Witness from a funeral in Kashmir

Rouf Dar Every occupied nation undergoes different phases in a liberation movement. Kashmir, which became the hotbed of armed militancy in 1990s, is yet again amidst a refreshed phase of armed militancy which has gripped the entire valley. The rise of a teen commander Burhan Wani, from the ashes of … Read more →

Two poems by Asiya Zahoor

Hawa Mahal Lal Chund shaped the Palace of Winds as Lord Krishna’s crown. He tamed the course of wind to swirl and keep cold the Queens of Kachwaha, snow shrouds on beds burning sand. “Follow me, Ma’am,” the guide said, “I‘ll show you nine-ninety-nine windows. Intricate lattice work, heavily colored … Read more →

At the Foothills

At the Foothills I gather my summer dreams tuck them in yearning for winter — my savior at the foothills hauling a burden of sanity I wander uphill, my delirious memories rest at the foothills a weaver worries, will pashmina slip through a razor-wire knot? At dawn, colored threads tremble … Read more →

Three poems by Shirin Bismillah

Fused Thoughts From Moscow to New Delhi — we attempted To paint the flakes of cloud, intruding in the Unknown territories, reading Kafka. Sparrows who had a crisp morning dialogue For the last twenty years — had been looking for An empty branch and some action in Sheikh Sarai. From … Read more →

Poverty

Showkat Ahmad Bhat ‘’ Congratulations! Gul Kaakh’’, Asad , his neighbor’s son said to him. Gul Chaan who was feeding his goat which was tied to a peg in the compound of his mud house grinned at Asad. He got confused for being congratulated and was desperate to know the … Read more →

India’s Dubious Games in Kashmir

Shafkat Raina In New Delhi before visiting Indian controlled Kashmir, the Indian Defence Minister issued a controversial statement that, “terrorists in the state (Kashmir) can be neutralised with the help of terrorists, why should we do it, why my soldiers have to do it”. The people who are well aware … Read more →

In Conversation with Masarat Alam

Masarat Alam Bhat, Chairman, Muslim League, part of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani. He has spent most of the time since 1990 in prison, repeatedly charged with the draconian Public Safety Act. He is described by many as the successor of Syed Ali Geelani in Kashmir’s resistance … Read more →

Remembering Kamil

Majid Maqbool ‘Tikta lagith ta band lifaafa-n manz Be-patah khat chi daak-khana-ikaesi’ (Stamped and sealed in envelopes, We’re a post office’s letters without an address) Celebrated Kashmiri-American poet Agha Shahid Ali was 18 or younger, most likely a student in the University of Kashmir, when Amin Kamil wrote this famous … Read more →

Deluge, a narrative from Lelhar

Tavseef Mairaj It was the forenoon of Friday, 5 September and the network connectivity stands badly affected for the past couple of days. A text message somehow came through, from my mama. I replied, “Agricultural land is already under water and it is advancing.” This would be the last communication … Read more →

Four Poems by Farah Bashir

A Doppelgänger Then, you helped the lost ones overcome fear of floods urged them to forgive the river. Now, you curse the daffodils their violent scent makes you ache. ‘Who Your Fire Burns’ A neighbor heard you sing to me but you laughed not caring ‘jalte hain jiske liye’ I … Read more →