Being a Mother in Kashmir
The imagery behind this is constructed through the mythology of two mothers whose fables came to be adopted and championed as the epitome of motherly sacrifice in Kashmir. The story of the mothers of Aka-nandun spins a folktale that idealizes the sacrifice and selflessness of women despite the torment she faces on losing her child. The other tale of Lalded is based on a woman who evoked mysticism in the land of clashing belief systems and spoke the language of the changing Kashmiri ethos. She didn’t give birth to a child, rather, became the symbol of motherhood, guiding the wayward souls by breaking free from the patriarchal bounds and donning the armor of maternal spirit to transform and challenge the notions of the faltering Kashmiri society.
What’s with the New Militancy in Kashmir
The Indian former Intelligence Bureau Director A. S. Dulat warned, “The calm appears deceptive.” This seasonal expert was veracious in sensing the emerging trend of militancy in Kashmir followed the decrease in 2013. There was a turning situation where a unique form of militant insurgency emerged after the evocation of autonomy provisions by abrogating Article 370 and 35A. It seriously triggered the concern of India regarding the new form of militancy.
Self-Determination: A Dormant Right of Kashmiris
The concept of self-determination emerged from Rosseau and John Locke’s political theories, which ultimately led to the French & American Revolution, respectively. On these grounds, the UN formulated and recognized the efforts of indigenous movements in gaining independence from 1960 onwards. The Kashmiri people, therefore, are simply advocating a globally agreed-upon cause in the face of military tyranny and human rights violations posed by India in their territory.
Gendered Analysis of Kashmir Conundrum
The gendered lens is one that can be employed to understand the conflict in Kashmir and its relationship to national identities. The Indian nationalist imagination views the state as a patriarchal and masculine figure that must exert control over its feminine counterpart, Kashmir, in order to coerce it into submission. Similarly, feminists have understood violence to be perceived as masculine, whereas, peace is viewed as devalued and feminine leading to the use of gender relations as the basis of fueling violence. A key factor in the propagation of gender-based violence lies in the foundations of the nation-state building process.
Report: Gilgit-Baltistan: Caught Between A Rock and A Hard Place
A research team from the Centre for Social and Political Research visited Gilgit Baltistan to hold a series of talks with political representatives, social leaders as well as the local people to probe into the historical background, public opinion and political dynamics that revolve around the decision of Pakistani state to grant a provisional provincial status to the region. This report also examines the topic on the macro level discussing international conflicts regarding this region and the micro level as well discovering the cultural factors that determine the public opinion.
Gilgit Baltistan: Desire for Identity, Amalgamation and Autonomy
The press conference conducted by the federal minister of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Ali Amin Gandapur, announced elections for the Gilgit Baltistan assembly on November 15, 2020. And at the same time, the federal minister circulated the news of granting provisional provincial autonomy to Gilgit Baltistan, which Prime Minister Imran Khan would officially announce soon. This news has brought in sharp reactions from the neighbor India.
Has Gupkar 2.0 Been Betrayed?
The most notable feature of the Gupkar resolution was the union of all major political parties in J&K which was a rare and unprecedented event. The revocation of Article 370 had united the parties for a singular cause. However, this sentiment has been put into jeopardy due to Farooq Abdullah’s inability to speak of the declaration in the parliament.
Provisional Provincial Status of Gilgit Baltistan: Facts vs. Fiction
It is a fact that Gilgit-Baltistan has become increasingly important since the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), and the eyes of the world are now on Gilgit-Baltistan. The region is also involved in the Great Game between the world’s great powers. It is noteworthy that the decision to form the government has signaled a new interim province. However, how it will happen, no details have been revealed.