Kashmir Blockade Comes Into Effect - KO, 29 July 2008.
Fanatic Mobs Rule Highway - KO, 31 July 2008.
Drivers Caught Amid Goons & Partisan Police - KO, 2 August 2008.
Army called to Jammu: Mobs attack property - KO, 2 August 2008.
NH handed over to Army - KO, 2 August 2008.
UPDATE: Highway Of Terror: Drivers Bring Tales Of Horror - KO, 6 August 2008.
There is now a super-abundance of anecdotal evidence on the unreliability of this land route to Kashmir. The national highway linking Srinagar and Jammu is the only road linking Kashmir to the rest of India, and for a variety of reasons - landslides, snow blizzards, political and religious interference - it is too often closed. Tourists ought to fly into Srinagar, rather than risk having their journey involuntarily becalmed. I met two individuals in Gulmarg last winter who were stranded on this highway for several days with nearly a dozen people and no food in a 4-5 passenger jeep. Thrilling. Read a post from my blog last winter: National Highway Shuts Down, Re-Opens
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
PAKISTAN LINKED TO INDIAN EMBASSY BLAST IN KABUL
The 7 July 2008 attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul [Suicide Car Blast Kills 41 in Afghan Capital - NYT] went unreported in this blog for it was not evidently related to Gulmarg or Kashmir, nor was this author seeking to unearth a story link to this terrifying event.
Suspicion fell immediately upon Pakistan's spy agency, the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), for participating in the attack on the Indian Embassy. If true, relations between India and Pakistan, already strained by resurgent violence in Kashmir, would become exponentially tense. This situation bodes ill for Kashmiris for their land has often been the place where these national tensions are violently expressed.
Violence in Kashmir is often attributed to the Pakistan's ISI, regardless of its cause, and this bias is well-known to Hindu nationalists. It is widely believed in Kashmir that some acts of violence attributed to Muslim separatists are actually triggered by Hindu nationalists that can rely on the cover of anti-Pakistan bias. It gets pretty confusing; reports that India's own intelligence services have fomented violence in Kashmir meant to be attributed to Muslim separatists only muddy the waters further.
Suffice to say I did not report the 7 July Kabul bombing in this blog as it appeared unrelated to Kashmir, but my opinion has changed. New reports from US intelligence services conclude that:
Pakistanis Aided Attack in Kabul - NYT, 1 August 2008.
UPDATE: Pakistan Denies Report It Planned Kabul Blast - TO, 2 August 2008.
UPDATE: Indian official: Sinking relations with Pakistan - IHT, 2 August 2008.
UPDATE: Indo-Pak rancour overshadows talks - AJ, 3 August 2008.
UPDATE: Pakistan: Indian bombing allegations unfounded - IHT, 3 August 2008.
Violence in Kashmir is often attributed to the Pakistan's ISI, regardless of its cause, and this bias is well-known to Hindu nationalists. It is widely believed in Kashmir that some acts of violence attributed to Muslim separatists are actually triggered by Hindu nationalists that can rely on the cover of anti-Pakistan bias. It gets pretty confusing; reports that India's own intelligence services have fomented violence in Kashmir meant to be attributed to Muslim separatists only muddy the waters further.
Suffice to say I did not report the 7 July Kabul bombing in this blog as it appeared unrelated to Kashmir, but my opinion has changed. New reports from US intelligence services conclude that:
Pakistanis Aided Attack in Kabul - NYT, 1 August 2008.
UPDATE: Pakistan Denies Report It Planned Kabul Blast - TO, 2 August 2008.
UPDATE: Indian official: Sinking relations with Pakistan - IHT, 2 August 2008.
UPDATE: Indo-Pak rancour overshadows talks - AJ, 3 August 2008.
UPDATE: Pakistan: Indian bombing allegations unfounded - IHT, 3 August 2008.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
EXPLOSIONS IN GUJARAT KILL 45
Deadly blasts strike Indian city - BBC, 27 July 2008.
India hunts bombing suspects - AJ, 27 July 2008.
India on alert as bombers sought - BBC, 27 July 2008.
India: Terrorism is attack on 'way of life' - IHT, 27 July 2008.
UPDATE: Anti-terror squads in India carry out raids - IHT, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: Death toll rises in India blasts - BBC, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: 3 Kashmiris held in Mumbai for blasts - KO, 29 July 2008.
REPORT: The Larger Toll of India's Terror Blasts - TO, 29 July 2008.
VIDEO: India on alert - 27 July 2008.
India hunts bombing suspects - AJ, 27 July 2008.
India on alert as bombers sought - BBC, 27 July 2008.
India: Terrorism is attack on 'way of life' - IHT, 27 July 2008.
UPDATE: Anti-terror squads in India carry out raids - IHT, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: Death toll rises in India blasts - BBC, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: 3 Kashmiris held in Mumbai for blasts - KO, 29 July 2008.
REPORT: The Larger Toll of India's Terror Blasts - TO, 29 July 2008.
VIDEO: India on alert - 27 July 2008.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
PAKISTAN & INDIA TRADE FIRE ON THE LOC
Pakistan, India Trade Fire on LoC - KO, 26 July 2008.
Read a detailed analysis of the border dispute between India, Pakistan, and the disparate Kashmir separatists in this excellent BBC report: The Future of Kashmir.
UPDATE: India, Pakistan in Kashmir clash - BBC, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: Kashmir rivals to discuss firing - BBC, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: India, Pakistan hold flag meeting as guns fall silent - KO, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: Rivals trade blame over Kashmir - BBC, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: India and Pakistan clash in Kashmir - AJ, 30 July 2008.
UPDATE: India accuses Pakistan on Kashmir - BBC, 30 July 2008.
UPDATE: 'Kashmir talks' held in Colombo - BBC, 31 July 2008.
UPDATE: Indo-Pak rancour overshadows talks - AJ, 3 August 2008.
UPDATE: LoC Residents Plunged Into Despair Again - KO, 4 August 2008.
Read a detailed analysis of the border dispute between India, Pakistan, and the disparate Kashmir separatists in this excellent BBC report: The Future of Kashmir.
UPDATE: India, Pakistan in Kashmir clash - BBC, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: Kashmir rivals to discuss firing - BBC, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: India, Pakistan hold flag meeting as guns fall silent - KO, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: Rivals trade blame over Kashmir - BBC, 29 July 2008.
UPDATE: India and Pakistan clash in Kashmir - AJ, 30 July 2008.
UPDATE: India accuses Pakistan on Kashmir - BBC, 30 July 2008.
UPDATE: 'Kashmir talks' held in Colombo - BBC, 31 July 2008.
UPDATE: Indo-Pak rancour overshadows talks - AJ, 3 August 2008.
UPDATE: LoC Residents Plunged Into Despair Again - KO, 4 August 2008.
UPDATE: Army says fired at from Pakistan border side - Reuters, 6 August 2008.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
GRENADE KILLS 9 AT SRINAGAR BUS DEPOT
Grenade attack near Srinagar, five killed - IBN, 24 July 2008.
Five killed in Kashmir explosion - BBC, 24 July 2008.
Civilians targeted in Kashmir blast - AJ, 24 July 2008.
Kashmir: Grenade attack kills five - CNN, 24 July 2008.
Mother, 4 children among 9 killed in Kashmir - IHT, 24 July 2008.
UPDATE: APHC seeks probe into Batamaloo blast - KMS, 27 July 2008.
UPDATE: GRENADE ATTACKERS ARRESTED IN KASHMIR - 10 September 2008.
Five killed in Kashmir explosion - BBC, 24 July 2008.
Civilians targeted in Kashmir blast - AJ, 24 July 2008.
Kashmir: Grenade attack kills five - CNN, 24 July 2008.
Mother, 4 children among 9 killed in Kashmir - IHT, 24 July 2008.
UPDATE: APHC seeks probe into Batamaloo blast - KMS, 27 July 2008.
UPDATE: GRENADE ATTACKERS ARRESTED IN KASHMIR - 10 September 2008.
Monday, July 21, 2008
WAVE OF VIOLENCE ROCKS KASHMIR
Grenade Attack In Banihal, 35 Injured - KO, 18 July 2008.
Militant Attack Kills 10 Soldiers, Scores Injured - KO, 19 July 2008.
Five Shot Dead on Dividing Line - KO, 19 July 2008.
Soldiers killed in Kashmir blast - BBC, 19 July 2008.
Four killed in Kashmir violence - BBC, 21 July 2008.
UPDATE: Gulmarg, Tangmarg Denounce Attacks On Tourists - KO, 21 July 2008.
UPDATE: J&K blast aimed to destroy tourism - DNA, 22 July 2008.
VIDEO: Kashmir Blast Kills Soldiers - 19 July 2008.
Militant Attack Kills 10 Soldiers, Scores Injured - KO, 19 July 2008.
Five Shot Dead on Dividing Line - KO, 19 July 2008.
Soldiers killed in Kashmir blast - BBC, 19 July 2008.
Four killed in Kashmir violence - BBC, 21 July 2008.
UPDATE: Gulmarg, Tangmarg Denounce Attacks On Tourists - KO, 21 July 2008.
UPDATE: J&K blast aimed to destroy tourism - DNA, 22 July 2008.
VIDEO: Kashmir Blast Kills Soldiers - 19 July 2008.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
GRENADE ATTACK ROCKS GULMARG
Blast Rocks Gulmarg - GK, 20 July 2008.
"A tourist and a civilian were killed and four others were injured in a grenade blast in the famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Varmul district... Unidentified persons hurled a grenade near the Gulmarg Sumo stand at 5 pm killing a tourist, Ashok Kumar son of Ram Shanker of UP on the spot and critically injuring four persons. A boy identified as Muhammad Yousuf son of Jalaluddin of Baba Reshi succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital. Other injured were identified as Joginder Swami of UP, Bashir Ahmad son of Muhammad Sadiq of Sopur, Parvaiz Ahmad son of Muhammad Maqbool of Chandusa Tangmarg and Tahir Ahmad son of Muhammad Khalil of Sopur. Nobody had claimed responsibility for the attack till this report was filed."
UPDATE: GRENADE ATTACKERS ARRESTED IN KASHMIR - 10 September 2008.
"A tourist and a civilian were killed and four others were injured in a grenade blast in the famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Varmul district... Unidentified persons hurled a grenade near the Gulmarg Sumo stand at 5 pm killing a tourist, Ashok Kumar son of Ram Shanker of UP on the spot and critically injuring four persons. A boy identified as Muhammad Yousuf son of Jalaluddin of Baba Reshi succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital. Other injured were identified as Joginder Swami of UP, Bashir Ahmad son of Muhammad Sadiq of Sopur, Parvaiz Ahmad son of Muhammad Maqbool of Chandusa Tangmarg and Tahir Ahmad son of Muhammad Khalil of Sopur. Nobody had claimed responsibility for the attack till this report was filed."
UPDATE: GRENADE ATTACKERS ARRESTED IN KASHMIR - 10 September 2008.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
JET AIRWAYS WINS BEST IN CLASS; AWARDED FOR SERVICE
Jet Airways is doing very well these days - customers filling its seats and industry analysts singing its praises. The airline was recently awarded 'Best Business Class’ and ‘'Best Economy Class’ among airlines in India (CNBC-Awaaz Travel Awards 2008), and it was recognized as one of the 'Top 5 Airlines by Growth' in both 'Passenger Carriage' and 'Cargo Carriage' at Singapore's Changi International Airport (CAAS). The airline has frequent-flyer partnerships with American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
In other Indian aviation news:
The runway ends for travel agents - DNA, 24 June 2008.
Jet Airways has special India-Australia fares - AR, 16 July 2008.
US investment in Indian airline - BBC, 16 July 2008.
Air India reduces airfares to Gulf by 15 percent - BN, 18 July 2008.
Passengers see fares to India slashed - AB, 19 July 2008.
The runway ends for travel agents - DNA, 24 June 2008.
Jet Airways has special India-Australia fares - AR, 16 July 2008.
US investment in Indian airline - BBC, 16 July 2008.
Air India reduces airfares to Gulf by 15 percent - BN, 18 July 2008.
Passengers see fares to India slashed - AB, 19 July 2008.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
51% OF INDIANS POLLED WOULD TOLERATE INDEPENDENT KASHMIR
51% Indians: Independent Kashmir no problem - GK, 17 July 2008.
Poll shows flexibility on Kashmir - WI, 17 July 2008.
Perhaps 100% of Kashmiris agree with them. The numbers of people polled make these conclusions insignificant, in my opinion, but indicate a measure of hope for Kashmiris, and a growing world awareness of their plight.
Poll shows flexibility on Kashmir - WI, 17 July 2008.
Perhaps 100% of Kashmiris agree with them. The numbers of people polled make these conclusions insignificant, in my opinion, but indicate a measure of hope for Kashmiris, and a growing world awareness of their plight.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
MASS GRAVES IN KASHMIR
Thousands lost in Kashmir mass graves - Amnesty Intl., 15 April 2008.
Disquiet Ghosts: Mass graves in Kashmir - Etalaat, 9 July 2008.
Europeans demands probe in Kashmir - Hindu, 12 July 2008.
India admits "unmarked graves" in Kashmir - WB, 13 July 2008.
Police: Rebels, not civilians in unmarked graves - KT, 13 July 2008.
EP meets on rights situation in Kashmir - GK, 17 July 2008.
VIDEO: Activists Protest Unmarked Graves in Kashmir - NDTV, 15 July 2008.
VIDEO: Martyrs Day Protests Erupt in Kashmir - 15 July 2008.
Disquiet Ghosts: Mass graves in Kashmir - Etalaat, 9 July 2008.
Europeans demands probe in Kashmir - Hindu, 12 July 2008.
India admits "unmarked graves" in Kashmir - WB, 13 July 2008.
Police: Rebels, not civilians in unmarked graves - KT, 13 July 2008.
EP meets on rights situation in Kashmir - GK, 17 July 2008.
VIDEO: Activists Protest Unmarked Graves in Kashmir - NDTV, 15 July 2008.
VIDEO: Martyrs Day Protests Erupt in Kashmir - 15 July 2008.
Monday, July 14, 2008
INDIA-PAKISTAN DISCUSS CROSS-LOC TRANSPORT & TRADE
Indo-Pak talks on CBMs - NT, 14 July 2008.
Indo-Pak talks on CBMs - BS, 19 July 2008.
UPDATE: Talks end without agreement - KUNA, 18 July 2008.
UPDATE: Delay in CBM brewing cynicism - KO, 26 July 2008.
UPDATE: LoC Truck Service By August - KO, 28 July 2008.
Indo-Pak talks on CBMs - BS, 19 July 2008.
UPDATE: Talks end without agreement - KUNA, 18 July 2008.
UPDATE: Delay in CBM brewing cynicism - KO, 26 July 2008.
UPDATE: LoC Truck Service By August - KO, 28 July 2008.
UPDATE: Srinagar-Muzaffarbad Bus Runs Weekly - KO, 18 September 2008.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
TOP LEADER IN KASHMIR RESIGNS
Kashmir leader quits in land row - BBC, 7 July 2008.
Azad resigns, PDP pulls support on Amarnath - WSJ, 8 July 2008.
VIDEO: Top Leader in Kashmir Resigns - 8 July 2008.
Azad resigns, PDP pulls support on Amarnath - WSJ, 8 July 2008.
VIDEO: Top Leader in Kashmir Resigns - 8 July 2008.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
SIX SOLDIERS, TWELVE MILITANTS KILLED IN KASHMIR ENCOUNTER
6 soldiers, 12 militants killed - NT, 5 July 2008.
Link no longer active.
Link no longer active.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
INDIA TRUCKERS STRIKE OVER FUEL
India truckers strike over fuel - BBC, 2 July 2008.
UPDATE: India truckers strike called off - BBC, 4 July 2008.
UPDATE: India truckers strike called off - BBC, 4 July 2008.
Monday, June 30, 2008
TOURISTS FLEE INDIAN KASHMIR
Tourists flee as protests swell - TT, 30 June 2008.
Shrine protest: Tourists flee Srinagar - TI, 27 June 2008.
Hopes for best-ever season end - Tribune, 27 June 2008.
UPDATE: Tourists keep off troubled Kashmir - NT, 12 July 2008.
UPDATE: Amarnath controversy hits tourism - Merinews, 12 July 2008.
VIDEO: Unrest over Kashmir shrine plans - 3 July 2008.
For a first-hand account of one tourist's experience in Kashmir during the Amarnath protests read Horrible Srinagar - Coconut Travels.
Equally compelling is Kashmir, and our House (Boat) Arrest - Stories From the Open Road.
Shrine protest: Tourists flee Srinagar - TI, 27 June 2008.
Hopes for best-ever season end - Tribune, 27 June 2008.
UPDATE: Tourists keep off troubled Kashmir - NT, 12 July 2008.
UPDATE: Amarnath controversy hits tourism - Merinews, 12 July 2008.
VIDEO: Unrest over Kashmir shrine plans - 3 July 2008.
For a first-hand account of one tourist's experience in Kashmir during the Amarnath protests read Horrible Srinagar - Coconut Travels.
Equally compelling is Kashmir, and our House (Boat) Arrest - Stories From the Open Road.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
KASHMIR VIOLENCE OVER SHRINE LAND
Kashmir violence over shrine land - BBC, 24 June 2008.
Srinagar shuts down in protest - KO, 24 June 2008.
Read a primer on this conflict, A Stitch in Time - HT, 30 June 2008.
UPDATE: Kashmir shrine violence spreads - BBC, 25 June 2008.
UPDATE: Valley up in arms - KO, 25 June 2008.
UPDATE: Protests show no signs of abating - KO, 26 June 2008.
UPDATE: Shutdown cripples life for seventh day - KO, 29 June 2008.
VIDEO: Five killed in Kashmir gunbattle - 24 June 2008.
Srinagar shuts down in protest - KO, 24 June 2008.
Read a primer on this conflict, A Stitch in Time - HT, 30 June 2008.
UPDATE: Kashmir shrine violence spreads - BBC, 25 June 2008.
UPDATE: Valley up in arms - KO, 25 June 2008.
UPDATE: Protests show no signs of abating - KO, 26 June 2008.
UPDATE: Shutdown cripples life for seventh day - KO, 29 June 2008.
VIDEO: Five killed in Kashmir gunbattle - 24 June 2008.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
PAKISTAN TROOPS KILLED IN KASHMIR
Pakistan troops killed in Kashmir - Al Jazeera, 19 June 2008.
Pakistan troops killed in Kashmir - BBC, 19 June 2008.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
STRIKE PARALYZES INDIAN KASHMIR
Paralysis Complete; Traders Join Strike - GK, 11 June 2008.
Transporters strike in Kashmir - Reuters, 11 June 2008.
Strike against price hikes paralyze Kashmir - IHT, 11 June 2008.
UPDATE: Transporters call off strike - Tribune, 12 June 2008.
VIDEO: Transporters strike in Kashmir - 11 June 2008.
Transporters strike in Kashmir - Reuters, 11 June 2008.
Strike against price hikes paralyze Kashmir - IHT, 11 June 2008.
UPDATE: Transporters call off strike - Tribune, 12 June 2008.
VIDEO: Transporters strike in Kashmir - 11 June 2008.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS
Omar suggests insurance for foreign tourists - ET, 8 June 2008.
Great idea. Currently most insurance policies are null and void for travel to Kashmir. Check with your insurance provider.
Friday, June 6, 2008
ANNOUNCED BROADBAND SERVICE TO GULMARG
Immediately after this statement the paper reports that BSNL services go down, yet again - GK, 5 June 2008.
Absolutely no surprise to anyone who has been to Gulmarg.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
SRINAGAR INTL AIRPORT (SXR): READY BY END OF JULY
Srinagar airport ready by end of July - Hindu, 4 June 2008.
International flights to operate from SXR - Etalaat, 4 June 2008.
UPDATE: Srinagar Int'l Airport to Open This Month - KO, 1 August 2008.
Expect these flights to be from the Gulf region or Malaysia.
International flights to operate from SXR - Etalaat, 4 June 2008.
UPDATE: Srinagar Int'l Airport to Open This Month - KO, 1 August 2008.
Expect these flights to be from the Gulf region or Malaysia.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
J&K TO FOCUS ON GULF VISITORS
J&K tour operators focus on Gulf visitors - Howrah, 11 May 2008.
Link no longer active.
This story remains relevant as ten days after its release a Dubai-based firm announced a plan to invest $500 million in Kashmir tourism. Go to POST above or directly to the PRESS RELEASE - TWB, 5 May 2008.
Link no longer active.
This story remains relevant as ten days after its release a Dubai-based firm announced a plan to invest $500 million in Kashmir tourism. Go to POST above or directly to the PRESS RELEASE - TWB, 5 May 2008.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
BODY OF MISSING NORWEGIAN FOUND
Body of missing Norwegian skier found - GK, 21 April 2008.
The full sequence of this sad story are in this POST - Gulmarg '07/08.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
FIRE GUTS GULMARG ARMY BASE
Fire in Army's Gulmarg HAWS - Kashmir Observer, 24 March 2008.
Link no longer active.
(HAWS is the acronym for the High-Altitude Warfare School).
Link no longer active.
(HAWS is the acronym for the High-Altitude Warfare School).
Friday, March 21, 2008
KASHMIRIS EMBRACE NEW CALM
After Brutal Years, Kashmiris Embrace Calm - CSO, 20 March 2008.
This story was published about one day too late to live up to the headline. Sadly, an explosion injuring 24 persons occurred in Srinagar 19 March 2008.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
BLAST RIPS THROUGH SRINAGAR
Blast rips city center, breaks lull, wounds 16 - KO, 19 March 2008.
Link no longer active.
Find the archived story HERE - KT, 20 March 2008.
VIDEO: Highway Explosion in Srinagar - 21 March 2008.
Link no longer active.
Find the archived story HERE - KT, 20 March 2008.
VIDEO: Highway Explosion in Srinagar - 21 March 2008.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
GULMARG: THE MOST EXOTIC SKI RESORT ON EARTH
Gulmarg named most exotic ski destination on Earth - Ski Paradise, 17 March 2008.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
GONDOLA EARNS RECORD REVENUES
Gondola earns record revenues of Rs 7 cr - GK, 27 February 2008.
One crore (cr) is equal to ten to the seventh power, or ten million. In this example Rs 7 cr is 70 million Rs, about USD$ 1.635 million. (Revenues are for the fiscal year ending 31 January 2008).
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
GULMARG: THE YOUTUBE VIDEO BAR
Thank you to the producers and contributors for the following videos:
PLAYLIST - Gulmarg: The Most Exotic Ski Resort on Earth
PLAYLIST - 2008 Snowboard Video Teasers & Trailers
PLAYLIST - Gulmarg: The Most Exotic Ski Resort on Earth
PLAYLIST - 2008 Snowboard Video Teasers & Trailers
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
KASHMIR AIR BASE REACTIVATED
India Reactivates Air Base Close to China in Kashmir - India Defence, 6 February 2008.
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