Kashmir Pen | Sunday Editorial by Mushtaq Bala
This Sunday, the soul of Jammu and Kashmir resonates with remembrance, unity, and renewed purpose. As we mark Youm-e-Ashura, the valley stood in solemn solidarity. The participation of both Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the Ashura processions exemplifies the deep respect for spiritual traditions that transcend political lines. It is this collective reverence that binds our diverse society together—even as we walk different paths of faith, we converge in humanity.
Amid this spiritual reflection, the ongoing Amarnath Yatra continues peacefully. The scenes from South Kashmir, where Anantnag Police extended a helping hand to pilgrims, represent the syncretic spirit that defines Kashmir. Such images remind us that beyond politics, the people of J&K remain guardians of harmony.
In a powerful address, Dr. Farooq Abdullah called for Muslim unity and expressed unwavering support for the struggles of Palestine and Iran—an appeal echoing the region’s legacy of justice and resistance against oppression. The message was not merely political; it was moral, and timely.
From spirituality and politics to progress and innovation, the FTII Traders Conclave 2025 saw Satish Sharma advocating for youth-led entrepreneurship and digital empowerment. In parallel, Union Minister Piyush Goyal assured J&K traders of strategic support in agro-processing and cold chain industries. His commitment to propose 5% GST on handicrafts and handloom products—a long-standing demand—could prove a game-changer for our artisans if translated into policy.
On the infrastructure front, BRO’s effort to improve the Amarnath pathway, as shared by Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, deserves applause. Simultaneously, schools reopening post-summer break usher a sense of normalcy into the lives of our children, a hopeful step amid uncertainty.
In the realm of healthcare, Sakeena Itoo’s announcement of a ₹37.50 crore investment for MRI and Cath Lab in GMC Baramulla and CM Omar Abdullah’s meeting with the AIIMS Jammu Director underscore a collective push toward medical excellence. The appeal by Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama for unity and ethical conduct during Muharram also strikes a deeply necessary chord.
From the field of sports, J&K Police Constables’ gold medal wins at the World Police & Fire Games in the USA brought pride to the valley. In cultural resurgence, the launch of the Kashmir Super Football League and Kupwara author Rashida Kouser’s debut book, The Unheard Voice, speak volumes of local talent breaking barriers.
Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah’s outreach at TTF Kolkata signaled a bold push to deepen cultural and tourism ties beyond the region, while the SKICC Board meeting reaffirmed J&K’s vision for vibrant cultural and MICE tourism.
But not all news is celebratory. The rising threat of online gambling, highlighted by this week’s coverage, needs urgent regulation. The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) has also sounded the alarm on J&K’s worsening environmental crisis, urging for special laws to safeguard our glaciers, forests, and water bodies. As editor, I echo this urgency. Preservation must become policy.
Amidst it all, Kashmir’s daughters are shining—from Shaista Wani and Farhana Rehman’s selection for the Asian Softball Championship in China to Sadaf Munshi’s permanent art installation in Dallas, Kashmiri women continue to reshape narratives, globally and locally.
In a historic statement, CM Omar Abdullah rightly called the July 13 Massacre “Kashmir’s Jallianwala Bagh.” This reminder should not merely echo in commemorations. It should fuel our collective resolve for dignity, justice, and democracy.
As our craftsmen gain recognition, our policies mature, and our youth strive, one truth remains: Jammu and Kashmir is changing. Let us ensure it’s in the right direction—rooted in values, guided by justice, and lifted by hope.
—Mushtaq Bala
Editor-in-Chief, Kashmir Pen
