Modi blowing my country to smithereens, Democracy under attack in India: Rahul Gandhi at Cambridge University

Modi blowing my country to smithereens, Democracy under attack in India: Rahul Gandhi at Cambridge University

Rahul Gandhi’s speech at Cambridge University earlier this week drew the BJP’s ire as it was learnt that the Congress leader spoke of the “threat to democracy” in India and alleged that several politicians, including him, were under surveillance. Gandhi made the remarks during a lecture at the Cambridge Judge Business School (Cambridge JBS) on “Learning to Listen in the 21st Century”. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill tweeted, “Instead of introspecting on loss of 172 seats out of 180 in N East polls, loss of 50+ elections out of 54…

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In Kashmir, each one a Kabul Expert

In Kashmir, each one a Kabul Expert

Long before the fall of Kabul on August 15 and before the news channels became keen on its unfolding, Kashmiris have been keeping eye on the Afghanistan situation for the past Naseer Ganai Outside the baker’s shop, there was the usual rush. I was waiting for my turn when a person asked whether Mullah Baradar and Anas Haqqani have patched up. All of a sudden everyone seemed to be interested in the discussion. One youngster volunteered to participate in the discussion and revealed that Mullah Baradar has given an interview…

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In Kashmir, different political ideologies have been set aside for a larger goal: Omar Abdullah

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah has said six regional parties, which signed the Gupkar declaration last year pledging to fight unitedly against the constitutional changes to Jammu & Kashmir’s status, may have different political ideologies but plan to present a united front for the time being. “…different political ideologies… have been set aside for a larger goal. We wanted to send a wider message to New Delhi that, on this question of what happened on August 5 [when the process for the nullification of Article 370 that gave Jammu &…

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In Kashmir, Sunday is the new Monday

After remaining closed for more than four months, Sunday was the new Monday for schools in the Kashmir valley. Hundreds of students attended classes to make up for the losses as the separatist protest calendar allows a two-day relaxation period in a week. “Sunday is a full day of relaxation, buses remain available and students reach school without any hassles. We are also concluding the formalities of the previous session to focus on the next one now,” said Rukhsan-ul-Nisa, a senior teacher at S.S. Islamia High School at Srinagar’s Nowhatta…

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Diwali, in Kashmir

As they prepare for the festival today, Hindu families tell about the relationships — both defined by the Kashmir story and defying it —which keep them safe. And which ensure they are here to stay As the three men enter his house, Mohan Singh welcomes them with a big smile. “How are you? When were you released?” he says. Noticing their solemn faces, he adds, “Everything will be okay soon.” The men shake hands with Singh but continue to stand in the courtyard, hesitant to say anything. Sensing their anxiety,…

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In Kashmir, Conspiracies Fester Under Internet Censorship

Kashmir’s “forgotten war” is misunderstood and badly reported as a direct result of government censorship on media outlets and private internet service providers By Naheed Mustafa There is a video on YouTube that shakes and hiccups through 11-and-a-half minutes of the last rites for Burhan Muzaffar Wani. Thousands of men and women stand in a clearing surrounded by trees, straining for a final glimpse, a chance for a picture, a last opportunity to touch the face of Wani, a 21-year-old militant shot dead by Indian forces on July 8, 2016…

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