Kashmir

The Bollywood film 'Chauhaan' has drawn criticism for trivializing the suffering of Kashmiri victims maimed by Indian forces' use of pellet guns, which have caused severe injuries and mass blindings. Survivors like Inam Ahmad, who lost 80% of his eyesight, describe ongoing physical and emotional trauma, while rights advocates accuse Bollywood of sanitizing state violence in Kashmir.

Businessman Mubeen Shah’s property in Srinagar was attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was among traders from Kashmir arrested on August 4, 2019, and later released by the court.

Over 100 individuals from India and Pakistan have signed an open letter addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, calling for dialogue on Kashmir and the resumption of bilateral ties. The initiative was led by O.P. Shah, chairman of the Centre for Peace and Progress.

Multi-agency mock drills focusing on suicide attacks and calamities were conducted in Kashmir to assess emergency preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of the Amarnath Yatra starting on July 3.

Kashmir's lakes, including Dal Lake, face threats from pollution, invasive species, and climate-driven water level declines. Government workers struggle to manage weeds and polluted water, while encroachment by farmland and homes accelerates lake degradation. An Indian government report reveals 315 lakes have disappeared and 203 have shrunk since 1967.

The swearing-in of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Advocate Amjad Hussain was postponed due to the unavailability of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The CM-elect highlighted the need for federal funds to address the climate crisis and proposed provisional provincial status for GB to counter the Modi government's revocation of Kashmir's special status.

A civil society group has proposed a water security commission to address concerns over shrinking waterbodies in Kashmir. The group warns that the Centre's approval to fell nearly 2.8 million trees and large-scale infrastructure projects in hill regions could destabilize fragile mountain ecosystems.

Mehbooba Mufti attended a Pandit ceremony in Kashmir aimed at mending community bonds. Displaced Pandit groups are considering returning due to improved security and reduced militant recruitment.

Shashi Tharoor clarified that a parliamentary panel visit to Kashmir was not aimed at assessing the region's situation, stating discussions focused on progress toward normalcy. He highlighted positive outreach efforts, including a conversation with the President of the Kashmiri Writers' Association and the Women's Organisation.

India has rejected remarks made by Pakistan President Zardari on Kashmir. A statement by Jaiswal accused Pakistan of a history of targeting and victimizing minorities across various faiths.

J&K L-G Manoj Sinha has dismissed employees over 'terror links' in Kashmir following the 2020 amendment to Article 311, which eliminated the need for departmental inquiries before termination. Around 86 employees have been terminated under these new rules.

A Pakistan military helicopter crashed in Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of all individuals on board. Heavy security has been deployed in Muzaffarabad due to ongoing protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Kashmir remains in an uneasy calm with hopes for true integration hindered by New Delhi's approach of treating the region as a security issue to manage.

A suicide blast targeting a passenger train in Quetta, Pakistan, killed at least 23 people and injured 70 others. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating the attack targeted a train carrying security personnel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti accused India of supporting the group through proxies.

India-administered Kashmir has launched a campaign to combat youth drug addiction. The initiative aims to address the growing concern of drug abuse among young people in the region. The campaign's goal is to raise awareness and provide support to those affected.

Two Kashmir brothers were killed 26 years apart, one by rebels and the other by the army, symbolizing the region's prolonged conflict and unresolved tensions. The family continues to seek answers amid decades of tragedy.

An Indian law has declared a Kashmir seminary unlawful, leading to condemnation from local political and religious leaders. They argue this move reflects New Delhi's excessive interference in the region.

A year after militants killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir, families are still grappling with the trauma and loss. The attack, which targeted a tourist hotspot, left lasting scars on the community.

Kashmiris are donating gold and breaking piggy banks to support Iran amid the ongoing war, reigniting a centuries-old historical bond between the regions.

Aasiya Andrabi, a 64-year-old grandmother from Kashmir, received three life terms in prison. Legal experts argue her harsh conviction is primarily based on offensive speech-making, fitting India's broader pattern of similar cases.