IMPACT OF MILITANCY ON INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE: A POST CONFLICT ANALYSIS OF SWAT VALLEY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study explores the impact of militancy on Intangible cultural heritage of Swat. Cultural
Heritage has its own significance and concerns and gives an insight to the several social aspects
of a society like values, norms, customs, beliefs and religion. Without the study of cultural
heritage it seems impossible to study the history and knowledge about particular area. Swat
which was the spiritual center for Buddhists at one time and it was heard that some Buddhists
schools were urbanized and thrived. Due to this it became a sacred place. Regrettably, Swat
became the target of militancy which also affected the intangible cultural heritage of Swat by
threatening, killing, and torturing the folk and cultural artists Such killing and torturing affected
not only the people but also put the life of swat people in danger. The region is now on the road
to recovery from the turbulent phase and well on the way to normality. This research aims to
find out impact of militancy on intangible cultural heritage of Swat. In intangible cultural
heritage folk music dancers, singers and artists along with their artistic skills were affected by
militancy. It is concluded that militancy has impacted negatively both on intangible cultural
heritage of Swat valley of Pakistan.