Dr. Simrit Kahlon The news in media circles of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having reached a broad agreement to form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir is a good tiding. The people of the state braved adverse circumstances to vote for a stable and democratic government that would ameliorate their numerous problems. In the absence … [Read more...] about BJP-PDP coalition: A welcome development
AFSPA
Jammu and Kashmir: A reality check
Jaibans Singh The euphoria of the very successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir has been somewhat dampened by a festering stand-off over the formation of a government. Despite there being so many options the Kashmir-based local political parties are not ready to come forward with a viable solution. It has been universally acknowledged that the aspiration of the people of the … [Read more...] about Jammu and Kashmir: A reality check
Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir: Mindless and futile violence
Jasmine Brar The euphoria caused by a large voter turnout for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir has been responded to by the terrorists with a spate of attacks across the state in the last week or so. The suicide attack in Arnia , district Jammu on November, 27, followed by the second suicide attack at Uri in Kashmir on December, 05; the infiltration bid in … [Read more...] about Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir: Mindless and futile violence
Self interest drives the propagandist campaign against AFSPA
Ranjan Chauhan Elections in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be complete without some negative references to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Its revocation is a part of the election manifesto of some local political parties while separatists use the act as a tool for strengthening their call for a boycott of the polls. Surprisingly, nobody comes up with a workable plan as … [Read more...] about Self interest drives the propagandist campaign against AFSPA
The distorted debate on AFSPA
Jaibans Singh Election fever has overtaken Jammu and Kashmir; the contest is expected to be more competitive than ever. Political parties are, therefore, coming up with tried and tested and also new strategies to woo a discerning voter. Premium in the “tried and tested” segment is bashing of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). This has been the mainstay of … [Read more...] about The distorted debate on AFSPA