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News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Opinion: Politics Of Peace Or Business Of Terror? Rethinking ‘Channels Of Communication' In Kashmir
The people of Kashmir are crafting a new narrative—one that does not need silent whispers but rather bold declarations in the open In a revealing interview with a business newspaper, National Conference leader and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, made a statement that deserves far more scrutiny than it has received. Reflecting on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the region's evolving security architecture, Abdullah remarked, 'There was a reason why elected governments were able to bring the graph of militancy down. It was because we had channels of communication not available to Raj Bhawan today." On the surface, this comment appears to underscore the value of democratic outreach. Yet, beneath the surface, it raises troubling questions: What were these channels? With whom were these communications held? And more importantly, what kind of political ecosystem normalised such informal lines of contact with elements bent on destabilising the Indian state? The core question is simple but disturbing: What were these 'channels of communication" that elected governments like Abdullah's had with militant groups or their sympathisers or ideologues? Who exactly were they communicating with—and to what end? If these so-called connections involved speaking with terrorist groups, their intermediaries, terror ideologues, organisers of hartal, bandh or stone pelters or families, then what is being portrayed as dialogue was, in effect, appeasement. The political involvements in Jammu and Kashmir, with the history of godfather deals and appointments made in secret, speak volumes of silence shaped up through silence. During the era of elected government, along with their allies, there was a government job stealthily reserved for the kin of known militants and separatist figures. The sons of Syed Salahuddin received government employment. During the 2016 unrest, triggered after the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, Geelani's grandson was allegedly appointed to a public sector job in the middle of street protests. It begs the question: Were these the channels that brought down militancy, or were they part of a cynical ecosystem where peace was bartered at the cost of principle? The Asiya-Neelofar case from Shopian in 2009 is perhaps one of the most infamous cases known to us and is considered a very sensitive matter. It did not only incite rage among people but rape as well as murder was suspected to be used as a narrative just looking at the condition that things were being spiralled into. Doctors who allegedly faked evidence were never held accountable. That changed only recently, under the current Lieutenant Governor's administration, when those involved were dismissed from service. What is being presented as strength—having 'channels" to negotiate peace—was, in truth, a strategy of selective blindness and patronage politics. It served the interests of rulers, not the aspirations of the ruled. These so-called dialogues gave space for ideologies that glorified guns, justified stone pelting, and turned Kashmir's youth into pawns on a political chessboard played both in Srinagar and across the border in Rawalpindi. That model no longer applies today. From 2019 onwards, Jammu and Kashmir is not being managed under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's leadership—rather, it is undergoing a transformation. For the first time in many years, governance in this area comes without negotiating with shadows. Peace is not being bought, but established. The administration does not accept silence in exchange for sops; rather, it seeks to dismantle the system that thrives on duplicity. There are no 'benevolent' jobs being bestowed upon militants' progenies or their mercenary supporters. No militant proxies supported 'the State" and received payment for their quiet acquiescence to its existence. There are no private entities who pay militants 'inactivity." Despite these developments, for the first time in decades, there has been relative peace alongside unprecedented investment in the region and a surge of democratic confidence. Peace in Kashmir today is no longer conditional. It is constitutional. Former hotspots such as Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam have hoisted the national flag, not out of compulsion but pride. Sports tournaments are being held in fields once dominated by funerals of terrorists. Youth are preparing for civil service exams, seeking scholarships, and venturing into entrepreneurship—not out of fear but hope. This new vocabulary of aspiration did not emerge from any clandestine conversation with radicals. It emerged from the principled refusal to entertain them. At the very least, it is clear that past elected governments merging identities with militant narratives that they never attempted to refute head-on. By either doing nothing, remaining quiet, or indulging in some form of passive acceptance, they managed to simultaneously stabilize and instigate conflict at the same time. These were the people who ignited the fires and then tried claiming credit after pretending to put out the flames. This approach—governing through conflict while claiming to govern over people—perpetually stalled Jammu and Kashmir's development. It is in this context that Abdullah's statement becomes not just problematic, but dangerous. To lament the absence of those 'channels" today is to suggest that talking to separatists or terror sympathisers is an essential component of governance in Kashmir. That claim is not only false—it is offensive to the memory of every soldier who laid down his life fighting militancy, every Kashmiri civilian caught in crossfire, and every patriot who stood firm when politics wavered. Let us be grateful that the current Raj Bhawan does not have access to those channels. Let us be grateful that it does not seek them. For what Kashmir needs is not communication with its tormentors, but commitment to its future—rooted in law, merit, development, and unflinching national unity. It is a future that no longer passes through the drawing rooms of dynasts or the compounds of separatists. Ultimately, the Abdullahs and Muftis, along with all others from that once tumultuous period, must reflect on both their actions and their legacies. They have not considered what has been rendered muted for decades. The people of Kashmir are crafting a new narrative—one that does not need silent whispers but rather bold declarations in the open. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:00 IST News opinion Opinion: Politics Of Peace Or Business Of Terror? Rethinking 'Channels Of Communication' In Kashmir Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Hizbul chief among 11 chargesheeted in J-K cross-border narco-terror case
The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 accused, including Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah alias Syed Salahuddin, in connection with a narco-terror case here, an official said. Narco-terror plot busted: Hizbul's Salahuddin, aides named in SIA chargesheet(PTI) The case was initially lodged by the SIA, Jammu in 2022 and a probe uncovered a well-organised network of terrorist associates and couriers aiding the proscribed outfit by facilitating smuggling of narcotics and raising funds for terror activities, a spokesperson of the agency said. Besides Sallahuddin, a resident of Sibugh village in central Kashmir's Budgam who is presently operating from across the border, another Hizbul terrorist, Basharat Ahmad Bhat of Khan Sahib area of Budgam, was named in the chargesheet. He operates from Rawalpindi in Pakistan, he said. The others were identified as Khalid Hussain of Rajouri, Mohd Shokit of Poonch, Javid Ahmed Rather of Budgam, Manzoor Ahmad and Asif Rehman Reshi of Srinagar and Harpreet Singh, Chain Singh, Sahil Kumar, and Sandeepak Singh of Jammu, the official said. "This network as per the investigations has emerged as a major channel for terror financing in the region," the spokesperson said, adding several of these individuals involved have amassed significant wealth through drug proceeds, despite having negligible legitimate sources of income. The SIA said the investigation revealed a systematic modus operandi wherein narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The proceeds from the sale of these drugs were deposited in the account of one of the accused, on the instructions of Pakistan-based terrorist Bhat, the spokesperson said. He said the accused individuals were allegedly key drug dealers responsible for distributing narcotics among local youth. Some reportedly employed the other accused for selling narcotics to their clientele, the spokesperson said. He said the investigation points to a larger conspiracy spearheaded by Pakistan-sponsored Hizbul Mujahideen to destabilise the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir by facilitating terrorist activities. Further investigation is going on to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the network, he said. He said the filing of the chargesheet reflects SIA's firm commitment to dismantling terror-financing ecosystems and preserving peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist gets 10 years in jail in UP's Moradabad
A court in Moradabad has sentenced Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Ulfat Hussain to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for involvement in terror activities, the additional district government counsel said on Tuesday. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Moradabad, Chhaya Sharma also imposed a fine of ₹48,000 on the terrorist in the order pronounced on Monday, ADGC Suresh Singh said. Also Read: Hizbul chief's 2 sons in Tihar jail approach HC, say let us phone our family Ulfat Hussain alias Mohammad Saiful Islam, a resident of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been involved in terrorist activities since 2002 and was absconding after being granted bail in 2008, according to Singh. Also Read: Properties of 5 PoK-based Hizbul terrorists confiscated in Ramban The Moradabad court had issued permanent warrants against him in both 2015 and 2025. A reward of ₹25,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest. On March 8, 2025, a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Katghar Police successfully apprehended him in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, and subsequently transferred him to Moradabad jail, Singh said.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From Muzaffarabad to Muridke: Why these 9 camps were on India's hit list
Why did India choose these 9 terror hubs for its fiercest strike yet? From Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur to Muridke, Operation Sindoor was a calculated hit list. Each camp had direct links to Lashkar, Jaish, or Hizbul — and to attacks on India. This video breaks down the locations, masterminds, and mission behind the strikes. Show more Show less
News18
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Pak Actors Fawad & Mahira Khan Called 'Hypocrites' Over Anti-India Remarks Post Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan face immense backlash for opposing India's anti-terror strike, despite working in Bollywood. Pakistani actors including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir and Fawad Khan have landed in hot water after condemning India's Operation Sindoor, a 'measured" and 'non-escalatory" military retaliation by the Indian Armed Forces to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists on April 22. The strike, jointly carried out by the Indian Army and Air Force, destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, neutralising over 100 terrorists. While Indians united in praise of the swift action, several Pakistani celebrities used social media to express their disapproval which has sparked fierce backlash and accusations of hypocrisy. Mahira Khan, best known in India for her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 film Raees, was among the most vocal. In a lengthy Instagram post, she wrote, 'I am grateful that I live in a country where I am not dictated to say what I have to. I have a voice and I CAN use it… India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years… You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you." Although her account, along with those of several Pakistani artists, has been blocked in India following the Pahalgam attack, screenshots of their posts circulated widely, especially through diaspora communities. Many users called out Mahira for her 'selective outrage" and questioned why she had no issues working in Indian films earlier. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), 'Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, whose only claim to fame is a Bollywood film with Shah Rukh Khan and who recently had her X and Instagram accounts withheld in India, calls the Indian strikes on Jaish, Lashkar, and Hizbul terror infrastructure inside Pakistan cowardly." Another user slammed her, saying, 'Mahira Khan defends the failed terrorist state of Pakistan which harboured Osama Bin Laden. She's taken a political stand I hope she doesn't seek work in Bollywood anymore speaking of 'Aman and sukoon'." Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, whose only claim to fame is a Bollywood film with Shah Rukh Khan and who recently had her X and Instagram accounts withheld in India, calls the Indian strikes on Jaish, Lashkar, and Hizbul terror infrastructure inside Pakistan cowardly. — Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) May 7, 2025 Mahira Khan defends the failed terrorist state of Pakistan which harboured Osama Bin Laden. She's taken a political stand I hope she doesn't seek work in Bollywood anymore speaking of 'Aman & sukoon" — Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) May 7, 2025 Hania Aamir and Fawad Khan, too, received flak for their criticism. Their comments were seen by many as not just anti-India but also as an indirect endorsement of terrorism. The criticism wasn't limited to internet trolls. Many prominent voices questioned the double standards of Pakistani celebrities who have benefitted from Indian platforms but now stand in opposition when India defends itself. The sentiment among Indians is clear that there's no place for those who work in India's entertainment industry but fail to stand against terrorism when it strikes the country. Several users pointed out how these Pakistani actors, who once advocated for cultural collaboration and peace through art, were now supporting narratives that seemingly disregard the lives lost in terror attacks. 'Twenty-six innocent people were killed in Pahalgam, and they have the audacity to shame a retaliation against that?" read another angry post. First Published:
