India has shut down a medical college in Indian-administered Kashmir in an apparent capitulation to protests by right-wing Hindu groups over the admission of an overwhelming number of Muslim students into the prestigious course. The National Medical Commission (NMC), a federal regulatory authority for medical education and practices, on January 6 revoked the recognition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute (SMVDMI), located in Reasi, a mountainous district overlooking the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas,
The Indian government had classified last week's incident, which killed at least 10 people near the Red Fort landmark, as a terror attack. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) presented the suspect to the court on Monday and named him as Amir Rashid A. He is said to have traveled to Delhi from Kashmir to "facilitate the purchase of the car which was eventually used as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) to trigger the blast," a statement from the counter-terrorism agency read.
Aasif Manzoor, a 32-year-old cricketer from Anantnag, a district in the south of Indian-administered Kashmir, was readying himself on Saturday morning to play a match in a star-studded tournament. Retired global stars, local cricket icons and up-and-coming players were all part of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), which organisers had billed as a spectacle that they promised would grip the troubled region and draw large crowds.
"Are we here or not? If we are, where and if not, where have we gone? If we exist, for whom and when? Sir... were we ever there, or never at all?" This powerful dialogue from 'Haider' captures the existential questions surrounding the identity and presence of Kashmiris amid conflict.
The prized nadru stems gradually disappeared as an ingredient used in local kitchens. Over the next three decades, the condition of the lake worsened. Parts were turned into dumping grounds and its area was drastically reduced.
Security for the Amarnath pilgrimage has intensified following a deadly April attack, with around 600 additional paramilitary units deployed, marking the highest security level ever for this event.
"April 22 is the most unfortunate and tragic incident that could have happened. It sets us back because when you have millions of tourists coming in, it becomes a bigger and better market for brands, products and services. When there is escalation between the two countries, it becomes an unattractive place for all."
For many young Kashmiris, tattoos once symbolizing resistance against Indian control are now seen as burdens; individuals like Sameer Wani are opting to erase them during escalating state scrutiny.
Footage of a scrap after the cricket travelled widely via WhatsApp and social media, and very soon rumours flew around the British Muslim world that people just like them were being hunted down and attacked by 'Hindutva' Indian nationalists.
