineering at the University of California. But his interest in filmmaking prevailed over his other interests and he decided to work as full time filmmaker.
According to Renzu, there are many untold stories from Kashmir. “We were trying to see which one is most realistic to shoot. We had 2-3 scripts that we were working on.”
When Renzu met Parveena Ahangar, chairperson of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), he realized that this is the story he wanted to tell.
“Since all my films will be made for worldwide audience, it was clear to me that the fear of loss and suffering is relatable to everyone,” he told TwoCircles.net.
On the 10h of almost every month, a corner of Pratap Park near city center Lal Chowk is occupied by the kin of missing persons and half widows headed by Parveena Ahangar with streamers and photographs of the victims seeking answers and justice from both the state and central governments on whereabouts of their loved ones.
The film “Half Widow”was shot entirely in Kashmir in 2-3 schedules sporadically starting from October 2015 to December 2016. It was shot at various seasons in the valley. The most important feature of this film is the entire cast is local and brings authenticity to the film.
“We did have a huge difficulty to film out last pending scenes last summer in the valley, however we are grateful that we finished it on time. We had crew from Mumbai and my cinematographer Antonio Cisneros flew from Los Angeles multiple times. Even my producer Gaya Bhola is based in Los Angeles,” Renzu said.
The director is planning to release the film internationally first and then do a theatrical release in the Valley, even though Kashmir has no theatres left. He is also planning to release film in other Indian states.
When asked if his film can bring back attention to the issue of half widows, he said, “It is a universal story and I think this film is the beginning to bring Kashmir to a worldwide audience. We have not only the introduced the suffering of the local people but have also introduced the landscape, culture, music, history, poetry etc to a worldwide audience.”
He feels that the loss of culture and music in Kashmir needs revival and this film and many more in the future will bring about that change. Renzu was particularly appreciative of his local cast. “They are exceptionally talented.”
He is also working on multiple screenplays keeping Kashmir and his cast in mind.