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 […]
‘Armed Struggle’ and ‘Self Determination’
The joint resistance leadership (JLR) of the Hurriyat has repeatedly been telling New Delhi that the Kashmir issue cannot be resolved by military means. However, it surprisingly doesn’t offer this sagacious advice to those who are waging an ‘armed struggle’ in Kashmir. Instead, with Hurriyat (G) chairman AS Geelani declaring that “We (Hurriyat) never denied or ignored the […]
Pulwama Attack and its Aftermath
It is an undeniable fact that even the noblest and most legitimate causes lose their ideological aura the moment its proponents resort to use of violence to achieve their aim, even if it’s against oppression. Unfortunately, though this is exactly what has happened to the ‘self determination’ movement in Kashmir ever since ‘armed struggle’ erupted […]
Reflections on the Pulwama Attack
Any mass movement, no matter how well organised and ably led, faces an ever-existing danger of going off-course when the leaders accept certain decisions or actions, which go against the very fundamental principles that are guiding the struggle. The ongoing movement for the ‘right to self determination’ in Kashmir is inspired by the United Nations […]
Why Organise Events that Undermine the Kashmir Issue?
As another Kashmir Solidarity Day draws to an end with the joint resistance leadership (JRL) of the Hurriyat and United Jihad Council (UJC) chief and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) supremo Syed Salahuddin thanking Islamabad for observing it, one is tempted to reflect on what has this nearly two decade old annual event achieved in terms of […]
Killing ‘Mukhbirs’
Though killings are commonplace in Kashmir, the abduction and murder of Ishrat Muneer Bhat on January 31 is particularly repulse because of two reasons; first, the 25 year old victim was a girl and second, the killers posted a video on social media in which a terrified Ishrat can be seen begging for mercy with […]
Please Spare our Children!
During a gunfight with security forces in Majgund area on the outskirts of Srinagar that took place on December 9 last year, three militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed. While one of the deceased was identified as a Pakistani national, the other two were locals. News of our youth who have joined militancy and […]
Hartal Politics: Back to Square One!
Last month there was a report in the media that about the likelihood of the Hurriyat doing away with its hartal politics. This news was widely welcomed as shutdowns were putting the people of Kashmir through extreme hardships and untold miseries. Hopes were very high because while speaking on different occasions, separatist leaders had individually […]
The Looming Threat
Incidents involving multiple players are often very difficult to resolve due to conflicting interests of the parties involved. However, one such incident that had happy ending concerns 20 year old youth resident of Khanyar in downtown Srinagar named Ehtesham Bilal. Studying Radiography in Noida, he left the university premises without telling anyone after he was […]
