It was sad to note that respectable citizens of State of Jammu and Kashmir, Vijay Abrol and Darvinder Singh Behal were arrested and harassed by Pakistan’s secret agency, ISI that is known as ‘state within state’ and that has no respect for human rights. It is unfortunate that citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are forcibly divided by India and Pakistan and we have to obtain a visa for either India or Pakistan if we wish to visit the other part of the State. Both Vijay Abrol and Darvinder...

It is unfortunate that India and Pakistan could not resist the temptation to err on either side of the cease fire line (LOC) at the start of 2013. The loss of life and the manner in which the bodies of the soldiers have been treated does not conform to laws of chivalry and rules of engagement. A violation of cease fire line could have been corrected in due course but the act to mutilate a fallen soldier is unmanly and inhuman. Armies around the world have started giving up the killing...

In Kashmir we have third generation, second generation and first generation politicians. We could safely say that we have been introduced to a first generation militants and militant leadership as well. However, the fate of the latter was sealed by President Musharraf in his four point formula in 2006.  The claim made by Hurriyat (M) leadership that that if Kashmir dispute was not resolved by 2014 before the exit of USA from Afghanistan, we shall have a Taliban spill over in Kashmir is...

The calendar year 2012 came to an end. Although it (2012) stepped-in with a killing note, when a 21-year-old student was killed at Boniyar by paramilitary Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) personnel, however, the entire year was almost calm and politically a semi-dramatic one. The year in Kashmir saw; much awaited and talked report of interlocutors coming out of Allahdin’s lantern, lacking magic power, as a result, raising suspicion of Government of India’s seriousness towards...

On Human Rights Day today the entire mankind in their respective habitats would assert their right to have their voice heard and to have a role in making the decisions that shape their communities. Each one of us should be able to choose those people who will represent us in all governance institutions, to stand for public office, and to vote on the fundamental questions that shape our individual and collective destinies.

For the UN Human Rights Office, 10 December this year assumes a...

After Muhammad  had preached publicly for more than a decade, the opposition to him reached such a high pitch that, fearful for their safety, he sent some of his adherents to Ethiopia, where the Christian ruler extended protection to them, the memory of which has been cherished by Muslims ever since. But in Mecca the persecution worsened. Muhammad’s followers were harassed, abused, and even tortured. At last, therefore, Muhammad sent seventy of his followers off to the northern town of...

Darbar was yet to move, it was tonight 65 years ago the Palace of Maharaja Hari Singh plunged  into pitch of darkness, the tribal raiders of frontier province of Pakistan  had captured the only Power House at Mohura on the main road from Domel to Srinagar along which invasion was proceeding. The death and destruction was fast approaching  Srinagar. Maharaja was dumb with fear, and his dream for independent Kashmir was shattered. Amid massive bloodshed and unprecedented communal riots, the...

In the center of Masjid al-Haram you see the Kaaba. A simple cube like structure made of dark rough stones with white chalk filling the fissures. At the first sight a shiver runs through you and you wonder in amazement ... This plain and empty structure is the center of our faith, prayers, love, life and death?

You question in admiration; Where have I come? What is this place?

What you see is the antithesis of your visual imaginations of the Kaaba. Some might perceive a sacred place to be...