Beyond Marks: Rethinking Merit, Youth, and Mental Well-Being in Kashmir By Umar Khan Amiri In Kashmir, the declaration of academic results has increasingly become more than a routine educational milestone. It has evolved into a social yardstick—one that often measures not just performance, but worth, intelligence, and future potential. This mindset, deeply entrenched in society, has had a distressing impact on the mental health and self-esteem of young people. Every year, students give their best within the limits of their individual capacities. Yet the first and often the only question…
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‘What Is Your Threshold?’ Aga Ruhullah Questions Delay in Reservation Rationalisation in J&K
‘What Is Your Threshold?’ Aga Ruhullah Questions J&K Government Over Reservation Rationalisation Delay As Power Tariffs Rise and Social Fault Lines Deepen, the Srinagar MP’s Sharp Intervention Brings Equity, Governance, and Intra-Party Tensions to the Fore By: Javid Amin | 14 January 2026 A Question That Cuts to the Core of Governance In Jammu and Kashmir’s increasingly charged political climate, a single question can reveal far more than a long policy statement. When Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi asked the Omar Abdullah–led government, “What is your threshold?”,…
Read MoreWaheed Para Flags Regional Bias in Caste Certificate Distribution in Jammu & Kashmir
PDP MLA Raises Alarm Over Unequal Implementation of Reservation Benefits By: Javid Amin | 28 October 2025 Srinagar, October 2025 — A fresh political debate has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after PDP MLA Waheed Para exposed what he described as a “deep regional divide” in the issuance of caste and social category certificates across the Union Territory. In a pointed intervention during the Legislative Assembly session, Para cited official figures provided by the Revenue Department, revealing striking differences between Jammu and Kashmir divisions in the granting of Scheduled Caste…
Read MoreQuota Policy Controversy: Mufti and Mirwaiz Call for Action from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
Mufti and Mirwaiz Oppose Quota Policy, Urge Omar Abdullah to Find Solution Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday described the ongoing reservation issue in the region as a “serious matter” and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action to resolve the situation. “This is a very serious issue. From a young age, we tell our children to work hard and succeed in life. But today, merit has become the biggest casualty,” Mufti told reporters. She expressed concern that…
Read MoreRising Costs, Shrinking Rotis: The Struggle for Food Security in Kashmir
The Struggle for Affordable Kander Tchot: A Call for Justice in Kashmir’s Staple Diet By: Javid Amin Kander Tchot, commonly known as Kashmiri roti, holds a significant place in the daily lives of Kashmir’s residents. Beyond its role as a staple food, it represents sustenance for the valley’s less fortunate, forming a critical part of their morning meals. However, as the cost of living rises in Kashmir, even this humble bread is becoming increasingly difficult for many families to afford. This growing issue underscores the urgent need for government intervention…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah’s Bold Statement: Rectifying BJP’s Wrongs in Jammu and Kashmir
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Vows to Rectify Wrongs Done by BJP Government Srinagar, December 13, 2024 – In a bold statement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has vowed to rectify the wrongs done by the previous BJP government. Addressing the media outside the Chamber House following a meeting, Abdullah emphasized his commitment to addressing the issues and challenges faced by the region under the BJP’s rule. Key Points from CM Omar Abdullah’s Statement: Restoration of Statehood: Abdullah reiterated his government’s dedication to restoring the full statehood of Jammu…
Read MoreSrinagar Ex-Mayor to Challenge J&K Reservation Policy in High Court
Amid a growing chorus against its, the newly-elected Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government had in November formed a cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu said on Tuesday said he will file a separate petition in the high court (HC) against Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy, which has drastically reduced the open merit posts and seats in jobs and admissions, supporting an earlier plea against the policy. Mattu said the petition on the reservation policy filed in the court needs serious impetus and support…
Read MoreBharat Ratna to L K Advani: The ‘Charioteer’ Who Led BJP to Rise, Leaving an Enduring Mark on Indian Politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced Bharat Ratna honour for BJP veteran L K Advani. Advani, who served as the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the longest period, was instrumental in building the party in the 90s and guiding it to power at the centre. It was under Advani that the BJP saw a phenomenal rise from 2 Lok Sabha seats in 1984 to 85 seats in 1989 and then 120 in 1991. Advani, who served as deputy prime minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government besides holding…
Read MoreDisturbing Trend: 10 babies abandoned in Kashmir every month
At least three babies have died this year as their biological parents lacked awareness on surrendering them properly, which would have prevented fatalities By : Peerzada Ashiq Heartrending cases of “unwanted” babies abandoned at garbage dumps, less-travelled roadsides, and hospital bathrooms are rising in Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) is grappling with the issue as an average of 10 cases are reported every month, a jump from the average of five cases reported till a few years ago. “The worry is that not all cases are reported…
Read MoreThe Begging Conundrum in Srinagar: A Multifaceted Challenge Requiring Comprehensive Solutions
By: Javid Amin Beggary has emerged as a significant issue in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A 2019 survey conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir government reported that Srinagar is home to over 10,000 beggars, with approximately 70% originating from outside the state. Beggary is an intricate problem that defies simple solutions. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of begging, including poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and disabilities. Frequently, beggars hail from impoverished and marginalized communities, often left with no alternative means of sustenance. Beggars in…
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