Muzaffarabad, (TW news) __ Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & delivered a comprehensive briefing on the latest situation in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to the Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS), University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad.

Addressing faculty and students, Dr. Fai stated that the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir have endured decades of economic exploitation, cultural erosion, educational degradation, and military occupation since 1947. He warned that a new and alarming phase has emerged—systematic de-Islamization—which poses a serious threat to Kashmir’s religious and cultural identity. He noted that Kashmiri language instruction has been banned in schools while Hindi has been made compulsory.

Dr. Fai warned that the Hindutva ideology poses a direct threat to Kashmiri culture and identity. “There is a deliberate attempt to erase Kashmir’s distinct cultural and religious heritage,” he said, adding that educational institutions are under sustained assault. According to him, the Kashmiri language has been banned in schools, while Hindi has been made compulsory.

Describing the current situation as a siege, Dr. Fai cited renowned genocide scholar Dr. Gregory Stanton, who has warned that Kashmir is at the brink of genocide. He also referenced the Committee to Protect Journalists, which has declared that independent journalism in Kashmir is nearing extinction. Dr. Fai highlighted the plight of Kashmiri leadership and civil society, noting that Yasin Malik has been sentenced to two life imprisonments, with calls by the Modi government for the death penalty. Veteran leader Shabir Shah has spent nearly four decades in prison, while Masarat Alam has been repeatedly detained under the Public Safety Act 35 times. Human rights defender Khurram Parvez—recognized by TIME magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people—remains incarcerated. “The press has been silenced, dissent criminalized, and civil society dismantled,” Dr. Fai said.

In these circumstances, Dr. Fai stressed that the role of the Institute of Kashmir Studies at UAJK has become paramount and indispensable.

The Institute of Kashmir Studies was established in 1986 as a research institute at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. Since its inception, IKS has worked consistently to enhance research and academic development in the field of Kashmir Studies. In 2008, it introduced postgraduate degree programs to explore and promote diverse dimensions of Kashmir.

IKS has cultivated a close-knit community of interdisciplinary scholars with expertise in Kashmiri languages, literature, history, archaeology, culture, art, and crafts. The institute takes pride in addressing diverse research and learning needs, and recently inducted qualified permanent faculty members to further strengthen teaching and research excellence. It is widely regarded as one of the most active—and the only full-fledged—academic institutions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir offering M.Sc. and M.Phil. programs in Kashmir Studies.

Dr. Fai welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IKS and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), Japan. Under this agreement, both institutions will collaborate on joint research projects. Through video-conferencing facilities, IKS students will attend online lectures, and upon successful completion of programs, they will receive certificates from TUFS, Japan.

Dr. Sumaira Shafiq, Director of the Institute of Kashmir Studies, outlined the objectives of IKS, stating that the institute is committed to ensuring quality teaching and research across various areas of Kashmir Studies in full compliance with Higher Education Commission (HEC) standards. She said the mission of IKS is to produce academically competent scholars capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges and contributing responsibly to society. The institute, she added, places strong emphasis on enhancing students’ professional skills and career prospects.

Dr. Shafiq further noted that IKS regularly organizes cultural programs, workshops, conferences, public lectures, and academic events to promote understanding of the cultures and societies of Gilgit-Baltistan, Indian-occupied Kashmir, and Azad Kashmir. Study tours and academic visits expose students and faculty to national and international conferences and seminars, fostering interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

Professor (Dr.) Saadat Hanif Dar, Registrar of UAJK, acknowledged the financial and social challenges faced by students, particularly due to rising living costs. He stated that despite financial constraints, the university remains committed to making quality higher education accessible by expanding scholarships, improving campus facilities, strengthening student support systems, and aligning academic programs with market needs. He emphasized that UAJK aims to become a forward-looking institution that promotes research, innovation, community service, and leadership.

Dr. Fai also met with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak at UAJK. He described the Vice-Chancellor as a highly accomplished educationist whose professionalism and social etiquette left a strong impression. Their meeting included discussions on academic collaboration, regional development, and the role of education in advancing awareness of the Kashmir issue.

Dr. Waleed Rasool, academics and Kashmiri scholar and well-known expert on the subject emphasized that the Institute of Kashmir Studies has played—and will continue to play—a vital role in highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people from a human rights perspective. He noted his ongoing engagement with IKS faculty and the Director and praised the institute’s academic and advocacy-oriented initiatives.

Sardar Zubair stressed the need to further strengthen IKS by developing proper office space and an auditorium. As a gesture of support, he donated PKR 100,000 as seed money for this purpose.

Professor Waris Ali Khan of NUML university conveyed his appreciation to the staff and management of the IKS for highlighting not only the history but also Kashmiri culture to the student population.

Sardar Zulfiqar and Nadim Khokhar also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and commitment shown by the faculty toward the visiting delegation.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai is also the Secretary General,
Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum.
He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435
gnfai2003@yahoo.com
www.kashmirawareness.org