FEATURES

‘Kashmiris have genuine political grievances, Kashmir is an open prison: author Aditya Sinha

Indian journalist and author of three books Aditya Sinha is a man who likes to remain behind the scenes. He moderated discussions between retired Lieutenant General Asad Durrani and Amarjit Singh Dulat, the two former spymasters of Pakistan and India respectively, in Istanbul, Bangkok and Kathmandu. Their discussions eventually resulted in the publication of a […]

A life between two Fridays

A life between two Fridays

Srinagar: Last Friday, 21-year-old Qaiser Amin Bhat was seen washing blood stains off the Jamia Masjid floors after police had assaulted the mosque with pellets and tear gas. At least 30 people had been injured, with ten youth hit by pellets in their eyes, during that very incident. Qaiser never had any idea that the next […]

“Our share in the 330 mega watt Kishenganga Project is nothing more than exploitation of Kashmiri resources”

“Our share in the 330 mega watt Kishenganga Project is nothing more than exploitation of Kashmiri resources”

”Right after the inauguration of the infamous 330 megawatt Kishanganga power project, a raging debate started throughout the Valley about the effects of the project on Kashmiris, with many even terming it “illegal.” In his address during the inauguration of the project, Indian Prime Minister Modi said that Kashmir would get 12% of the 330-mega watts […]

The preacher of hate

The preacher of hate

  Srinagar: A glance through controversial Sushil Pandit’s Twitter timeline brings out shocking revelations- he harbours ‘anger’ and ‘hate’against Kashmiris, Muslims and Islam. And he does not feel ashamed about it. On his Twitter profile, Pandit introduces himself to the world as a “Kashmiri Hindu” who is allegedly “exiled, in my own country!” In his […]

Revisiting past: The politics of ‘Ramadan ceasefires’

Revisiting past: The politics of ‘Ramadan ceasefires’

  The recent halt in operations announced by the Delhi has garnered widespread scepticism with both politicians and political experts terming the announcement as ‘futile.’ Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had suggested a Vajpayee type Ramadhan unilateral ceasefire like the one of 2000. It was accepted by the Centre but with conditions. Far from her claim, is […]

Telling tales of mental health in Kashmir through paintings  

Telling tales of mental health in Kashmir through paintings  

In a campaign to raise awareness about mental health issues in the conflict marred state, a group of youngsters recently held an event at Gandhi Bhawan of Kashmir University. Outside the venue, a series of paintings were put on display by the organizers. People showed great interest in the paintings which were themed around mental […]

Saddam Padder: ‘He picked up gun when nobody dared to’

Saddam Padder: ‘He picked up gun when nobody dared to’

The last surviving militant Saddam Padder killed in Shopian encounter on Sunday. Pic courtesy: The Telegraph NewspaperThe last surviving militant commander in the 12-man Burhan group, Saddam padder, was killed in Shopian gun battle on Sunday. Padder, 32, a resident of Heff Sheermal village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, started participating in pro-freedom politics a […]

Estranged By Their Khakis

Estranged By Their Khakis

    What is it like to be a policeman in Kashmir today? Wasim Khalid  Srinagar  He is at the forefront of confrontations in the volatile state of Kashmir. Be it a public protest demanding civic amenities, stone-hurling youth raising their voice for ‘freedom’, or militants engaging them in a gunfight, the policeman has to bear […]