Q. Write a note on the Characters in the Plague Upon Us by Shabbir Ahmad.
The Characters in the Plague Upon Us
The Zaeldar Family (Landowners)
Akbar Zaeldar
Akbar is the head of the Zaeldar family and the last person to hold the old feudal power. He built a cinema called “Zaeldar Talkies” when his family’s wealth was already fading.
His affair with Bharti Kaul, a government worker from a different faith, causes a massive scandal. This affair produces Maimoona, his daughter. The scandal haunts his family for years.
Akbar is murdered by Ashraf Banday, a militant, marking the end of the Zaeldar family’s old influence.
Lateef Zaeldar
Lateef is Akbar’s son and Tufail’s father. He knows that the Zaeldars no longer have power. He focuses on securing a future for Tufail by using his remaining influence to help him gain college admission and secure a government job.
Lateef is a figure stuck between the old ways and the new, dangerous world. He is eventually killed by militants, proving that pragmatism could not save him.
Tufail Zaeldar
Tufail is the son of Lateef and the heir to the Zaeldar name. He is a passive and often cowardly figure, haunted by his family’s fall from power. Tufail’s defining moment comes when he betrays Afaaq, a wounded militant, to save himself.
This act leads to the destruction of his family, causing his father’s death and his sister’s suicide. Tufail represents the weakness of the old elite in a violent world.
Jozy Jan
Jozy is Tufail’s sister. She represents innocence destroyed by the war. Although she came from a privileged family, the conflict forces her into a terrible situation.
After being raped during the unrest, Jozy cannot cope with the trauma. The lack of justice and her family’s collapse push her to despair. She ends her life, showing how the war destroys the innocent.
The Pohal Family (Working Class / Shepherds)
Maimoona
Maimoona is Akbar Zaeldar’s illegitimate daughter. The Zaeldars raised her, but she was never truly accepted. Eventually, the family marries her off to Aziz Pohal, a simple shepherd.
Maimoona lives between two worlds— the Zaeldars’ elite world and the Pohals’ póor world. Her life is a burden because of her family’s past mistakes.
Aziz Pohal
Aziz is a simple shepherd who works for the Zaeldars. He marries Maimoona and represents the working class. He is a quiet, uncomplicated man who contrasts with the complex world around him.
Oubaid Pohal
Oubaid is the son of Maimoona and Aziz. He is caught between the Zaeldars’ elite background and the Pohals’ lower status. This makes him feel lost and unsure of where he belongs.
At first, Oubaid just wants to survive. But he is forced into becoming a double agent by Major Gurpal. He betrays his childhood friend, Muzzafar, to save himself.
Oubaid’s story shows how corruption and violence ruin even the simplest of lives.
The Puj Family (Working Class / Social Climbers)
Hamid Puj
Hamid is the father of Nisar and Sabia. He is bitter about his family’s low social standing and wants to rise in the social hierarchy.
His anger and ambition shape his children’s actions, especially Nisar’s. Hamid symbolizes the class tensions present during the conflict.
Nisar Puj
Nisar is Hamid’s son and Sabia’s brother. He is ambitious, practical, and opportunistic. Unlike others who are stuck in the violence, Nisar sees it as an opportunity to rise in society.
He aligns himself with Major Gurpal, hoping to use the conflict to help his family.
Sabia Puj
Sabia is Oubaid’s childhood friend and his main love interest. She represents normal life and hope in a world torn apart by violence.
Their shared love shows what could have been if the conflict had not torn everything apart. Sabia’s story reminds us of the human desires that war destroys.
The Childhood Friends (The Shattered Generation)
This group represents the core of innocence shattered by the conflict. Their stories show how the war destroyed a generation.
Oubaid Pohal (Detailed above)
Oubaid’s journey into moral conflict is central to the group’s story.
Sabia Puj (Detailed above)
Sabia is the lost symbol of hope for the group.
Muzzafar Wani
Muzzafar’s father, a journalist, is killed during the conflict. Muzzafar’s grief and anger push him to become a militant. He represents how personal loss can lead to violence.
His friendship with Oubaid is shattered by the war, illustrating how loyalty can be lost in times of conflict.
Jamshed
Jamshed is the fourth friend in the group. He doesn’t take extreme paths like Oubaid (betrayal) or Muzzafar (militancy). Jamshed represents the ordinary boy who, like all the others, is ultimately a victim of the war.
Jozy Jan (Detailed above)
Jozy’s tragic end demonstrates that no one was immune to the war’s effects. Her death confirms the loss of innocence in the group.
Militants and State Forces (Instruments of the “Plague”)
Tariq Ahmad Dar
Tariq is an idealistic young rebel leader. He is motivated by a deep sense of injustice after being tortured in a rigged election. Many people, including Akbar Zaeldar, see him as an honorable militant.
His death at the hands of the army opens the door for more ruthless figures, like Ashraf Banday, to take charge.
Ashraf Banday
Ashraf is Tariq’s successor. He is ruthless and opportunistic, driven by a thirst for power rather than ideals. He is responsible for the murder of Akbar Zaeldar and Bharti Kaul, using their deaths to gain power.
Ashraf represents the shift in the militant movement from a fight for justice to a brutal power grab.
Muzzafar Wani
Muzzafar’s father, a journalist, is killed during the conflict. Muzzafar’s grief and anger push him to become a militant. He represents how personal loss can lead to violence.
His friendship with Oubaid is shattered by the war, showing how loyalty can be lost in a time of war.
Jamshed
Jamshed is the fourth friend in the group. He doesn’t take extreme paths like Oubaid (betrayal) or Muzzafar (militancy). Jamshed represents the ordinary boy who, like all the others, is ultimately a victim of the war.
Afaaq
Afaaq is an injured militant, and the Zaeldar family shelters him. His presence forces a moral crisis on the family. Tufail betrays him to Major Gurpal, setting off the final destruction of the Zaeldar family. Afaaq’s fate becomes the turning point in the story.
Major Gurpal Singh
Major Gurpal is a corrupt and sadistic army officer. He uses his intelligence to manipulate others. He forces Oubaid to become a double agent and blackmails Tufail into betraying Afaaq.
Major Gurpal represents the brutal state forces that fight the militants and help perpetuate the conflict.
Detailed Description of the characters in the Plague Upon Us by Shabbir Ahmad
The Zaeldar Family (The Old Elite / Landowners)
Once the pride of Kashmir, the Zaeldar family represented the feudal aristocracy that owned vast tracts of land and wielded significant social influence.
The family’s once-glorious name and wealth have slowly faded over time due to political shifts, social changes, and the rising tide of violence brought about by conflict.
However, the Zaeldar family’s struggle to hold on to their former power and prestige plays a central role in The Plague Upon Us, with each member of the family embodying different aspects of the old elite and its ultimate demise.
Akbar Zaeldar
Akbar Zaeldar is the patriarch of the Zaeldar family, a man whose presence defines the last remnants of the old feudal order. Though his family’s wealth is in decline, Akbar remains fiercely proud of his heritage and seeks to prove his continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
One of his most significant endeavors, the creation of “Zaeldar Talkies,” a cinema that symbolizes his family’s past grandeur, is a final attempt to hold on to the grandeur and influence of his youth.
The cinema is his lasting legacy—a product of his need to assert his family’s place in a world that no longer values the old landowners.
An affair with Bharti Kaul, a government worker from a different faith, marks Akbar’s life. This relationship, defying societal norms, leads to a scandal that reverberates through the family for generations.
Bharti and Akbar’s union produces Maimoona, a daughter who is both a symbol of Akbar’s defiance and a reminder of the family’s scandalous past. The affair and the resulting child serve as a constant reminder of the Zaeldars’ fading power and their inability to control their own destinies in a world where social boundaries are no longer respected.
Akbar’s pride and stubbornness ultimately become his downfall. His inability to adapt to the changing world leads to his tragic death at the hands of Ashraf Banday, a militant.
This violent act marks the brutal end of the Zaeldar family’s feudal influence. Akbar, a proud man who once ruled through wealth and power, succumbs to a world that no longer cares for his old-world ideals.
His murder is symbolic of the death of the old elite and the rise of new forces—both political and violent—that will reshape Kashmir.
Lateef Zaeldar
Lateef Zaeldar, Akbar’s son, embodies the transition between the old and the new. While he inherits his father’s name and legacy, Lateef is more pragmatic and morally flexible.
He is keenly aware that the Zaeldars’ power is waning, and he seeks to navigate this new, perilous world by adapting to the shifting social and political landscape.
Lateef’s greatest concern is securing a future for his son, Tufail, and ensuring that his family is not swept away entirely by the tide of violence and corruption that is consuming Kashmir.
Lateef’s actions reflect a man who knows that survival in this new world requires compromise. He uses his remaining influence to get Tufail into college and secure him a government job, hoping that these steps will allow his son to escape the increasingly violent world of militants and corruption.
While he is not above bending the rules and playing political games, Lateef’s pragmatism is no match for the brutal forces that are tearing apart society.
Despite his best efforts, Lateef’s fate is sealed when militants murder him. His death illustrates that in a world where power is no longer based on heritage or wealth, even the most pragmatic actions cannot guarantee survival.
Lateef’s struggle to adapt is a tragic reflection of the Zaeldar family’s inability to cope with the rapidly shifting political and social realities of their time.
Tufail Zaeldar
Tufail Zaeldar, the heir to the Zaeldar name, is a figure consumed by indecision, fear, and moral failure. Unlike his father, Tufail lacks the strength of character to face the challenges of the new world.
He is haunted by the weight of his family’s past, and he lacks the courage to take decisive action when it is most needed. Instead, he finds himself paralyzed by the violence around him, unable to navigate the shifting political landscape of Kashmir.
Tufail’s defining moment comes when he betrays Afaaq, an injured militant whom the Zaeldar family shelters. Afaaq represents everything that threatens Tufail’s existence: the militants who challenge the old power structures and the forces that are sweeping away the Zaeldar family’s once-unquestioned dominance.
Under duress and fearing for his life, Tufail hands over Afaaq to Major Gurpal, the corrupt army officer. This betrayal of a man who sought refuge in his home is a critical moral failing that directly leads to the family’s downfall.
The consequences of Tufail’s betrayal are severe. It sets off a chain of tragic events: Lateef is killed by militants in retaliation, Jozy, his sister, takes her own life, and Tufail’s life spirals into guilt and despair.
Tufail’s inability to act with honor or courage marks the end of the Zaeldar family’s legacy. He is a figure trapped between the dying remnants of the old world and the violent, chaotic forces that now govern his life.
Jozy Jan
Jozy Jan, Tufail’s sister, is another tragic symbol of innocence lost during the conflict. As a member of the Zaeldar family, she is born into privilege, yet her life is deeply impacted by the violence surrounding her.
Jozy represents a generation that grew up with the promise of a peaceful and prosperous future, only to have that promise shattered by growing unrest.
Jozy’s life is defined by beauty, vulnerability, and trauma. Despite her privileged background, she becomes a target during the unrest, and she is brutally raped.
This violent act leaves Jozy broken and unable to recover from the deep emotional and psychological scars it creates. The collapse of her family, combined with the lack of justice and the widespread trauma of the conflict, pushes Jozy into a state of deep despair.
The absence of any real support or justice for her leads Jozy to a tragic end. She takes her own life, unable to cope with the weight of her suffering and the lack of a future in a world torn apart by violence.
Jozy’s death is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the novel, underscoring the devastating impact of the conflict on the innocent and highlighting how no one is safe from the horrors of war, not even those who were once part of the privileged elite.
The Pohal Family (Working Class / Shepherds)
The Pohal family represents the working class in Kashmir—simple, humble people whose lives revolve around labor and survival, primarily as shepherds. Unlike the Zaeldar family, who were once part of the old elite, the Pohals have no claim to the same social status or political power.
They are more directly connected to the land, living in a world far removed from the intrigues and power struggles of the aristocracy. However, the violent and chaotic world of the conflict still touches them deeply, and their lives, too, are torn apart by the “plague” of violence, betrayal, and moral ambiguity that surrounds them.
Maimoona (Daughter of Akbar Zaeldar and Bharti Kaul)
Maimoona is the illegitimate daughter of Akbar Zaeldar and Bharti Kaul, and her life is shaped by her status as an outsider. Raised in the Zaeldar household, Maimoona never entirely fits into the world of the elite.
She serves as a constant reminder of the scandalous affair between Akbar and Bharti, and as a result, she faces rejection from both sides of the class divide.
While her birth symbolizes Akbar’s defiance of social norms, it also marks Maimoona as someone who belongs to neither the world of the Zaeldars nor the world of the póor.
To resolve the uncomfortable ambiguity of her status, the Zaeldar family arranges for her marriage to Aziz Pohal, a simple shepherd. This marriage bridges the worlds of the privileged Zaeldars and the póor, working-class Pohals, but Maimoona remains an outsider in both.
Her character is defined by quiet resilience, strength, and a certain weariness from the burden of her family’s past mistakes. While she tries to adapt to the life of the Pohals, her past and her illegitimate birth continue to haunt her.
Maimoona’s life is a poignant reflection of the impact of social structures on individuals. Although she is married into the working class, she never truly belongs there, and she remains a living reminder of the Zaeldar family’s sins.
Her story highlights the social rigidity that forces individuals to live with the consequences of others’ actions, and the heavy burden of past mistakes that no one in the family can escape.
Aziz Pohal (Maimoona’s Husband)
Aziz Pohal is a simple, humble shepherd who works for the Zaeldars. As a man of the land, Aziz represents the working class, far removed from the complex intrigues and struggles of elite families like the Zaeldars.
His life revolves around tending to his flock and living a quiet, uncomplicated existence. When Maimoona is married to him, Aziz becomes part of the Zaeldar family’s extended network, but he has no illusions about his place in the larger social order.
His simplicity and straightforwardness define Aziz’s character. He is a man who does not engage in the political or moral complexities that the Zaeldar family faces.
He accepts life as it comes and does his best to care for his wife, Maimoona, and their son, Oubaid. Aziz represents the everyday people in Kashmir who are caught in the crossfire of larger political and social struggles yet are largely unaffected by the power games and corruption of the elite.
Although Aziz is a relatively minor character, his role as the head of the Pohal family is crucial. His life contrasts sharply with the Zaeldars’ complex and tragic existence.
Aziz’s humble nature is ultimately a source of peace but also helplessness, as the conflict that consumes the Zaeldar family also inevitably reaches into the lives of the Pohals.
Aziz, like the working class in general, is a victim of forces he cannot control, and his family suffers the consequences of events outside their influence.
Oubaid Pohal (Protagonist)
Oubaid Pohal, the son of Maimoona and Aziz, is the central protagonist of The Plague Upon Us. He is born with a complex identity—he is a Zaeldar by blood but a Pohal by name.
This dual identity makes him socially adrift, caught between two worlds: the world of the old elite and the world of the working class. The class divide defines Oubaid’s life, and this division shapes his experiences and choices throughout the novel.
As Oubaid grows up, his initial desire is simply to survive in a world increasingly dominated by violence and political instability. He does not seek the power or status that the Zaeldars once held; instead, he seeks a quiet life away from the conflict that is tearing apart Kashmir.
Oubaid’s Dilemma
However, as the situation worsens, Oubaid finds himself caught in the middle of the violence and betrayal that plague the region.
Oubaid’s life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled with Major Gurpal, a corrupt and sadistic army officer, who manipulates Oubaid into becoming a double agent.
His moral dilemma intensifies when he is forced to spy for the state and betray his childhood friend, Muzzafar, a militant.
His betrayal of Muzzafar, who represents the militant resistance, is a pivotal moment in the novel that catalyzes the collapse of the Pohal family and sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to the destruction of his family.
Oubaid’s character is one of moral complexity. He represents the tragic choices forced upon individuals caught between competing power structures.
Oubaid is torn between loyalty to his family, the desire to survive, and the guilt of betraying his own values. His inner turmoil, as well as his ultimate moral decay, mirrors the collapse of both the Zaeldar and Pohal families.
Oubaid’s journey from a naive, survival-driven youth to a morally compromised man embodies the novel’s theme: the destruction of innocence and the loss of moral clarity in a world overwhelmed by violence and corruption.
His eventual realization of the consequences of his actions marks the final turning point in the novel, as he is compelled to confront the weight of his betrayal and the irreversible damage it has caused to those he loves.
The Puj Family (Working Class / Social Climbers)
The Puj family represents the class of social climbers in Kashmir—people who come from modest, working-class backgrounds but are driven by ambition to improve their social status and power.
Unlike the Zaeldars, who are part of the old elite, and the Pohals, who represent the working class, the Puj family operates in the gray area between these two extremes, navigating the complex world of political corruption, social mobility, and violence.
Their ambition and desire for upward mobility drive much of their actions and decisions, and they ultimately become entangled in the broader conflict of the novel.
The Puj family members embody a new breed of operators who understand that in a world defined by political upheaval and social tension, power is no longer about old heritage or wealth but about ruthlessly pursuing alliances with those who hold power.
The family’s actions highlight the theme of survival and moral compromise in the face of extreme circumstances.
Hamid Puj (Patriarch)
Hamid Puj is the patriarch of the Puj family, and he represents the deep-seated bitterness and resentment of those born into lower social status but who desire to rise above their position.
Hamid’s bitterness towards his family’s modest beginnings drives much of his actions. Unlike the Zaeldars, who once ruled through wealth and aristocracy, Hamid is from the working class and has always felt the sting of social inequality.
His intense desire to climb the social ladder to gain the power and respect that families like the Zaeldars have defines his character.
Hamid’s bitterness is the result of years of hardship and the awareness that the social structures of Kashmir are designed to keep people like him in their place.
His desire for social mobility is passed down to his children, especially to his son, Nisar, whom Hamid encourages to rise above the corrupt world around them in order to achieve a better station.
Hamid’s actions are primarily motivated by a desire to secure power and respect, but they are driven by anger and frustration. His desire to escape the stigma of his social status is so strong that it blinds him to the moral and ethical consequences of his actions.
Hamid’s actions often embody the theme of ambition without regard for integrity. He views power as the ultimate goal and believes that anything is justified in its pursuit.
Nisar Puj (Son of Hamid Puj)
Nisar is Hamid’s son and Sabia’s brother. He represents the new breed of social climbers, deeply ambitious and willing to compromise on morality in the pursuit of power.
Unlike his father, who is motivated by resentment, Nisar’s ambitions are more calculated. He sees the political chaos and violence around him as an opportunity to better his own position.
In a society where power is shifting and political alliances are constantly changing, Nisar understands that the key to success is not loyalty to any one side but rather the ability to manipulate and adapt.
Nisar’s primary relationship is with Major Gurpal Singh, the corrupt army officer. Nisar aligns himself with Gurpal, recognizing that the key to social ascension in Kashmir lies not in old wealth or heritage but in making ruthless alliances with those who wield power.
Nisar’s actions and choices reflect his pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice morality for the sake of success. While other characters are caught up in the conflict and forced to make difficult choices between survival and principle, Nisar chooses to operate as a pragmatic opportunist, willing to do whatever it takes to rise to the top.
His relationship with Major Gurpal demonstrates Nisar’s willingness to compromise his integrity in exchange for power and influence. He betrays his own ethical code, aligning himself with the corrupt and morally bankrupt elements of the state apparatus.
Nisar believes that the old systems are gone, and only those who can manipulate the current chaos will survive. His choices lead him down a dark path, where his own morality becomes more and more questionable as he climbs the social ladder.
He represents the moral decay that often accompanies the pursuit of power in a world governed by violence and corruption.
Sabia Puj (Oubaid’s Love Interest)
Sabia Puj is the daughter of Hamid and the sister of Nisar. She represents innocence, hope, and normalcy—the life that could have been were it not for the conflict consuming Kashmir.
Sabia and Oubaid, the son of Maimoona and Aziz, share a love that symbolizes what might have been a future based on love and simplicity rather than violence and ambition. However, the violence of the conflict and her family’s ambitions tear their love apart.
Sabia is a symbol of what was once possible for the youth in Kashmir: a life of simplicity, hope, and affection. Unlike Nisar, who actively seeks power, Sabia represents the human desire for peace, connection, and life that could have been in a different world.
However, the conflict around her—the violence, her family’s ambition, and the ever-increasing tension—makes this dream impossible. Her family’s drive to climb socially creates a gap between her and Oubaid, especially as she begins to understand that her family’s pursuit of power is, at times, cruel and indifferent to human suffering.
Despite her feelings for Oubaid, Sabia becomes a tragic figure as her family’s ambitions drive them apart. She represents the idealism of youth destroyed by the harsh realities of life in a violent, divided society.
Her relationship with Oubaid symbolizes the possibility of normalcy in a world gone mád. Still, the destruction of this relationship under the weight of familial ambition highlights the destructive power of the political turmoil that surrounds them.
Militants and State Forces (Instruments of the “Plague”)
In The Plague Upon Us, both the militant insurgency and the state forces, particularly the army, are portrayed as instruments of destruction. These forces perpetuate a cycle of violence and suffering, each contributing to the moral decay and collapse of society.
The characters who represent these factions are complex, morally ambiguous figures. They are both perpetrators and victims, and their actions have far-reaching consequences for the people of Kashmir.
Tariq Ahmad Dar (Idealistic Rebel Commander)
Tariq Ahmad Dar is one of the earliest leaders of the militant movement in Kashmir. A highly respected young rebel commander, Tariq is initially motivated by a deep sense of injustice.
He joins the militancy after being tortured by the Indian military following a rigged election, which shapes his views and fuels his desire for revenge.
Tariq is presented as an idealistic figure—someone who believes in the cause of Kashmir’s independence and in fighting for justice against an oppressive regime.
His character is defined by his honor and the belief that he is fighting for the people of Kashmir. Tariq is seen by many, including Akbar Zaeldar, as a more honorable type of militant.
He is willing to risk his life for a cause he believes in, not for power or personal gain, which sets him apart from other militants who may act out of ambition or a desire for control.
However, Tariq’s eventual death at the hands of the army marks a turning point. His death creates a power vacuum in the militant ranks, leading to the rise of more ruthless and opportunistic figures like Ashraf Banday.
Tariq’s death is symbolic of the loss of idealism in the militant movement and marks the end of a more honorable type of rebellion. He is a tragic figure—someone who fought for a noble cause but whose idealism is ultimately crushed by the overwhelming forces of violence.
Ashraf Banday (Ruthless Militant Leader)
Ashraf Banday is a militant leader who succeeds Tariq Ahmad Dar after his death. Whereideals of justice and honor drove Tariqnor, Ashraf was motivated by a thirst for power. He is ruthless, manipulative, and opportunistic, using violence as a means to consolidate his own authority and control.
Ashraf’s character embodies the degeneration of the militant movement from one of ideological struggle to one of sheer brutality. His rise to power marks a shift in the nature of the conflict, where ideology takes a backseat to personal ambition and violence.
Ashraf’s brutal actions, including the murder of Akbar Zaeldar and Bharti Kaul, represent the militant movement’s departure from its original ideals.
These killings are not just about political aims—they are acts of cruelty that serve to solidify Ashraf’s position as the new leader of the insurgency.
His willingness to kill and terrorize those who once held power, including the Zaeldar family, underscores the violence and savagery that have overtaken the cause.
Ashraf’s actions reflect the shift from a struggle for justice to a violent, anarchic war where power is seized by force and moral lines are blurred.
His leadership signals the complete corruption of the militant cause, where ideals are discarded in favor of power and brutality.
Afaaq (Injured Militant)
Afaaq is a wounded militant who is forced to take refuge in the Zaeldar household during the conflict. His presence in the Zaeldar home is crucial as it marks the intrusion of the war into the domestic sphere of the family, forcing them to confront the moral and ethical dilemmas of their involvement in the conflict.
Afaaq’s backstory is one of deep tragedy and personal loss. He is not just another militant; he is a man driven by a sense of injustice and a desire for revenge against those who have wronged his people.
While many of the militants are driven by ideology, Afaaq’s motivations seem to stem more from personal tragedy, loss, and a need to avenge the wrongs committed against his family and community.
When Afaaq is injured, the Zaeldars—particularly Lateef—are faced with the decision to shelter him, which further entangles them in the conflict. Afaaq becomes a symbol of the war’s intrusion into personal lives, highlighting the impossible choices that people must make in times of crisis.
His presence serves as a moral test for the Zaeldar family. Tufail, in particular, is put in a difficult position where his sense of self-preservation outweighs his sense of loyalty and ethics. Under intense pressure, Tufail betrays Afaaq to Major Gurpal, hoping to save himself and his family from further harm.
Afaaq’s fate is pivotal to the downfall of the Zaeldar family. His betrayal by Tufail is the catalyst that sets off a chain of events, including Lateef’s death and Jozy’s suicide.
His death, therefore, is not just a personal loss for the militants but also the final blow to the already crumbling Zaeldar family, showing how war erodes everything it touches, leaving no one untouched.
Major Gurpal Singh (Sadistic Army Officer)
Major Gurpal Singh is one of the primary antagonists in The Plague Upon Us, embodying the brutal and corrupt state forces fighting against the militants. Gurpal represents the military and bureaucratic apparatus that fuels the cycle of violence in the region.
A sadistic and manipulative officer, Gurpal does not fight for justice or a cause; instead, he operates as a self-serving, brilliant strategist whose actions are motivated by power and control.
Gurpal’s mastery lies in psychological warfare. He can manipulate people’s fears, weaknesses, and desires, turning them into his pawns. One of his most significant feats is manipulating Oubaid into becoming a double agent.
Gurpal understands that people like Oubaid—caught between their family loyalties and a desire to survive—are vulnerable. He exploits this vulnerability, using Oubaid’s moral dilemma to coerce him into becoming an informant.
The Brutality of State Power
Moreover, Gurpal’s manipulation does not stop there. He forces Tufail to betray Afaaq, pushing Tufail into a corner where he feels that his family’s survival depends on betraying his principles.
Gurpal uses his sadistic nature to control and instill fear in those around him. His methods are not just about physical violence but about breaking people down psychologically to the point where they will do anything to protect themselves, regardless of the consequences for others.
Gurpal’s role in the story is to represent the state-sponsored violence that mirrors the brutality of the militants. He is not just an enemy of the Zaeldars and the Pohals but an embodiment of the corrupt systems that perpetuate violence.
His actions are a reminder that the “plague” of the conflict is not only in the hands of the militants but also deeply embedded in the institutional powers that wield violence with cold calculation.
Gurpal’s interactions with the Zaeldar family, particularly his manipulation of Tufail and Oubaid, demonstrate the novel’s central theme: in a world where power is measured by force and manipulation, there are no real moral victories.
The state forces, embodied by Gurpal, are as corrupt and destructive as the militants they oppose, making the entire conflict a never-ending cycle of violence and betrayal.
