International Journal of Kashmir Studies

‘Ghar mein ghus kar marenge’: Understanding the Rogue Indian Strategy of Secret Assassinations

2024-08-05T18:26:16+00:00

This paper scrutinizes India's strategy of targeted killings within Pakistan and other nations, specifically examining the recent assassinations of former Kashmiri militants and Sikh dissidents. Highlighting comparable incidents in Canada and attempted actions in the United States, the study brings to light the increasing international scrutiny faced by India. By tracing the genesis of this strategy to over a decade ago, the paper posits that these operations are not contemporary developments but part of a sustained long-term approach. The analysis indicates that, although these operations may be aimed at mitigating immediate security threats, they carry the potential to exacerbate tensions between India and Pakistan. The findings suggest that this strategy, while potentially addressing short-term security objectives, risks being counterproductive by undermining efforts to achieve enduring peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Furthermore, the paper delves into the implications of such an offensive strategy on India’s relations with Western nations and considers the broader ramifications for South Asian security. This paper argues that the strategy of targeted killings, though intended to bolster immediate security concerns, may ultimately be detrimental. It not only risks escalating bilateral tensions but also threatens to destabilize regional security. Additionally, this approach may strain India's diplomatic relationships with Western capitals, complicating its geopolitical stance and affecting long-term regional stability.

Social Mobility and Social Structure of India: Challenges and Pathways to Equity

2024-08-22T17:56:31+00:00

In the intertwined social fabric of India, the interplay between social mobility and social structure is pivotal in understanding societal dynamics. This article submerges into the complexities of India's stratified social landscape, characterized by caste, class, gender, religion, and ethnicity, and examines how these elements influence opportunities and constraints. Despite significant economic growth, entrenched caste hierarchies and class disparities persist, impeding access to resources, power, and status. The article explores the complex challenges hindering social mobility, including poverty, educational inequities, discrimination, corruption, and unemployment. By highlighting these systemic barriers, the article underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions aimed at fostering inclusivity and equitable social advancement. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that encompasses economic inclusivity, substantial investments in education and healthcare, and the eradication of systemic discrimination and corruption. This exploration provides crucial insights into the socio-economic impediments and suggests pathways to promote greater social equity in India.

Echoes of Pain: Exploring the social sufferings of Muslim Kashmiri women in Indian occupied Kashmir A qualitative content analysis on Indian webseries “Haq se”

2024-08-22T18:27:11+00:00

Highlighting women's issues, this study analyzes the social sufferings of Muslim women in Indian occupied Kashmir and their living patterns in conflicted areas under two major dimensions: gender discrimination and freedom of speech. The study examines the first-ever Indian web-series that focuses on the four Muslim women known as the Mirza sisters, along with their mother Rabia Mirza and aunt Fatima Baig, and their struggles to live in conflicted Kashmir. Qualitative content analysis is used to analyze the dialogues in the series. The research emphasizes the language used in the dialogues to highlight how Muslim women are perceived in Kashmiri society. From a theoretical perspective of feminism, the study underscores the idea of freedom of speech for women and the importance of individuality in a society like Kashmir. In analyzing the dialogues of the web-series, the study reveals that the Mirza sisters have experienced gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. Similarly, the series portrays a misogynistic attitude among male characters who hold positions of power. Kashmir is considered a male-dominated society where patriarchy perpetuates gender inequality, affording men freedom to dominate women.

Narratives of Conflict: A Comparative Study of Kashmir Coverage in US and Pakistan Media

2024-08-22T17:27:08+00:00

The Kashmir conflict, a long-standing geopolitical issue, has been prominently featured in global media, often framed through lenses of human rights, regional security, and international relations. This study addresses How do The New York Times and Dawn newspaper frame the Kashmir conflict? What narratives and biases emerge in their coverage, and how do these affect public perceptions and conflict resolution efforts? Employing a qualitative content analysis, this research examines articles published online between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, selected through purposive sampling to ensure a representative sample. This timeframe was chosen to capture the evolving dynamics of the conflict following the revocation of Article 370 by the Indian government in August 2019 and subsequent developments, which have significantly impacted the region and garnered extensive media attention. The analysis reveals that The New York Times frequently highlights human rights violations, political repression, and the conflict's impact on civilians, with occasional biases favoring the Indian government. In contrast, Dawn's coverage aligns with Pakistan's foreign policy, reflecting a consistent editorial stance on the Kashmir issue. These findings highlight the intersection of media and politics in conflict reporting and raise important questions about the ethical responsibilities of the media in framing such conflicts. By uncovering the sociopolitical dimensions of media reporting on the Kashmir conflict, this research advances the discourse on the media's role in shaping narratives and influencing conflict dynamics in South Asia.

Sensory Engagement in Anthropology: Ethnographic Insights from Kashmiri Wazwan and Pakistani Art

2024-08-22T18:09:58+00:00

This paper emphasizes the importance of sensory dimensions in ethnographic research and their critical role in cultural transmission and anthropological comprehension. It explores how sensory experiences extend beyond biological functions to influence cultural practices and artistic expressions. Using Kashmiri cuisine, particularly Wazwan, and fieldwork on body and drape in Pakistani art as key examples, the paper highlights the multifaceted nature of sensory engagement. It traces the historical evolution of sensory anthropology, noting a shift from a focus on visual culture to a broader inclusion of all sensory modalities, influenced by scholars such as Claude Lévi-Strauss and Michael Taussig. The study argues that both literal and metaphorical sensory experiences are essential for a thorough understanding of culture. Through examples of Kashmiri food culture and the male gaze in art, the paper demonstrates how engaging with sensory aspects enhances the grasp of cultural practices and artistic expression, asserting that a nuanced cultural understanding necessitates an engagement with all sensory dimensions.

Innovative Approaches in Special Education: Teachers' Perspectives on Using Video Modeling to Foster Life Skills in Children with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disabilities in Punjab

2024-08-22T18:34:47+00:00

This study investigates the perceptions and utilization of video modeling techniques among teachers of children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in Punjab's special education institutions. The objectives were twofold: to understand teachers' opinions regarding the effectiveness of video modeling for life skills acquisition, and to assess the extent of its utilization in educational settings. A descriptive research design was employed, with a structured, closed-ended questionnaire administered to 50 teachers selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected through online platforms such as Google Forms, email, and WhatsApp. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The findings indicate a generally positive reception towards video modeling techniques among teachers, with high agreement on its utility for enhancing life skills acquisition. However, there were variations in its implementation across different skill categories. Recommendations include the development of comprehensive training modules to enhance educators' proficiency in using video modeling and fostering collaboration between schools, families, and communities to support its effective implementation. These findings underscore the potential of video modeling as a valuable tool in special education for promoting independence and social integration among children with intellectual disabilities in Punjab's educational settings.

Changing the Face of Wars: A Case Study of Indo-Pak Textbooks Tahir Khan

2024-08-22T17:41:20+00:00

This comparative study critically examines how the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 are portrayed in Indian and Pakistani History and Social Science textbooks. It emphasizes the influence of state nationalism in shaping selective and one-sided narratives, which often distort historical truths and omit diverse perspectives. The research aims to scrutinize the content of textbooks from both nations, identifying instances of bias, factual inaccuracies, and the implications for students' historical understanding. By focusing on the glorification of wars and its impact on critical thinking, the study highlights the tendency of textbooks to present violence as the primary solution or ultimate bravery, thereby limiting nuanced debate and alternative viewpoints. The objectives include comparing narrative structures, pinpointing distortions, assessing educational impacts on students' perceptions of conflict, and advocating for a more balanced and objective approach in history education. This approach seeks to promote pluralism, encourage critical analysis of dominant narratives, and foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding war and peace.

Invisible Yet Invincible: Experiences of Disabled Women at the Workplace in Kashmir

2024-08-22T18:17:00+00:00

This research aims to explore the lived experiences of disabled women in workplaces across Kashmir, a region distinguished by its diverse cultural norms and socio-economic dynamics. The objective is to understand the unique challenges and barriers that these women face, which significantly impact their career opportunities and professional development. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study delves into the specific hurdles encountered by disabled women in their quest for meaningful employment. It further investigates their coping mechanisms and identifies potential strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. The findings reveal that disabled women in Kashmir experience a range of obstacles, including physical accessibility issues, social stigmatization, and lack of appropriate workplace accommodations. Despite these challenges, many women demonstrate remarkable resilience and employ various coping strategies to navigate their professional lives. The study highlights the critical need for policy reforms and workplace adaptations to better support and empower disabled women. Recommendations include implementing inclusive policies, enhancing accessibility, providing disability awareness training for employers and colleagues, and offering targeted support services.

News Under Siege: The Impact of COVID-19 on Journalists in Pakistan with Focus on AJK and GB

2024-08-22T18:43:00+00:00

This study investigates the experiences of journalists during COVID-19 pandemic from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) through a series of focus group discussions (FGDs). The research aims to develop strategies for enhancing journalists' capabilities and well-being in anticipation of future pandemics. The FGDs involved seasoned journalists from central press clubs in all regions, who provided insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis, conducted using NVivo software, revealed eight key themes related to the pandemic's impact on journalism. These themes informed a set of consolidated recommendations designed to improve journalists' safety, mental health, and access to information. The recommendations also emphasize strengthening legal protections, creating capacity-building opportunities, fostering networking and collaboration, and implementing specialized health reporting training. By addressing these recommendations, the study proposes a framework to bolster journalists' resilience and effectiveness in navigating future crises.