Jasbir Sarai “An avalanche of resignation of Sarpanches in Kashmir,” is how an English news channel has defined the recent political crisis that has beset the valley. The serial resignations were triggered in the wake of killing of a deputy Sarpanch by unidentified gunmen in Wagoora area of Baramulla district. Earlier in the month a Sarpanch was killed in Palhallan Pattan area … [Read more...] about Targeting Panches: A new challenge posed by terrorists
J&K
Salafi extremism: the emerging threat to peace in the valley
S Ranjan The Kashmir valley has, for long, been a forefront victim of the global terrorism being perpetrated, quite erroneously, in the name of religion. This is the only place in the world which witnessed proliferation of an armed insurgency by international Islamic warriors alongside a, extremist Islamic resurrection in Afghanistan. Pakistan being in the centre of both … [Read more...] about Salafi extremism: the emerging threat to peace in the valley
The prodigal rehabilitated terrorists of Jammu and Kashmir
Simrit Kahlon The policy for rehabilitation of former terrorists framed and put into practice by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with adequate support from the erstwhile Union Minister for Home, P Chidambaram brings to mind the biblical parable of the prodigal son. The parable refers to a sinful son who suffers due to his aberrant ways, repents, returns and is welcomed back into … [Read more...] about The prodigal rehabilitated terrorists of Jammu and Kashmir
Politicising Security in J&K: A lethal preoccupation
Jaibans Singh The government of Jammu and Kashmir has been quick to shoot down a request by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to move out two of its battalions, amounting to 2000 troops, from the State. “We have written to the Jammu and Kashmir government requesting them to relieve the two battalions, but they are not willing to let them go. They say security will be … [Read more...] about Politicising Security in J&K: A lethal preoccupation
Terrorism breeds corruption and misgovernance
Baldev Singh Some year back while passing through a remote village in J&K, I happened to go past a primary school. A group of small children was prancing around and a teacher perched on a plastic chair was looking after them. I was happy to see that even under the terrorist threat to close down all schools this teacher was bravely performing his noble task. Terrorists had … [Read more...] about Terrorism breeds corruption and misgovernance