The people of Kashmir are mourning the loss of Sampat Prakash, a prominent trade union leader and Kashmiri nationalist, who passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 86. Prakash’s funeral took place at Karan Nagar on Sunday and was attended by a diverse gathering of people, transcending religious and political differences.
Prakash’s untimely demise was attributed to a massive heart attack he suffered in Srinagar. Despite being rushed to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), he was declared brought dead upon arrival, leaving the region in a state of shock and sadness.
His passing has deeply affected individuals from all walks of life in Kashmir, including politicians, trade unions, and various organizations. Prakash was known for his unwavering commitment to the people of Kashmir and his tireless efforts to address their concerns and challenges.
A Life Dedicated to Kashmir and Its People
Born on March 10, 1937, in Anantnag, Sampat Prakash grew up in the vibrant cultural environment of Kashmir. His family resided in Rainawari, where he experienced the richness of the region’s heritage. In the late 1980s, Kashmir witnessed a period of violence that resulted in the mass displacement of Kashmiri Pandits. Despite enduring immense hardships and trauma due to the displacement, Prakash advocated for the rights of all Kashmiris.
Supreme Court lawyer Nandita Haksar remarked, “The strength of Sampat Prakash was that he was firmly rooted in the Kashmiri Pandit society; he could speak as a Kashmiri Pandit and yet speak for all Kashmiris as a political leader from the Valley. He saw the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandits as a larger part of the suffering of all Kashmiris.”
Influenced by Nationalism
Prakash received his education at the prestigious Tyndale Biscoe School in Srinagar, where he shared a classroom with National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. Influenced by his father Neel Kanth Kundu, who served as the school’s principal and advisor to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Prakash developed a deep sense of nationalism.
Significant Achievements in the Trade Union Movement
Alongside his dedication to the cause of Kashmiri Pandits, Sampat Prakash played a pivotal role in the trade union movement. As a trade union leader, he tirelessly fought for the rights and welfare of workers, particularly in the cooperative sector. Prakash advocated for improved working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced social security measures for laborers. In 1974, he was elected as the President of the Central Lal Bazaar Cooperative Housing Society, where he made significant strides in advancing the rights and well-being of workers. His unwavering dedication and commitment earned him widespread respect within the labor movement in India.
Having been arrested for the first time in 1968 under the Preventive and Detention Act section (13A) of the Indian Parliament for leading a mass agitation against the government over low wages, Prakash spent over eight years in jail, both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Prakash actively participated in conferences, seminars, and public debates to shed light on the concerns and challenges faced by workers. His advocacy work extended beyond the cooperative sector, encompassing issues related to labor rights, social justice, and equitable development.
Sampat Prakash’s contributions to the labor movement were widely acknowledged, and he emerged as a respected figure in various trade union forums. He was known for his principled stance against identity politics and his unwavering commitment to secularism. Prakash’s leadership within the trade unions brought communities together, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries.
A Void Left Behind
The passing of Sampat Prakash has left a significant void in both the trade union movement and Kashmir as a whole. His legacy as a powerful voice for workers’ rights and his steadfast dedication to the cause of Kashmir will be cherished and remembered by many. The life and contributions of Sampat Prakash have left an indelible mark on the community and the labor movement in India.
As the people of Kashmir mourn his loss, it is evident that his absence will be deeply felt. The trade union movement, in particular, has lost a remarkable leader who championed the rights of workers and fought tirelessly for their well-being. The void left by Sampat Prakash’s demise will be challenging to fill, but his vision and ideals will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to work towards a just and equitable society.
The Chenab Times News Desk