When Rumours Rule the Roost, it’s the People Who Suffer!
Uncertainty irks the human mind and the voracious urge to reinforce our premonitions gives rise to rumours. And when rumours assuage our curiosity, we start believing them even if they are illogical or lack any substance. Thus, to those who point out that Kashmiris are particularly vulnerable when it comes to believing rumours, I would […]
Kashmir: Tough Times Ahead!
For the last three decades, living in Kashmir hasn’t been easy because ‘azadi’ (independence),which we were told is “just around the corner” would be achieved soon through what was called ‘armed struggle’. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen and this struggle is going on even today. And just when the people had learnt how to live in […]
Respecting the “Blood of our Martyrs”
One fine September morning in 2017, residents of Shopian woke up to find the streets lined with posters denouncing former Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Zakir Musa who had quit and become chief of an Al Qaeda affiliate called Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) by calling him an “Indian agent.” Accusing him of “helping Indian forces kill Kashmiris,” […]
Contributing towards Amarnath yatra’s success
The traditional warmth and affection that Kashmiris shower on visitors becomes more than evident during the 46 days long Amarnath yatra which is held every year and pilgrims returning from this pilgrimage are full of praise for the way locals had looked after them. And even though some unfortunate incidents do occur now and then […]
Criminal Silence on Persecution of Uighur Muslims and Lessons for Kashmir
Pakistan has always been at the forefront when it comes to raising its voice against the oppression of Muslims across the world. However, this isn’t the case when it comes to the institutionalized persecution of Uighur Muslims of Xinjiang Autonomous Region by Chinese authorities. And while this conspicuous anomaly is obviously due to Islamabad’s near-complete […]
The Looming Threat of Fundamentalism in Kashmir!
Last week, people in Sopore observed a two day shutdown to mourn the death of a local militant named Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi who was killed during a brief encounter with the security forces in Shopian district on Friday. While shutdowns marking death of militants are a common practice in Kashmir, yet there’s something about this […]
On Poll Boycott Calls and Threats
In Kashmir, every time election dates are announced the Hurriyat immediately follows it up with a poll boycott call and after each and every election is over, both the center and Hurriyat claim victory. While the former interprets public participation in elections as outright ‘rejection’ of secessionist ideology, the latter cites the low level of […]
Of ‘Global Terrorists’ and ‘Freedom Fighters’
Beijing has finally withdrawn its decade old ‘technical hold’ on the proposal to get Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar declared a UN designated ‘global terrorist’. This development has once again proved that the even a superpower can’t afford to take the risk of annoying the global community for the fear of being internationally isolated. Azhar’s […]
Welcoming Contradictions
Difference of opinion is not only an inherent phenomenon within any coalition but also a healthy sign as it reflects a vibrant and democratic setup where open minded people freely discuss and debate various issues. However, when differences on core issues acquire the form of serious contradictions, then most people believe that the end of […]
Kashmir Elections: To Vote or Not to Vote!
Its election time in Kashmir once again and as was expected, Hurriyat (G) chairman SAS Geelani has given a call for boycotting the polls and this has been followed by a stern warning from Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Riyaz Naikoo asking the people to stay away from elections or be ready to die. And like […]
