Articles Archives | Kashmir POST

Simplified Weddings in Kashmir: Rediscovering the True Essence of Nikkah

April 21, 2025 Editor

The Wedding Season Arrives, But At What Cost? By: Javid Amin Srinagar 21 April 2025: As the Valley welcomes the arrival of the much-anticipated wedding season, excitement fills the air. Markets are abuzz, tailors work overtime, and invitation cards are dispatched in bulk. However, amid the vibrant hustle, a harsh reality persists: weddings, once sacred and simple, are now an exhibition of wealth, social competition, and at times, financial devastation. This article takes an in-depth look at the escalating wedding culture in Kashmir, the widening social divide it creates, and…

The Great Ramadan Paradox: If the Devil is Bound, Why Do Sins Abound? A Soul-Searching Journey Through Kashmir

March 2, 2025 Editor

Unmasking the Real Tempter: How Human Habits Outlive the Devil’s Chains By: Javid Amin The Quest for Shadows – As Ramadan’s crescent moon hung over Kashmir, I embarked on a quest not for spiritual solace, but for answers. For centuries, Muslims have believed that during this holy month, the Devil—Shaitan—is shackled, his whispers silenced. Yet, as I wandered through bustling markets, hushed mosques, and lethargic institutions, I found greed, division, and apathy thriving. If the Devil is truly chained, why does his shadow linger? This 6,000-word exploration dives into the…

Kashmir’s Sufi Soul: Ancient Monuments Reflect a More Accommodative Islam

January 9, 2025 Editor

Ancient monuments of Sufi orders dotting the Valley speak of the existence of an Islam that was more accommodative than its modern revivalist avatar. By: Shakir Mir Kashmir has a rich Sufi heritage, which is enshrined in the ancient tombs and hermitages (or khanqahs) that dot its landscape. Its encounter with Sufism started in the 14th century, when wave upon wave of Sufi theologians from former Mongol and Timurid territories migrated to Kashmir. Historically, six Sufi monastic orders or silsilas have shaped Islamic religious expression here. These are the Kubrawi,…

Kashmir’s Political Shift: The Cost of the BJP-PDP Alliance

November 21, 2024 Editor

The alliance alienated PDP’s core Muslim voter base in Kashmir and led to the party’s dramatic fall from 28 seats in 2014 to just three seats in 2024. By: Auqib Javeed One August afternoon earlier this year, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, a young politician and former MLA of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was busy campaigning in his constituency of Zainapora (formerly Wachi) in South Kashmir when he learned that the party leadership had decided not to give him a ticket to contest in the Assembly election. Mir had won the…

Jammu to BJP, Kashmir to NC: PARTYtioned!?

October 13, 2024 Editor

Is Kashmir and Jammu mathematically separated and we are only wishing away a certitude, or there is certainly something else in the plot? By: Mehmood Ur Rashid When the focus should all be on the restoration of the statehood for J&K, something else is taking the centre stage. When all political energies should be marshalled to reclaim the political rights of the people of J&K, something else is presented as an emergency. The most disempowered entity in the entire India right now is this small population, surrounded by mortal fears…

A Taste of Autumn: Savor the Nutritional Delights of Kashmir’s Chestnuts

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 Editor

A Chestnut Delight: Savor the Flavors of Kashmir’s Autumn Harvest By: Javid Amin As the golden hues of autumn envelop the scenic landscapes of Kashmir, the arrival of one of the region’s hidden gems is eagerly awaited—the chestnut. This beloved nut, with its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, has been an integral part of Kashmiri culture for centuries. It represents not just a culinary delicacy but also a symbol of heritage, health, and sustainability. In this article, we will explore the chestnut’s historical roots in Kashmir, its nutritional value, how…

The Crisis of Leadership in Kashmir: A Legacy of Broken Trust and Compromises

September 29, 2024 Editor

The Crisis of Leadership in Kashmir: A Legacy of Broken Trust and Compromises By: Er. Shahzada Athar Ishaq Shah Kashmir, a region with a long and tumultuous history, has been shaped by leaders who have repeatedly compromised the aspirations of its people. The National Conference (NC) under Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed have both played major roles in this. These parties have let down the people of Kashmir by making compromises on their ideologies and aligning with powers in Delhi for personal…

Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: Independent Candidates Surge Amid Allegations of Vote Division

September 17, 2024 Editor

A Surge of Independent Candidates in the Fray By: Javid Amin The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is witnessing a unique and unprecedented shift as the region gears up for the 2024 Assembly elections. A significant 40% of the total 908 candidates contesting in the election are running as Independents, a statistic that has sparked both interest and controversy. With 365 Independent candidates filing their nominations to contest the three-phase polls, the high number has prompted allegations from major political parties, especially the National Conference (NC) and the…

A Call for Introspection: Charting Progress for Youth

June 13, 2024 Editor

A Call for Introspection: The Path to Progress for Kashmiri Muslims By: Javid Amin In a digital age dominated by social media, the voices of individuals and communities are more connected than ever before. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become arenas for discussion, debate, and, unfortunately, often for unproductive behaviors such as trolling and consuming trivial content. This phenomenon isn’t unique to any single community, but it has particular resonance in the context of Kashmiri Muslims, where societal issues are deeply intertwined with political and economic challenges. The Digital…

The Political Chameleon: Shifting Allegiances and the Evolving Indian Landscape

February 18, 2024 Editor

Beyond the “Opportunist” Label: Unveiling the Complexities of Defection By: Javid Amin The Indian political ecosystem thrives on movement, with leaders routinely shifting allegiances and loyalties. While this dynamism can be interpreted as a sign of political flexibility, it often leaves electorates confused and raises questions about the motivations driving these seemingly abrupt changes. To dissect this phenomenon, we must move beyond accusations of “opportunism” and delve into the intricate tapestry of motivations, ethics, and consequences surrounding party defections. Beyond Simplistic Narratives: Unveiling the Drivers of Defection Reducing defections to…