Causes of Conflict among the Swatis of Hazara

Social, Political and Economic Considerations

Abstract

This paper highlights the causes of conflict among the Swatis of Batagram in Hazara Division of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. Conflicts stem from clash in the interest, cultural values or desires of an individual or a group with another individual or a group in the society or otherwise. Culture, largely shaped by the given physical environment, usually, leads to conflict either due to lack, scarcity or uneven distribution of resources. It is under the inherent need or greed that man fights for the control of resources and manages the legitimacy of a conflict within the cultural norms. The causes of conflict may vary, because “war is a cultural phenomenon, that it is a form of institutionalized behaviour given definition by consensus, and that the definition varies from society to society” (Goldschmidt; Foster; Rubinstein; Silverberg 1986:12). Although any action violating the norms of the society results in the emergence of a conflict among the Swatis, yet the current research mainly focuses on the conflicts arising on the dispute of land property. Nevertheless, other basic reasons of conflict are related to various issues with respect to females and money matters. Since, woman, gold, and land property are observable indicators, and any untoward incident associated with them is considered a stigma on social survival of a man. Land, being the main source of livelihood, is a big cause of conflict, which is normally resolved through public meetings. Conflict over the honour and chastity of woman is resolved at the family level. While allegation of moral turpitude involving a male and a female is resolved by the near blood relatives including father and brothers. Traditionally, it is the father or brothers who normally kill the adulterer or fornicator. . .