Kashmir First

The Double Standards (There are innumerable instances where the Indian Government applies double standards in regard to Kashmir. The proposed Airport closure is the latest one!)

The Airport Closure (Srinagar does not have a Civil Airport but it is an Air Base being allowed to be used by the civilian flights also!)

Siege without end! (There appears no end in sight to the siege in Kashmir. While as both the Central and the State Governments seem to have become totally insensitive to the untold sufferings of the people, the leaders of the movement too appear to be at a loss about the ultimate road map to the final goal!)

Who runs Kashmir? MHA, Geelani, or the angry youth? (The way the things are moving in Kashmir, it seems neither the Government nor the opposite camp is in control. The daily life appears to follow the dictates of the angry youth who have so far defied one and all!)

Of Kangris and Shoes! (Kangri is a traditional Kashmiri weapon commonly used in winter while the Shoe is a symbol of disgrace in local parlance)

Hypocritical Delhi (Apart from having been blindfolded about the ground realties in Kashmir, Delhi has been sometimes desperate, sometimes stubborn but ultimately it has turned out to be hypocritical!)

India’s “Internal” matter! (If a country deliberately deprives the right to life to some people whom it claims to be its legal citizens, it is no longer an “Internal” matter. The World at large is morally and legally bound to intervene!)

What after American “Exit”? (Americans are preparing to leave Afghanistan sooner than later. Their exit may not usher in peace in South Asia if India and Pakistan continue their mistrust of each other!)

Revolution not uprising! (The unending clashes of the angry youth with the security forces in spite of the strictest ever curfew go beyond the usual uprisings witnessed in Kashmir over the years!)

Stubborn Delhi! (An obstinate person can cause harm to himself but a stubborn political set up in a state is a sure recipe for disaster!)

Who Owns J & K? (In the present totally confusing and drifting scenario it is a million dollar question as to who owns J & K? India, Pakistan, their local bidders or the common people? In reality, none of them!)

Kashmir, a money minting machine! (The amount of funds flowing into Kashmir from various sources and circulating freely within the valley for lining pockets of one and all is mind boggling!)

Kashmir, an open-dated bearer cheque! (Mohammad Ali Jinnah had called Kashmir a bearer cheque. He could have never imagined that the cheque would become an open dated cheque for one and all!)

Kashmir under siege! (For more than a month now almost the entire valley is under siege. Life has come to a virtual standstill causing immense suffering to the common people. Delhi appears totally insensitive to this situation!)

Insensitive Delhi! (In spite of a month of virtual siege, killing of 17 innocent teenagers and shut down of all commercial activities, Delhi appears totally insensitive to the sufferings of Kashmiris as if, as stated by a columnist, “the people don’t matter!”)

Back to 1931! (The recent events in Kashmir had taken the situation back to 1990 but the siege on the 13th July, the Officially celebrated Martyrs’ Day has taken it back to 1931!)

Doomed before take off! (Indian electronic media fond of conducting live media-trials had already given its verdict on Indo-Pak talks even before these had taken off!)

Desperate Delhi! (After being Blindfolded, Delhi has now become desperate which is evident from its recent moves in Kashmir which amount to trying to kill a housefly with a sledgehammer!)

Back to 1990! (The vicious cycle of violence has brought Kashmir back to 1990 but with a difference! Then it was an armed uprising but now it is a peaceful mass upheaval being crushed by excessive force!)

The Enemy Territory! (The security forces including the paramilitary who had been brainwashed to consider Kashmir as “Enemy Territory” while dealing with armed rebellion continue to still hold the same mindset)

Boiling Kashmir and Dithering Delhi (For some strange reasons most of the wrongs in Kashmir originate from Delhi and these get further compounded by its dithering leadership!)

Blind folded Delhi! (Recent response to the grave situation in Kashmir from the responsible authorities in Delhi appears as the reactions of a blind folded person!)

Building the Trust (There is a great hype for building the Indo-Pak “Trust” before the real “Dialogue” but the million dollar question is how to do it?)

Trust before the Dialogue (Indo-Pak dialogue process was restarted in Bhutan but before it proceeds further, the two sides plan to bridge the trust deficit but no one knows how?)

Mayhem in Kashmir (How long will the vicious cycle of violence keep on taking innocent lives? Someone needs to be answerable for the present mayhem!)

The Holy Book and the Hostages! (AFSPA is needed more to keep a lid on the simmering Kashmir cauldron than for military operations!)

The Cheapest Blood! (The saying that the blood can be cheaper than water aptly describes the present situation in Kashmir)

A “Humbled” Prime Minister! (This time Dr. Manmohan Singh seemed less enthusiastic about the violations of Human Rights. Has he been “humbled” by the security establishment?)

Census and Kashmir (For the first time people are realising the importance of Census for Kashmir. The Civil Society is concerned with the possibility of fudging and its serious implications!)

City of the “Eclipsed” Sun! (Parvarsena while establishing Srinagar must have never imagined that the Sun would get totally eclipsed over his dream city!)

Welcome to the “Dirty” City! (One wonders whether it is the same Srinagar which was once called the Venice of the East by the European travellers?)

Topping the IAS selection (Kashmiris can do much more if they make up their mind and are given the opportunity)

Central Services and Kashmir (The feat of the Kashmiri IAS topper should be an eye opener for all concerned about the capability and talent of the Kashmiri Youth if given the trust and the right opportunity)

More than a “Nudge”! (The Americans were successful in nudging India and Pakistan for restarting the dialogue in Bhutan. However, the peace process may need something more to achieve any results!)

“Nudge” in Bhutan! (The melting of ice between the two neighbours even if by the outside nudge is welcome but there is need to go beyond the nudge to give relief to Kashmiris!)

Kashmir’s fate and the Thimpu meet! (The mood of the two Prime Minister’s during their meeting on the sidelines of SAARC Summit seemed upbeat yet the fate of poor Kashmiris remains undecided!)

Thaw in Thimpu (The freeze over Indo-Pak relations has started thawing but the fate of Kashmiris hangs in the balance!)

In Search of the Missing Stupa! (Discovery of the engraved copper plaques of the 4th Buddhist Council held in Kashmir in the first century A.D. in the time of Kanishka and buried under a stupa, if true, is definitely a historical find!)

Anglo-American Kashmir “Blue Print” (The Western Power Block is renewing its interest in the “Kashmir Corridor” by designing new “Blue Prints”)

A “Blue Print” for Kashmir Solution! (The western powers have been preparing “Blue Prints” for Kashmir right from 1947 and in some cases may be even earlier than that!)

“Hot” summer in Kashmir! (For last couple of decades the Kashmiris have faced so much heat from all sides that another “Hot” summer will not make a difference provided something concrete comes out of it!)

Forget Azadi, revoke AFSPA! (Discussing anything minus Azadi with a gun held to the head of the other party is not only meaningless but rather ridiculous!)

SDA-Srinagar “Defiling” Authority! (The authority constituted by the Government to oversee planned development of Srinagar has been responsible for defiling its ambiance as a beautiful green city)

“Beautifying” Srinagar! (The historical City of the Sun is being choked and deprived of its green lungs under the pretext of “Beautification”)

India Refuses Composite Dialogue! (As an anti-climax, India is refusing to restart the composite dialogue with Pakistan. In the long run, the refusal may be detrimental to India itself!)

The “International” Joke! (The discontinuance of International flight from Srinagar shows that the Kashmiris fight more for names, titles, and the symbols, forgetting totally the most important part, the substance!)

Is Delhi Serious about K-resolution? (The recent happenings in Kashmir and statements of responsible Indian authorities have created doubts whether Delhi is serious about resolving the Kashmir tangle. Apparently, they feel under no compulsion to do so!)

David versus Goliath! The stone pelting wave which has overtaken the Kashmir Valley reminds one about the biblical story of David and Goliath! (Hazrat Dawood and Jalut in Holy Quran)

Hostages to Mistrust (India and Pakistan are hostages to a perennial mistrust which does not allow any progress whatsoever on mutual détente or any possible peace process)

Waging War with Stones!(Even if the Judge does not agree with the Police plea, the “Children of Turmoil” appear determined to drive India out of Kashmir with stones!)

Peaceniks and Warmongers (There is a continuous tussle between the Peaceniks and Warmongers of the sub-continent and the Kashmiris have been getting tossed between the two!)

Lal Chowk Freed! (For the first time in last 19 years no flag was hoisted by Paramilitary in Lal Chowk. If they have called it a day, the other side too needs to respect the truce!)

Solitary Swallow Flying Off! (It is said that one swallow does not make a summer and on the same premise one flight does not make an International Airport. Unfortunately, even that solitary swallow seems to be flying off!)

Flash Flood in Shopian (Saying that the two ladies in Shopian died of a natural death by drowning is a pathetic joke and saying that they died in a Flash Flood during night is a cruel joke!)

The Quiet Diplomacy (The so called “Quiet” diplomacy and dialogue are doing more damage than good to the fragile peace process in troubled Kashmir!)

Re-routing Dubai Flight! (Callous and insensitive attitude of authorities may result in the sad demise of the widely touted Kashmir’s International Connection)

Taliban or China, who will come first? (After the recent interventions of the two contenders claiming their role in this already intractable problem, there is a debate going on as to who will enter Kashmir first, Taliban or China?)

Proposers and disposers! (The saying that man proposes and God disposes needs to be changed in our context as we have proposers and disposers among our own selves. We do not leave it to God!)

The King is naked! (Omar Abdullah’s bold declaration about the cause of militancy reminds one about the school days story of the King and the Child)

The Dumb Dialogue and the Blind Trade! (Recent events have shown that the dialogue process at various levels as well as the cross LOC trade appear to be the dialogue of the dumb and the trade of the blind!)

Kashmir, the West’s “Blind Spot”! (After 9/11, Kashmir which used to be the main focus of attention of the western powers in South Asia has suddenly disappeared from their sights!)

The Grass and the Elephants! (If the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled and if the elephants make love, the grass still gets trampled!)

Kashmir Problem, Changing the Contours! (The recent announcement of a self-rule and autonomy package for the Northern Areas by the Pakistan Government may be aimed at changing the contours of Kashmir’s “problem area”!)

Independent Kashmir-III (Pakistan Government’s latest stance about Independent Kashmir welcomed by many, could be the turning point in solving the decades old dispute)

Independent Kashmir-II (Pakistan Government’s latest stance about Independent Kashmir welcomed by many, could be the turning point in solving the decades old dispute)

Independent Kashmir-I (Pakistan Government’s latest stance about Independent Kashmir welcomed by many, could be the turning point in solving the decades old dispute)

The Zojila Tunnel (Leh and Kargil districts at present remain totally cut off during six months or more in freezing winter. Apart from expediting the long awaited Zojila Tunnel, the opening of the routes to Tibet and Skardu needs to be considered on priority to end the unnatural siege!)

The Pheran Diplomacy (Kashmiri Pheran wearing US Secretary of State may not be able to defuse what her husband called the “nuclear flashpoint” but she could at least do something concrete to save Kashmir’s environment!)

Hijacking the Martyrs! (There cannot be a greater tribute to the spirit of the martyrs of 1931 than the entire population being imprisoned to prevent them from paying homage. Their sacrifices stand vindicated!)

The Global “Hot Spot” (Kashmir has been bandied about as the Global “Hot Spot” and a “Nuclear Flash Point” for too long now. However, the efforts to defuse this alarmingly dangerous tangle do not match the unusually high concern shown about its destructive potential!)

Pakistan, a dream gone sour! (The present day Pakistan surely is not the dream which Dr. Iqbal and Mohammad Ali Jinnah had seen for the Muslims of the sub-continent! Why has the dream gone sour and can it be retrieved?)

“Undeclared” Curfew (The authorities in Kashmir have coined a new term to violate human rights with impunity. Even under legally imposed curfew people have certain rights but the new dispensation leaves no room for any relief to the common citizen)

Indian Democracy’s Black Spot (Recent parliament elections have been proclaimed as the triumph of democracy in India. However, the global acclaim of this achievement gets pulled down by the “Black Spot” of Kashmir!)

The Manufacturing Defects! (Usually all patented products carry a guarantee for replacement in case of any manufacturing defects. Kashmiri leaders also seem to have some manufacturing defects which may qualify them for replacement!)

The Bully America! (The violence, arrogance, and bullying nature are in the genes of the Americans. It has a historical background which forces them to act as “Cowboys” even in the 21st century!)

Beyond abstract “Azadi” (Leaders preaching “Azadi” have to go way beyond its abstract meaning to make its attainment worthwhile for the common people)

The Indian Caste War! (In spite of almost zero inflation and appreciable growth rate in the fast melting global economy, the Indian state is getting poorer and poorer and heading for a new conflict which may totally change the shape of things to come!)

Waiting for America! (Kashmir’s tragedy is that the people in spite of having suffered repeated betrayals are still waiting for America to free them from their self-inflicted troubles. Probably, because as revealed by Dan Brown, Kashmir actually belongs to America!)

United Jammu & Kashmir (Every one is talking about the integrity and unity of the State of Jammu & Kashmir but the moot point is can the final solution of the problem encompass this unity?)

“Democracy” survives in Pakistan! (For a change, first time since its creation Pakistan has not come under army rule after civil turmoil. Has it finally started becoming a true democratic country? Only time will decide!)

Bringing Musharraf back! (Fast deteriorating situation in Pakistan has prompted many people on both sides of the divide to pray for the return of the General)

Does Peace have a chance? (Peace in Kashmir has been the cherished desire of all the people as on it depends peace in the sub-continent as well as in the entire South Asian Region but is peace really achievable?)

Peace in South Asia (Peace can be established only after the common people in this region start trusting each other sincerely by looking within and not outside)

Introspecting “AZADI” (For an honest introspection the leaders have to judge themselves first and then go a long way back into history as the sentiment of “AZADI” has been there for centuries!)

After Elections, What? (The Elections are over now and soon a new Government will be in the saddle but the moot question is what will happen after the elections in Kashmir?)

Bush’s Shoegate (A humiliating farewell to the most arrogant President of the United States of America)

Fragile Peace Process (Superficial bonhomie hides the perennial mistrust and irreconcilable basic attitudes)

Azadi or Governance (Common man taking his own decisions regardless of leaders, a healthy trend for Kashmir!)

Unpredictable Kashmiri (No one has ever been able to know what is really in the heart of a Kashmiri)

Excessive Force (Is the Paramilitary ill-trained and undisciplined or under specific instructions to brutalise Kashmiri people, someone needs to answer?)

The Domestic Hand (For a change the “Foreign Hand” has been replaced!)

BJP plans Kashmir’s Secession? (Getting rid of Muslim Kashmir may be more useful for India than keeping it at a huge cost in the long run!)

Lal Chowk Hijacked!
(Extreme anti-climax to Nehru’s historical promise!)

Birth of a Revolution
(A Revolution is not made but it happens!)

The Land and the Apples!
(Economic reasons, not sentiments give birth to Revolutions!)

Pushing Kashmiris to the Wall
(Pushing a man unreasonably turns him desperate and a desperate person can be extremely dangerous!)

Kashmir’s New Maharajas
(Last sixty years have produced a new breed of Aristocrats and Maharajas who complement each other at the cost of “Aam Aadmi”!)

Unfinished Tasks
(Each change of rulers usually shelves predecessors’ unfinished tasks!)

Political Loot in the Largest Democracy
(Does “Democracy” really suit the conditions in the sub-continent?)

Confidence “Shaking” Measures
(Breach in Sub-Continent’s Berlin Wall could not become a flood!)

Dormant, but not dead!
(Whenever leaders dither, the people dare!)

Amarnath leads to Azadi
(Shiva comes to the rescue of suffering Kashmiris!)

Blackmailing Kashmiris
(Why do Kashmiri leaders get easily blackmailed by one and all?)

General Sinha Unites Hurriyat
(Amarnath wakes up Kashmiri Muslims from a deep slumber)

Amarnath Yatra
(A Journey of Faith or a Battle for Hindutva)

Peace and Reconciliation
(Kashmir First or South Asia First?)

Substantiating “Azadi”
(New stance can strengthen the movement)

Bullet for Bullet (Eliminating the “Last Gun”)

Kashmir’s Mainstream? (Drying Rivers, Roaring Streams)

ID Card, the Ultimate Identity
(It is trying to replace the Historical Identity)

Kashmir’s Sellers and Resellers
(Chameleons selling dumb cattle)

Kashmiris Dumped Again!
(It is time to rethink and stand on one’s own!)

Suspecting Kashmiris Universally
(For every activity they need antecedent verification!)

Back to Square One! (Have Kashmiris been jinxed again?)

Musharraf Formula (A Political Polyandry for Kashmiris)

The Ever Changing Stances

Musharraf sans Uniform

Human Rights in Kashmir ... (A cruel joke!)

Indian Double Standards

Disproportionate Collateral Damage

Kashmir Jinxed Again

Pervez Musharraf - Enlightened Moderation to Frustrated Desperation

Northern Areas New Dispensation

A Ray of Hope

Kautaliya and Kashmir

Tongue and Groove

Blocked Tracks

Re-militarising Kashmir

India’s Kashmir Dilemma

Confusing Goals, Missing Roads

60 years (“Freedom” or “Slavery”?)

Dependence Day

Mistrusted Kashmiris

Washing Dirty Linen

Disconnecting Kashmiris

Changing Ground Situation

Migration to Cultural Decimation

A State of Jammu

Blind Spots and Amnesia

An Independent Kashmir

Stop de-Kashmirization

Identifying a Kashmiri

Kashmir on Life Support

Kashmir Problem Resolved?

The Rights of Man

“New Speak” on Kashmir

West’s Abandonment of Kashmir Cause

How old is Kashmir problem.

Delhi and Islamabad’s blunders in Kashmir.

Kashmir in 1947.

Kashmir-the only solution.

Kashmir-a beautiful prison.

Kashmir’s misfortune-bankruptcy of leadership.

Sanskritising Kashmiriyat.

Beneficiaries of conflict.

Kashmir’s internecine warfare.

Kashmir’s leadership vacuum.

Psychological siege.

Enigmatic lion of Kashmir.

Musharraf-a modern Kautaliya.

Only option.

Return of the natives.

Waiting for Azadi.

Kashmiri Pandits.

Gifts of war.

Other side of turmoil.

Overseas Kashmiris dilemma.

Political parasites and gullible people.

Is India a secular state?

Pakistan-land of my feudal lord.

Have India and Pakistan emotionally given up Kashmir?

India and Pakistan should disinvest Kashmir.

Demilitarisation and self rule.

Good Chemistry but no chemical reaction.

Is Kashmir normal?

Kashmir’s colonial administration.

Self governance or good governance?

Alienated Kashmir.

Kashmir sinks as Jammu grows.

Great Indian tamasha.

Documents on Kashmir.

A welcome awakening.

Demilitarisation or de-colonisation.

Unachievable part.

Kashmir solution jinxed by disunity.

Lifeline or IV-line.

Stagnant détente.

Promised land, cursed people.

President Musharraf’s four point proposal.

A Kashmir solution.

“Demilitarizing” Kashmir

Infighting Freedom Fighters

Kashmir’s Work Culture

The Indo-Pak Blame Game