HORIZONTAL INEQUALITIES, CASTEISM AND CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY OF SHEENS AND YASHKUNS IN GILGIT REGION

Abstract

The concept of horizontal inequalities (HIs), conflict, and casteism has had a lasting impact on equality and peace. This thesis undertakes to study the growing enmity and hostility between the two castes of the Gilgit region. The rivalry between the concerned two castes can be seen in various fields; the socio-economic and political dimension of resources conflict and most importantly the land disputes have further exacerbated their hostility. Further, this thesis deals with the violent conflict which is arising among caste actors due to prioritization and the tug of war over resources and political influence in the region. The study also examines the violent conflict between Sheens and Yashkuns and their conflict effect on other castes in the Gilgit region. Therefore, to assess this violent conflict, this thesis uses a case study design which is a case study of Sheens and Yashkuns in Gilgit Region. Further, it is a qualitative research method for which the data has been collected through open-ended interviews with the locals. Additionally, the type of analysis used in the study is thematic analysis. This thesis argues that the conflict between the two castes in the region results from differences in resource distribution, and land disputes contribute to the growing horizontal inequalities in the region. Resultantly, the other minority castes suffer because of the enmity of the two dominant castes. The research identifies that the severe horizontal inequalities in socio-economic and political domain is an important source of conflict. In addition, this study provides a broader framework for civil societies and government institutions to play an effective role. In the region, the institutions that also formulate policies should consider quotas for education, employment, anti-discrimination laws, and the promotion of multi-caste base civic institutions to mitigate future conflicts. The study proposes and put forward policy measures and recommendations to build strong coordination without caste discrimination. It also provides a path for public participation and harmony to create a progression in the region.