Jaibans Singh India, the largest democracy in the world, is gearing up for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections; a poll schedule of nine phases has been announced from April, 7 to May, 12 with the final counting on May, 16. Elections in India normally have an aura of festivity around them; lots of drums, banners, mudslinging, corny politics and fantastic promises mark the proceedings. … [Read more...] about Preparing for elections in Jammu and Kashmir
Syed Ali Shah Geelani
Educated youth joining militancy: A false and motivated propaganda
Mehtab Karan Singh Educated youth of Kashmir joining the ranks of militants and terrorists is a story that is gaining momentum. A disquieting picture of a region returning to a dark period that it is trying to forget is being painted by vested interests. The whole process started in end May this year when one Sajad Ahmad, a post-graduate in Islamic Studies and an MCA student … [Read more...] about Educated youth joining militancy: A false and motivated propaganda
Separatists and the elusive “talks”
Jaibans Singh As the date for the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Kashmir to launch the train service between Qazigund in Kashmir and Banihal in Jammu approached, the political climate of the valley witnessed immense momentum. The possibility of talks between the separatists and the government became a hot topic all over again. The Prime Minister came, accompanied … [Read more...] about Separatists and the elusive “talks”
Geelani rejects Pakistan’s progressive aspirations
Simrit Kahlon Kashmir’s self proclaimed messiah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, does not lose a single opportunity of staying in the limelight. When confronted with news of the Fatwa by religious clerics in Pakistan that has declared casting of vote as compulsory under Islamic laws, he has been quick to clarify that an edict of this nature would not apply to the people of Kashmir … [Read more...] about Geelani rejects Pakistan’s progressive aspirations
Hurriyat stands isolated in the political landscape of Kashmir
Jaibans Singh The fortunes of brand Hurriyat witnessed a solid nosedive in the year gone by, despite which, the conglomerate managed to stay afloat by some energetic manipulation of the media and orchestration of disruption when an opportunity presented itself. The first major initiative by the Hurriyat was in March, 2012, when the chairman of the conglomerate, Mirwaiz Umar … [Read more...] about Hurriyat stands isolated in the political landscape of Kashmir