Jammu-Kashmir remains one of South Asia’s most contested and misunderstood regions. In this podcast episode by the Middle East Policy Council, MEPC Analyst Zara Farouk sits down with journalist and researcher Raqib Naik, founder of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), to discuss his personal journey from Kashmir to becoming a leading voice on issues of identity, exclusion, and human rights.
The conversation explores the historical and contemporary realities of Jammu and Kashmir, including displacement, demographic change, the experiences of Muslim communities, and the rise of Hindutva politics in India. Raqib reflects on how these developments have shaped everyday life in Kashmir and offers insights into the broader challenges facing pluralism and minority inclusion across South Asia.
Despite the challenges, the discussion concludes by examining pathways toward coexistence, civic engagement, and whether there are reasons for optimism about Kashmir’s future.
