Articles by: Sheikh Athar

AFSPA Must Go

AFSPA Must Go

  Co-Written by Sheikh Attar and Palvi Singh Ghonkrokta The spate of civilian killings by military personnel in Kashmir continues unabated with the latest  killings at Shopian leading to a mass shutdown across the valley. The public outcry and call by separatists for mass protests is nothing new. Neither is the Army’s claim of an encounter, purportedly after the militants[Read More…]

by 07/03/2018 Comments are Disabled Human Rights
Is Dissent Necessary?

Is Dissent Necessary?

                                 By Sheikh Attar & Palvi Singh Ghokrokta Cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) said Descartes stating that the very act of doubting one’s existence served as proof of one’s mind,  supporting the assertion of an underlying  thinking entity i.e. one’s self. Perfection per se is a utopian concept. From a person to an ideology to a society[Read More…]

by 10/12/2017 2 comments Life/Philosophy
 Article 35 (A) And The Fallacy Surrounding It

 Article 35 (A) And The Fallacy Surrounding It

  The clamour having died down, now is a good time to logically dissect the article, separating rhetoric from reason and focussing on the rights issue that lies at its centre. Co-Written By Sheikh Attar and Palvi Singh Ghonkrokta In 2015, the constitutional validity of Article 35(A) was challenged, with a petition filed in the Supreme Court by the Jammu[Read More…]

by 03/10/2017 Comments are Disabled Kashmir
Surging Militancy In Kashmir

Surging Militancy In Kashmir

Kashmir is on the brink once again. The recent surges in military operations and encounters in Kashmir underline the urgency in the official circles to curb militancy and take control of the situation in Kashmir. The visibly tough stand in the approach of the government is in sync with the on ground activities which have placed talks on the backseat, advocating a military course of action instead.

by 07/08/2017 1 comment Kashmir
The Case For A Truth And Reconciliation Commission In Kashmir

The Case For A Truth And Reconciliation Commission In Kashmir

The recent deaths of eight young civilians on the polling day once again underscores the need move beyond the sovereignty versus azaadi debate or even the embittered dynamics of the neighbourhood territorial dispute and mend fences closer home, before the embers of dissatisfaction spill over the streets again.The narrative should shift stance on justice dispensation, a crucial facet, which is often ignored by the political class and state institutions alike.

by 11/04/2017 1 comment Kashmir
Kashmir: What Next?

Kashmir: What Next?

It creates a unique situation where the lack of faith in any political ideology creates a huge vacuum which can be easily exploited to foment trouble . A key issue then, is to engage the state youth that accounts for over 60% of the state’s population, with the younger generation taking centre stage in this new political discourse that challenges status quo and proffers a more realistic alternative to fill this void.

by 31/01/2017 1 comment Kashmir