Kashmir’s exclusivity narrative built the psychology of separatism. 8,000 schools burned in 30 years. Integration or exclusivity?

Journalists, lawyers, and youth voices from both Jammu and Kashmir examine how the political narrative of exclusivity — pre-2019 — created the psychological infrastructure for separatism, while today’s youth increasingly associate integration with opportunity, not loss. Columnist Imad Magdumi argues the pre-2019 “Kashmir is special” framing directly enabled divisive thought. The panel addresses the post-Article 370 uncertainty, why the same government returning has created new paralysis, and whether the AI-and-technology generation in Kashmir can leapfrog the exclusivity trap their parents couldn’t escape. Lawyer and activist Arun Prabhat represents the Jammu voice consistently overlooked in the dominant narrative.

About the Speakers:
Arun Prabhat SJ is a dynamic youth leader, speaker, and activist. He serves as the State President of BJP Yuva Morcha (Jammu & Kashmir) and is a former President of the Jammu University Student Union (2017–2018), where he led several youth-centric initiatives.

Jehanzeb Allaqaband is a lawyer, public speaker, and social activist committed to youth empowerment and political reform in Jammu & Kashmir. He is currently launching his own political party, aiming to bring a fresh voice and grassroots perspective to the region’s governance.

Emaad Makhdoomi is the Principal Correspondent for The New Indian (J&K & Ladakh), and formerly served as Consulting Editor for Greater Kashmir. His journalism has appeared in News18, Organiser, The Times of India, and Republic World.

Mirwaiz Syed Abdul Lateef Bukhari is a prominent religious and community leader, serving as the Mirwaiz of Central Kashmir. He plays a vital role in guiding spiritual and social discourse within the region.

Raja Muneeb is a journalist and columnist whose work has appeared in The New Indian, Firstpost, CNN-News18, Eureporter, and Chintan_IF. He brings thoughtful insight and regional expertise to his reporting and commentary.