Author: Fida Iqbal

SAVE THE ACT FROM GETTING MISUSED AT THE HANDS OF UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS The essence of egalitarianism is transparency and transparency can thrive only in an atmosphere of unimpeded flow of information and highest degree of accountability regarding every feature of democratic system. Chocking information regarding affairs of governance gives rise to enormous ambiguity and thus…

IT’S THE TIME TO RETHINK OUR METHODS OF RESISTANCE Dominating mindset and consequent struggle for existence have always got mankind into vortex of conflict since ages. In a situation of conflict well defined lines are drawn between exploiters and the exploited and a chain of agitation initiates in one form or the other. Conflict and…

Sure we have a cause. But we must not overlook the cost we are paying by depriving our children of an asset which nations treasure most – education. “My lines can offend some and elate many, but my intentions are clear. Just speak your heart out. Translate genuine aspirations of people.” Quit Kashmir movement has…

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE IS THE QUESTION THAT HAUNTS Writing about Kashmir fearlessly and speaking your heart is easier said than done, that too while living in Kashmir. But, when you are witness to brutal killings, mayhem and extremes of injustice every one loses his sense of wellbeing and chooses to be part of…

THAT IS WHAT THE MOOD OF THE SITUATION DEMANDS Almost for last three months life has come to halt in Kashmir. Writ of government does not run beyond the corridors of civil secretariat and a population of millions is holed up because of unending trail of curfew and endless hartals. This situation of turmoil which…

Facebook interactions  are very interesting particularly during the present phase of curfew and hartal. One of the buddies put a straight question on Facebook wall. What did Kashmiries achieve after 13 July 1931, watershed of mass uprising against autocracy, subjugation and injustice in Kashmir? Many people handled the question in their own way providing different…

  These lines of mine need to be read with open mind and an open eye on the prevailing situation in the valley. Kashmir for long has been synonym to two attributes. Beauty and Bondage. In 1947 when fate of whole of the subcontinent was decided by the people and their leaders with some manipulative…

  In these columns on 13th of January 2009, I addressed an open letter to Mr. Omar Abdullah titled ‘Good luck Omar’. This was done with an expectation that he will deliver with a difference. For the information of esteemed readers, here, I come back to a part of that particular letter. ‘Democratic leaning  and…

  Kashmir has attracted travelers and invaders alike for the fascination it meant for them. These strangers plundered every thing but did not disrupt Kashmir’s ambiance and disrespect its ecology. But the fragile eco-system of this heavenly beautiful place suffered a lot at the hands of its inhabitants, particularly during last many decades. Almost every…

  A few days back one of my learned friends, a budding bureaucrat, asked a very straight question. What are two grave issues faced by the people of Kashmir (Srinagar to be precise) at present? Within a second I replied, it is garbage management and restoration of Dal. My well-informed friend corrected me and said…