INDIGO PK

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Kashmir has long been referred to as paradise on earth. Its breathtaking landscapes, lush valleys, and snow-capped mountains have inspired poets and mystics for centuries. But behind the serene scenery lies a harrowing story of political unrest, militarization, and unending human suffering. For decades, the region has been at the heart of a fierce territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, with the people of Kashmir caught in the crossfire. Since the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019, which stripped the region of its limited autonomy, life for ordinary Kashmiris has become increasingly repressive. Through curfews, surveillance, disappearances, and economic strangulation, the voice of Kashmir has been systematically silenced. This article aims to bring forward those muted voices — voices of students, farmers, journalists, women, and children — who continue to endure the burden of living under occupation. --- A L...

The Gaza Strip, a small coastal enclave home to 2.3 million people, has been described by UNICEF as “the most dangerous place in the world to be a child.” Since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, the region has been ravaged by relentless violence, leaving behind a trail of destruction that has disproportionately affected its youngest residents. Among the most heartbreaking consequences of this war is the staggering number of children who have lost one or both parents, creating what the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics has called “the largest orphan crisis in modern history.” As of April 2025, over 39,000 children in Gaza have been orphaned, with approximately 17,000 having lost both parents. These children face not only the immediate trauma of loss but also an uncertain future marked by displacement, poverty, and a lack of institutional support. This article explores the plight of Gaza’s orphans, the challenges they face, and the glimmers of hope for their future amid ...

Tel Aviv, the cosmopolitan heart of Israel, is often described as “the city that never sleeps”—and with good reason. Nestled on the Mediterranean coastline, this energetic metropolis boasts one of the most dynamic, eclectic, and inviting nightlife scenes in the world. From sun-drenched beach parties to underground electronic clubs, intimate jazz bars to LGBTQ+ inclusive venues, Tel Aviv is a city that pulses with rhythm long after the sun goes down. This article explores what makes Tel Aviv’s nightlife so compelling, examining its diversity, openness, musical innovation, cultural significance, and how it captures the soul of a modern, free-spirited, and resilient city. --- A City Defined by Its After-Dark Identity Tel Aviv’s nightlife isn’t just a feature of the city—it’s part of its identity. While many cities wind down after dark, Tel Aviv seems to come alive. Locals often begin their evenings late, with dinner at 9 or 10 p.m., and head to bars and clubs closer to midnight. The vibra...

India, the world’s largest democracy, has long been hailed for its constitutional guarantees of fundamental rights, a robust legal system, and a vibrant civil society. Yet, beneath the veneer of democratic principles lies a complex and often troubling reality: persistent allegations of state violence, suppression of dissent, and violations of human rights. From counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir and the Northeast to crackdowns on civil protest and the treatment of marginalized communities, multiple regions and communities have experienced the sharp edge of state power. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of alleged state violence in India, analyzing its patterns, causes, consequences, and the response from institutions and civil society. Historical Context of State Violence State violence in India has roots in its colonial past. Under British rule, repression was institutionalized through laws such as the Rowlatt Act and acts of brutal suppression like the Jallianw...

Nestled in the Judean Hills between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is a city where time stands still and history whispers from every stone. Revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, this ancient city serves as both a spiritual beacon and a deeply contested land. With a past stretching back over 3,000 years, Jerusalem has been shaped by empires, religions, wars, and peace accords. Today, it remains a melting pot of cultures, faiths, and traditions — a place where the sacred and the secular coexist in complex harmony. This journey through Jerusalem takes you from the labyrinthine alleys of the Old City to the modern boulevards of West Jerusalem, offering a glimpse into the soul of one of the world’s most fascinating places. --- The Old City: A Sacred Mosaic The heart of Jerusalem lies within the walls of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering less than one square kilometer. Divided into four quarters — Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian — the Ol...

The Gaza-Israel conflict is one of the most protracted and volatile disputes in modern history. Marked by cyclical violence, deep-rooted political grievances, and staggering human suffering, it continues to defy peace efforts despite decades of negotiations, international interventions, and ceasefire agreements. While the world has witnessed various hotspots of conflict, Gaza stands out as a place where the lines between war and daily life are blurred, and where peace remains elusive. To understand the intractability of the conflict, one must look beyond the headlines and delve into its historical foundations, political dynamics, humanitarian impact, and the broader geopolitical landscape that fuels and sustains it. Historical Roots: The Seeds of Division The origins of the Gaza-Israel conflict are inseparable from the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The turning point came in 1948 with the creation of the State of Israel and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, during which hundr...

For decades, the Indian subcontinent has been a theater not only for overt political and military rivalries but also for a hidden conflict—a shadow war of covert operations, intelligence maneuvering, and psychological warfare. As South Asia’s largest power and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India has expanded its strategic footprint, often away from the global spotlight. Its covert operations, particularly in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and even within its own territory, reveal a complex doctrine shaped by a combination of realpolitik, national security imperatives, and a desire for regional dominance. This shadow war is not fought with tanks or fighter jets, but with proxy militias, cyber tools, intelligence networks, and clandestine influence operations. While India’s role as a regional hegemon has grown, so too have the consequences of its covert activities—sparking instability, diplomatic tensions, and in some cases, full-blown conflicts across South Asia. Historical...

The Gaza Strip, a small coastal enclave home to over 2.3 million Palestinians, has faced severe challenges in accessing basic necessities like water and electricity for decades. These challenges have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, particularly since the escalation that began on October 7, 2023. Reports from humanitarian organizations, United Nations agencies, and local authorities indicate that Israel’s policies of restricting access to water and electricity have been used as tools of control, contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis. This article explores the weaponization of water and electricity in Gaza, its historical context, recent developments, humanitarian impacts, and the legal and ethical implications of these actions. Historical Context of Resource Control in GazaThe Gaza Strip has been under varying degrees of Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel occupied the territory along with the West Bank and East Je...

For more than seven decades, the Kashmir conflict has simmered in the shadow of the Indian subcontinent’s political landscape. Born from the partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir issue has evolved into one of the most volatile and deeply entrenched territorial disputes in modern history. At its core lies the struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, and the persistent and often brutal efforts by the Indian state to suppress dissent, quell separatism, and maintain a firm grip on the region. This article delves into the nature of state-sponsored repression in Indian-administered Kashmir, charting its historical roots, contemporary manifestations, and the devastating impact on the Kashmiri population. Historical Context: A Disputed Legacy The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population, was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja at the time of Partition in 1947. Instead of joining Pakistan or India outright, the Maharaja hesitated. Following an invasi...