3 - Marginality on Edges: A Study of Shina Community of Kargil Borderland

Presentation Abstract
The paper examines how borders affect the lived experiences of the Shina tribal community in the Kargil borderland, India. Borders distinguish, demarcate, and divide land, people, and allegiances. More importantly, the border marks the sovereignty and legitimacy of the state and is thus highly securitized. By and large, the state and security-centric discourse subsumes the life histories and daily struggles of the borderland communities living in a highly securitized area. As such, through in-depth interviews, the paper brings out the experiences and challenges faced by the Shina community residing at the borderland, highlighting the complex nature of their marginalization. The demarcation of borders in 1947 had divided the Shina community among two nations overnight. Moreover, these communities have witnessed multiple wars after the partition of India that have elevated their sufferings. The paper traces how the drawing and re-drawing of the borders enhance the marginality of the Shina community—- from restricting their movement, livelihood disruption, and loss of access to land.