A more subtle and nuanced process of what the actions of authorities symoblize becomes particularly apparent in the study of Panipur, a village in Pakistan. The nature of the state itself defined the moment as opportune for community struggle. Pakistan, through a history of intricate and pained contests, was formed from the dissolution of British rule. When this new Muslim state was created, both the definitions of "Muslim" and "community" were reconstructed. The state strode through Panipur. The villagers were not puppets. They were neither manipulated nor deceived into actions they had not chosen. However, their renegotiation of power in Panipur was conducted in terms defined by the state and which consequently became a party to the transaction. 9 notes and 2 figures