Peace Watch » Archive
South Asia: New Cold War
South Asia on the brink The changed geo-strategic situation in the region Z.G. MUHAMMAD Four years back, the United Services Institute (RUSI) for Defense and Security Studies, an independent London based think tank held an international conference on Kashmir. The objective for the conference was to explore regional dynamics of ‘rising Asian powers’ in the region and ‘influences they exert on Kashmir’. The conference was aimed at understanding the ‘increasing influence of China and the potential for regional conflict over disputed territorial claims. The conference also endeavoured to examine the ‘potential spill over from the conflict in Afghanistan and the effect of a protracted conflict on Pakistan’s Western front on Kashmir Security’. Besides, some internationally recognized experts on South Asia, the conference was also attended by some defence and strategic expert from India … Read entire article »
Filed under: Kashmir-Talk
Setting thaw through ‘Kitty-Party’ Initative
PUNCHLINE ‘Kitty Party’ Initiative Z.G. Muhammad All is not well between India and Pakistan. If the recent statements of Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar and Home Minister Raj Nath Singh during their visit to Srinagar and Jammu are indicators the two countries are on a collision course. The optimisms, for good relation spawned one year back during a meeting between Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif did not last long- it in fact crashed immediately. Sharif had travelled to New Delhi to participate in oath taking ceremony of new Indian Prime Minister. However the flicker of hope persisted. Sharif taking a departure from the stated position of his country had exhibited extraordinary enthusiasm for improving trade links with India. The statement by the two ministers did not stir much of a serious reaction from Pakistan … Read entire article »
Filed under: Editor's Take
Why Sheikh Abdullah Exiled Intellectuals.
PUNCHLINE Kashmir Intellectuals Exiled to Pakistan? Z.G. Muhammad It is ‘power of ideas’ and intellectual inputs that work as catalysts in bringing about political changes. Historically, majority of our leaders from the towering to the dwarfish, have been averse to the ideas and inputs from thinking minds. In fact, after mid-forties to this day intolerance towards intellectual discourse about the political struggles or the movement has been basic principle of a powerful section of the tribe. People … Read entire article »
Filed under: Editor's Take
‘Wular Kinarya’ Vol 3- a presenation
Presentation on SAG’s BOOK ‘Wular Kinarya’ Vol 3 By Z.G. Muhammad On 17-5-2015 Respected Chairperson, Dr. Altaf Hussain, man of the moment, Jnb. Syed Ali Geelani, Jn Ashraf Sahari Sahib, President Bar Association, Mr. Altaf Hussain former BBC Correspondent at Srinagar. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen. ASA At the outset, I must thank organizers of this book release function, for giving me an opportunity to present my views on the third volume of autobiography of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. The moment, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Kashmir-Talk
Inside Stories About Kashmir and Indian Biographies
PUNCHLINE Biographies and the Narratives By Z.G. Muhammad “An autobiography can distort; facts can be realigned,” writes an author of Indian origin. There is some truth in his assertion but it cannot be the whole truth. Notwithstanding, autobiographies and memoirs being overwhelmingly subjective, they do provide warp and weft for recording history of the political struggles. This genera of literature, besides providing an insight into behind the scene happenings that have impacted history and politics of a nation also … Read entire article »
Filed under: Kashmir-Talk
Munshi Ishaq Has Demolishes Myths About Leaders- My Take
Presentation on Book Nidaa-e-Haque By Z.G. Muhammad Chairperson: Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal, Guest of Honor, Dr. Altaf Hussain, man of the moment Munshi Ghulam Hassan – and distinguished scholars and friends. It is a moment of pride for me, to have been invited to present my take on the memoirs of a great son of the soil Munshi Mohammad Ishaq – one of the towering leaders of Kashmir’s struggle against autocracy and in the post 1947 scenario a powerful … Read entire article »
Filed under: Editor's Take, Featured
History of flag politics in Kashmir
Punchline: Politics Of Flags By Z. G. Muhammad Is battle over flags battle of ideas or battle of ideologies? Is it an expression of the conflict between the ‘dominant discourse’ and the popular narrative? These question might have stirred the minds of scholars in our universities after cacophonous debates on the corporate television channels over some boys carrying green and white flags with white crescent moon and a five-pointed star in the middle at a public rally in Srinagar. The rally had been organized by the APHC (G) to accord reception to its leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on his arrival in Srinagar from New Delhi. The unfurling of green flags at religious and political functions is not an unfamiliar scene in the State. It is the white stripe by the hoist … Read entire article »
Filed under: Editor's Take, Featured