Hopes of Elections in Kashmir

It has been a long frustrating wait for state elections in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 three years ago. The Central government has been assuring polls would be held and J&K would have an elected government but never said when that would happen. Politics remained in a limbo. However, recent statements by a senior BJP leader and media reports suggest that there is a glimmer of hope and that elections would be held in summer. However, it is time that an official annoucement of some sort was made.

Home Minister Says Modi Regime has brought Peace and Development to J&K

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah's main message during his J&K visit is the Modi Government has achieved peace and economic development to J&K by abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution. He claimed J&K has seen an investment of Rs 56,000 crores in the past 3 years as compared to only Rs 15,000 crores in the first 72 years since Independence. He blamed three dynastic parties for the violence and underdevelopment in Kashmir. The three-day visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to J&K, however, has not roused only tepid interest in the Kashmir Valley as there is not much hope of him announcing election dates or statehood. [5 October 2022]

US Ambassador's Visit to PoK Raises Eyebrows

The US ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to plant a sapling at the 'University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK)' and lay a wreath to the victims of the 2005 earthquake. He also visited other landmarks in Muzaffarabad and did not forget to refer to PoK as 'Azad Jammu & Kashmir'. A number of tweets mentioned this visit with the suggestion that the US was deliberately cosying ip to Pakistan. An article in The Business Standard observed: "By visiting the disputed region, that was forcibly annexed by Pakistan in 1947 through a joint military raid by tribals, Pakistani Army and non-State actors, the US has sent another signal to India that the US will play its cat and mouse games in the region to keep India uncomfortable."

Ghulam Nabi Azad New Political Factor

The resignation of Congress stalwart Ghulam Nabi Azad from his old party and his forays into Jammu & Kashmir politics has aroused great interest and speculation in the Union Territory. Azad is one of the rare leaders from J&K who is acapable of mustering support in both regions - Jammu as well as Kashmir. The BJP's support is restricted to a portion of the Jammu region, while the PDP is mostly popular in pockets of Kashmir Valley. National Conference had support in both regions but this has diminished over the years. Could Azad be the new X factor in J&K politics? [17 September 2022]

Truth About 1947 Invasion Suppressed

The truth about the 1947 October invasion of Kashmir by Pakistan backed forces has unfortunately been forgotten by most in the Kashmir Valley. Most Kashmiris in the Valley today either are not aware or choose to ignore the fact that it was Pakistan that precipitated the war in Kashmir by sending in Afghan invaders followed by regular Pakistan Army forces. Kashmiris defended Srinagar against the attackers but in many places Kashmiri women were raped and killed, towns looted by the invaders. Finally, in desperation the Kashmir maharaja acceded to India, an action that was formally accepted by the then Governor General of India, Lord Mountbatten. Kashmir was saved by the arrival of Indian army. [28 October 2021]

Tourism Rebounds in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is the most popular tourist destination in India visited by thousands of Indians and foreigners every year. J&K's chief attractions are its great natural beauty, cuisine and the natural hospitality of its diverse people. Tourism was greatly affected by the continuing unrest as well as the pandemic. However since the beginning of 2022 tourism has once again boomed. It is perfectly safe to visit the state.
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Jammu & Kashmir Sprints Past its Pakistan Occupied Part

The union territory of Jammu & Kashmir despite the incessant negative propaganda is winning the economic race. From a hugely backward area with poor connectivity and communications before Independence, the region today shares India's growth story, which has witnessed the country emerging as the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).
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Kashmir Problem Stems from Pakistan's Desire to Dominate Narrative

The real cause of the unrest and violence in Kashmir is Pakistan's desire to dominate the narrative on the issue and ultimately fulfil its objectives of annexing the territory. Unfortunately, the events of October 1947 have been distorted by Pakistani propaganda.
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Remembering the Assassinated

One of the biggest lies has to do with the assassination of two key Kashmiri figures - Maulvi Mirwaiz Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone. The pro-Pakistan lobby have projected these killings as the work of Indian agencies and commemorate their death anniversaries by organising anti-India rallies and calls for Kashmir's accession to Pakistan.
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Kashmir - Under the Shadow of the Jamaat

The Jamaat remains active all across South Asia and continues to propagate its vicious ideology in the name of Islam which is essentially a religion of peace and brotherhood. The Jamaat has used religion to further its brutal aims and become a powerful political force in various parts of South Asia.
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