Photo Caption: Wasim Abdullah, president of the Indian Uyghur Society.
By- Mehrajudin Aslam
Srinagar, July 24, 2025- A little, single-story building in the middle of Srinagar, opposite Zam Zam House in Kursoo Rajbag, is a quiet but strong sign of strength. The Indian Uyghur Society, a tiny group of about 600 Uyghur Muslims living in India, uses this rented building as its main office. This community works hard to protect their rich cultural history while speaking out for their family members in East Turkistan, which is now called Xinjiang, China. They live in the peaceful valleys of Kashmir. Wasim Abdullah, a strong leader in his mid-30s, is in charge. His life is closely linked to the challenges and hopes of his people. Wasim was born and reared in Kashmir. He leads with a strong sense of duty that he got from his grandfather and a deep desire for justice for the Uyghurs around the world who are suffering. As he steers this small but resilient group through financial hardships and global indifference, one question echoes in his mind: Has the Muslim Ummah forgotten us?
The Uyghur minority in India has its roots in the historic Silk Route, which was a huge network of trading routes that connected the East and West. This historic corridor was more than just a way to move things like silk and spices; it was also a way for people, cultures, and ideas to cross. In 1945, Wasim's grandpa, a trader from East Turkistan, took these routes in search of opportunities in the peaceful landscapes of Kashmir. His narrative is about bravery and being able to change. When he got to a place distant from home, he had to deal with a lot of hard things, like languages he didn't know, a culture that was very different from his own, and the political turmoil in India after the partition. He didn't let that stop him. He moved to Srinagar, married a Kashmiri woman, and established the seeds of a diaspora that would last for decades.
This community has evolved to encompass about 60 families throughout the years. They presently live in Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, and Delhi, among other places. Each family carries on a history of strength that combines Uyghur traditions with India's many different cultures. India is home to their music, which has haunting melodies played on instruments like the dutar, their food, which is full of lamb and homemade noodles, and their colorful festivals. But it's getting harder and harder for them to keep these ties to their origin. Political repression in Xinjiang has cut off direct ties to their native homeland, making it harder to visit and talk to people. Even yet, the group has prospered in its own way, rising slowly but gradually. Each generation has learned to balance being Uyghur with being an Indian citizen.
For the Uyghurs in India, staying alive is a cultural and economic effort. Many people have gone back to their Silk Route roots by starting travel and tourism businesses that show off the stunning views and rich culture of Kashmir. Others trade in dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and saffron. These are things that help them feed their family and are a subtle tribute to their trading past. Wasim says, "These businesses are our lifeline." "They protect our future while keeping our past alive." But these businesses have a lot of problems to deal with. There isn't much access to finance, the market is always changing, and there isn't much outside help with money. The community relies a lot on its own resourcefulness, sharing what little resources it has to keep its businesses going.
In 2021, Wasim's leadership took a big stride forward when the Indian Uyghur Society became a member of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), a group that works to protect Uyghur rights around the world. This connection was a turning point, bringing their cause to the attention of people all across the world. In September of 2021, a historic meeting in New Delhi brought together Uyghur representatives from Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, and Delhi. Hidayat Oguzhan, President of the International Union of East Turkistan Organizations, was there to honor the event and give both inspiration and practical advice. The conversations were intensive and centered on how to bring attention to the human rights abuses in Xinjiang, such as forced labor, torture, mass surveillance, cultural erasing, organ harvesting, and the ongoing genocide of the Uyghurs. Using social media to reach more people, working with human rights groups, and developing a global support network were all part of the plan. But Wasim wonders aloud, "Why does the Muslim Ummah stay quiet when we need them most?"
The Indian Uyghur Society's main goal is to protect their culture. They are preparing a number of events in Delhi, Srinagar, and Ladakh to show off their heritage. At these events, people will be able to hear the beautiful sounds of Uyghur music, see traditional dances, see elaborate art exhibits, and enjoy delicious foods like polo (a spicy rice dish) and laghman (hand-pulled noodles). These events are meant to do more than just entertain; they also want to teach and get people moving. People who go will hear stories about the Uyghur struggle, look at exhibitions about their past, and connect with a cause that goes beyond boundaries. To make these activities even bigger, the Society is working with NGOs, human rights activists, and local leaders. Wasim says, "Our culture is our strength." "It's how we let the world know we're here and that we matter."
The establishment of Uyghur language classes is a big step toward keeping their language alive. These community-led classes are open to kids and adults and will teach the Uyghur script (which is based on Arabic), basic vocabulary, and how to have conversations. The lessons will be held once a week and led by fluent elders. They will also include storytelling, where stories about Silk Route commerce and Uyghur folklore bring history to life. Wasim says, "Language is our soul." "It's how we tell people who we are." This is important because younger people are growing up far from East Turkistan and could lose their native language if they don't do something about it.
But these big intentions are limited by the fact that money is tight. The Society does not get any money directly from groups like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Instead, they get money through community funding in subtle but important ways, people in the community show that they are united. During Ramadan, they give food and other necessities to families in need. They put money together for medical crises and school necessities so that no one is left out. Wasim thinks, "We're a small group, but we're a family." "We help each other."
The Indian Uyghur Society is not content to fight alone but they are connected with Uyghur diaspora across the world to build a networks so that we can share information, resources, and strategies. These links are meant to create a strong global network that will make their voices heard. At the same time, they are working with international NGOs to start joint advocacy campaigns, speak at global events, and use the media to bring attention to their situation. Wasim says, "We're stronger together." "We will break through the silence by being together."
A passionate plea to the Muslim Ummah is at the heart of their mission. "We share the same faith, but we feel alone." Wasim's statements are both hopeful and frustrating. We need our brothers and sisters to stand with us. A lot of Muslim-majority countries haven't said anything about the situation in Xinjiang, which makes it much worse. The Society, on the other hand, keeps going, thinking that cultural outreach and persistent campaigning can start a larger movement of solidarity. Their work shows that even the smallest groups can make a difference, but they need help to do it.
The tale of the Indian Uyghur Society is one of strength, pride, and an unending search for justice. They battle to keep their identity and for people to notice their cause, from their beginnings on the Silk Route to their work now. Their message, "We are here, and we will not fade away," speaks to the globe, especially the Muslim Ummah, as they ask people to join them.
