Faith, Ego, and Governance: Kashmir’s Sacred Spaces and Holidays Hijacked

Faith, Ego, and Governance: Kashmir’s Sacred Spaces and Holidays Hijacked

Hazratbal Controversy & Eid Milad-un-Nabi Dispute – Faith, Ego, and Governance in Kashmir By: Javid Amin | 05 Aug 2025 The Collision of Faith and Power In Kashmir, faith is not abstract—it is woven into daily life, memory, and collective identity. From shrines like Hazratbal, which houses the Moi-e-Muqqadas (a relic of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), to festivals like Eid Milad-un-Nabi, these traditions carry centuries of reverence. But when ego-driven governance collides with sacred space, the result is not just controversy—it is alienation. September 2025 has marked two such flashpoints: the…

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Kashmir Justice: Ex-SHO Sentenced to Life in 2003 Kupwara Fidayeen Attack Case

Ex-SHO Sentenced to Life for Aiding 2003 Kupwara Fidayeen Attack

Justice After Two Decades By: Javid Amin | 31 Aug 2025 In a landmark judgment that has reignited conversations about justice, accountability, and the long shadow of Kashmir’s turbulent years, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court has sentenced Ghulam Rasool Wani, a former Station House Officer (SHO) of Sogam, to life imprisonment. His crime was not a matter of negligence or oversight—it was active collusion. The court found that Wani aided a fidayeen (suicide attacker) from Pakistan-based militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad in carrying out a devastating assault in Kupwara Chowk on…

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Delhi Police Bust Interstate Human Trafficking Network in Srinagar

Delhi Police Bust Interstate Human Trafficking Network in Srinagar

Children Lured From Delhi, Forced Into Bonded Domestic Labour in Kashmir By: Javid Amin | 28 Aug 2025 A Dark Trade Uncovered Human trafficking is often described as “modern-day slavery”, and in India, it remains one of the most underreported yet devastating crimes. On the surface, the recent bust in Srinagar may appear like a single operation—a joint success by Delhi Police and J&K Police. But beneath it lies a deeper story: a shadow economy of stolen childhoods, where poverty, migration, and weak enforcement collide. On August 2025, Delhi Police…

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Stray Dog Menace in Srinagar: A Public Health Emergency, Governance Failure & Moral Dilemma

Stray Dog Menace in Srinagar: A Public Health Emergency, Governance Failure & Moral Dilemma

Stray Dog Menace in Srinagar: A Growing Crisis of Public Health, Safety & Compassion By: Javid Amin | 19 Aug 2025 Srinagar’s Stray Dog Dilemma Early mornings in Srinagar are beautiful—mist rolling off the Dal Lake, shopkeepers raising shutters in Lal Chowk, children rushing to schools with their backpacks, and the aroma of freshly baked kulchas drifting from bakeries. Yet, there’s another sight that has now become inseparable from the city’s daily life: packs of stray dogs wandering the streets, loitering near garbage dumps, chasing bikers, or sleeping on pavements.…

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The 21-Course Curse: Kashmir’s Lavish Weddings & The Shocking Rise Of Instant Divorce – Can Tradition Be Saved?

The 21-Course Curse: Kashmir's Lavish Weddings & The Shocking Rise Of Instant Divorce – Can Tradition Be Saved?

Kashmir Marriage Crisis: Lavish Weddings, Rising Divorce & Islamic Solutions | Social Change By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 12 July 2025 The majestic valleys of Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” are echoing with a dissonant sound: the clatter of extravagant wedding festivities swiftly followed by the hushed, painful whispers of divorce papers filed within weeks, sometimes days. Beneath the surface of vibrant phirans, glittering jewelry, and the intoxicating aroma of wazwan, a profound social crisis is fracturing the very fabric of Kashmiri society. This isn’t merely about changing…

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Public Outrage and Substance Abuse Crisis Drive Liquor Ban Movement in Kashmir

Public Outrage and Substance Abuse Crisis Drive Liquor Ban Movement in Kashmir

Three Bills and a Public Campaign: Why the Valley is Seeing Growing Calls for a Liquor Ban Srinagar 01 March 2025: Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Budget Session starting on March 3, calls for a liquor ban have been growing stronger in the Union Territory. This movement is driven by concerns over rising drug addiction and social media posts showing apparently drunk tourists, which have added to the public’s worries. However, the debate is complex, as the region also benefits from rising revenues from excise and tourism. Bills…

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Schools in Kashmir to Reopen on March 7 Following Weather-Related Extension

Schools in Kashmir to Reopen on March 7 Following Weather-Related Extension

Kashmir Schools to Reopen After Winter Break on March 7: Minister Srinagar, February 28, 2025 – In light of the recent inclement weather, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to extend the winter vacations for all schools in the region. Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced that the vacations have been extended until March 6, and schools will now reopen on March 7. Decision-Making Process: On Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir government held a crucial meeting to discuss the possible extension of winter vacations following fresh snowfall across the Valley.…

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Snow and Showers Revive Kashmir’s Winter Charm; Water Bodies Rejuvenates

Snow and Showers Revive Kashmir’s Winter Charm: Water Bodies Rejuvenates

Snow and Showers Revive Kashmir’s Winter Charm: A Comprehensive Overview Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: After an extended dry spell that left Jammu and Kashmir grappling with a severe precipitation deficit, the recent wet spell has provided some much-needed relief. The overall shortfall has been reduced from 80 percent to 65 percent, thanks to the recent snow and rainfall. This revival of winter weather has brought hope to various sectors, including agriculture and tourism, while also presenting challenges. Meteorological Department Forecast: The latest forecast from the Meteorological Department indicates further improvements.…

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INDIA Bloc Must Extend Discussions Beyond Parliament Elections: Omar Abdullah

INDIA Bloc Must Extend Discussions Beyond Parliament Elections: Omar Abdullah

Idea of INDIA Bloc ‘Not Dead’, Need to Put Up United Front Against BJP: Omar Abdullah Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized on Thursday that the idea of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is “not dead” and highlighted the necessity for Opposition unity to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the country. Abdullah, who is also the vice president of the National Conference (NC), stressed the importance of presenting a united front to challenge the BJP’s political influence. Call for Opposition…

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Authorities Prevent Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from Leading Funeral Prayers at Jamia Masjid

Authorities Prevent Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from Leading Funeral Prayers at Jamia Masjid

Mirwaiz Barred from Leading Father-in-Law’s Funeral Prayers at Jama Masjid, Parties Flay Move Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, authorities on Thursday prevented Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from leading the funeral prayers of his father-in-law, Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi, at the Jamia Masjid Mosque in Srinagar. Dr. Masoodi passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness. Details of the Incident: The Mirwaiz Manzil office confirmed that the gates of Jamia Masjid were sealed, and its surroundings cordoned off,…

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