Kashmir: Militarization, Protest, and Gender

Ather Zia Towards the end of June grim reports from Indian administered Kashmir (hereafter called Kashmir) about increasing mass agitation, demonstrations and protests which resulted in civilian casualties began pouring in. Although tension in Kashmir is nothing new given the conflict, these particular incidents involved civilian casualties on a daily … Read more →

Kashmir’s Stone Pelter

Ather Zia [circa 2010] You ask about his birth? No, no he was not born today. No not at the time you see him, frozen in the frames of countless magazines and screens, aggressive and intent on throwing the stone at the well armed and armored Indian trooper whose finger … Read more →

Conversation with Tariq Tapa

By Ather Zia You grew up in New York, you have roots in Kashmir? Take us back into your childhood and tell us a bit about your family life? I was born and raised in New York City. My mother is American, and an artist. My father comes from Srinagar, … Read more →

Conversation with Suraya Abdullah

By Nyla Ali Khan Prelude The rustle of a traditionalshalwar kameez; a well-ironeddupattalightly covering her head; a soft look on her face accentuated by a mellifluous voice; an unflinching conviction in basic goodness and the potential of people to redeem themselves even in the worst of situations; an uncritical filial … Read more →

Conversation with Masood Hussain

By Ather Zia If I understand correctly not many Kashmiri families would encourage a child to be an artist. How did you manage to stay the course? I was born in an intellectual family, known for its scholars and poets. My father was a doctor he used to read many … Read more →

A Remembrance: Agha Shahid Ali

  Kashmiri-American Poet [February 4th, 1949 – 8th December 2001] In this 2010 winter issue, we mark Kashmiri American poet Agha Shahid Ali’s birthday which falls on February 4th. Shahid had very short time on this earth nevertheless the genius of his poetry blossomed and continues to flourish in the … Read more →

A Message for Contemporary Muslims

By Najeeba Syeed-Miller Too often in modern religious discourse, we have devolved into conversations that emphasize only the passion of faith and do not honor the very aspect of faith that make us human: The role of rational thought. Emotion is important; it keeps us connected with God. We know … Read more →

Infinite Injustice: Lies, Damned Lies!

Shopian Rape Case Conundrum By Anuradha Bhasin Jamwal Two women went to their orchard in the evening of May 29 last year in Shopian, Kashmir and went missing. They never returned. Their family and police personnel searched for them till the dead of the night along the trickle of a … Read more →