Prologue: A Tale Too Remarkable to Ignore Late spring in Kashmir usually brings stories of blooming almond orchards and the first trickle of tourists. But in June 2025, the valley buzzed with a different narrative: the staggering rise of Zubair Bhat, a shy yet determined youth from Khumrail village, who went from almost being booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) to securing a qualifying score in the National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test (NEET). His journey is not merely academic triumph; it’s a testament to how compassionate intervention can change the arc of a…
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Why More Women in Kashmir Are Ending Marriages — And Why That’s Not a Bad Thing
Why More Women in Kashmir Are Ending Marriages — And That’s Not a Bad Thing By : Javid Amin | Srinagar | 12 June 2025 A Bold Shift in Marriage Dynamics Across Kashmir For generations, Kashmiri women—like women around the world—were expected to endure. To adjust. To stay for family honor, for the sake of children, for societal approval. A marriage was less of a partnership and more of a lifelong commitment to endure — regardless of fairness, respect, or fulfillment. But across the Valley today, something is changing. Quietly,…
Read MoreReservation Policy Under Fire: Students and Civil groups demand Clarity, Justice, and Equal Opportunity
Discrepancies between official statements spark criticism, political backlash, and public uncertainty over reforms in the reservation system. By – Javid Amin | Editor | Srinagar | June 10, 2025 A Policy Adrift in Political Waters In a politically sensitive region like Jammu & Kashmir, policy reforms are never merely administrative. They often reflect deeper crises tied to regional identity, social justice, and governance credibility. Today, the controversy surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy reforms has turned into a full-blown crisis of trust and accountability. Conflicting official statements about the Cabinet…
Read MoreKashmir Youth Violence: Rising Knife Attacks & Crime Trends | Causes, Incidents & Solutions
Shocking Knife Attack Near Zero Bridge: A Wake-Up Call for Kashmir By: Javid Amin Srinagar 04 June 2025: On a quiet evening near Zero Bridge, Rajbagh in Srinagar, an 18-year-old youth, Imran Bilal Shah, became the latest victim of a gruesome knife attack. Reportedly attacked with a sharp-edged weapon, Imran was quickly rushed to the hospital where he is now in stable condition. While the immediate danger has passed, this incident has stirred widespread concern across Kashmir. This violent episode is not an isolated case. Rather, it reflects a deeper,…
Read MoreKashmir’s Education Crossroads: Nurturing Minds, Healing Souls – A Call for Compassion and Reform in Kashmir Schools
Kashmir, often described as a paradise on Earth, is a land of unparalleled beauty, rich history, and profound spiritual heritage. Yet, beneath its serene surface, the valley grapples with a silent crisis, one that threatens the very foundation of its future: the well-being of its youth. The recent, heart-wrenching tragedy of Numan Farooq Sofi, a mere 14-year-old student from Kashmir Harvard Educational Institute, has ripped open a wound, exposing deep-seated vulnerabilities within the region’s educational system and triggering a collective introspection on how we nurture our most sensitive and promising…
Read MoreKashmir’s Silent Crisis: Unmasking the Devastating Toll of Online Gambling on Youth and Society
Kashmir, often celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a silent yet rapidly escalating crisis – the insidious rise of online gambling. What began as a seemingly innocuous form of digital entertainment has morphed into a pervasive menace, silently eroding the socio-economic fabric of countless families and casting a long, dark shadow over the future of its youth. The allure of quick riches, amplified by aggressive online marketing and easy accessibility, is drawing thousands into a perilous cycle of addiction, debt, and despair. Across…
Read MoreThe Marriage Delay: How Unemployment and Aspirations Are Redefining Matrimony
Late Marriages: How Unemployment and Aspirations Are Redefining Matrimony Srinagar 27 May 2025: In recent years, the institution of marriage has undergone a significant transformation. With changing societal norms, economic uncertainty, and increasing aspirations, many individuals are opting to tie the knot later in life. This shift has sparked a heated debate about the implications of late marriages on individuals, families, and society as a whole. As a senior editor, copywriter, and social expert, I’ll delve into the world of late marriages, exploring the reasons behind this trend, its effects,…
Read MoreKashmir’s Growing Drug Crisis: A Deep Dive Into the Valley’s Hidden Epidemic
The Shadow Pandemic: Understanding Kashmir’s Drug Crisis By Javid Amin | May 12, 2025 Eighty-two kilometers from Srinagar, nestled among the majestic Himalayan foothills, 23-year-old Javaid (name changed) sits in a small rehabilitation center. His sunken eyes and trembling hands tell a story that has become increasingly common across the Kashmir Valley. Three years ago, he was a promising engineering student. Today, he’s fighting a desperate battle against heroin addiction. “It started with charas (cannabis),” he recalls, his voice barely audible. “Then pills, and finally, heroin. Before I knew it,…
Read MoreKashmir’s Youth at a Crossroads: Dreams, Fears & Uncertainty in a Changing Landscape
A Generation in Transition By: Javid Amin Srinagar 03 May 2025: In the heart of the Himalayas, Kashmir’s youth stand at a pivotal juncture. Amidst breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry, they grapple with aspirations and anxieties shaped by socio-political upheavals, economic challenges, and evolving global dynamics. This generation, vibrant and resilient, seeks to carve a future that transcends the shadows of conflict and uncertainty. Aspirations Amidst Adversity Pursuit of Quality Education Kashmiri youth place immense value on education as a pathway to empowerment. Despite infrastructural challenges and intermittent…
Read MoreThe Unbreakable Spirit of Kashmir: Finding Light Amidst the Shadows of Unjust Hardship
Kashmir’s Unbreakable Heart: Finding Hope Amidst Unjust Hardship By: Javid Amin Srinagar 28 April 2025: The breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, often described as paradise on Earth, has, for far too long, been intertwined with a narrative of conflict and hardship. In the wake of recent tragic events, a painful reality has resurfaced: the potential for an entire population to bear the weight of actions they did not commit, a form of collective suffering that casts a long shadow over their daily lives. Yet, amidst these trials, the spirit of the…
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