By Syed Showket
The Community Radio Station (CRS) at Gurez has been hailed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who stated that it will pave the way for bridging the gap between communities and cultures. With every initiative, the Indian Army continues to make efforts for the upliftment of the common people in Kashmir.
As someone who has long written about the communication gap in Kashmir and how it shaped our politics and pain, I see this not just as a milestone but as a personal moment of quiet celebration. This station in Gurez is more than a broadcast. It is a sign that the long-muted voices from the high mountains are finally being heard. Unequivocally, the credit goes to the Indian Army and Hon’ble LG.
Ever since I started writing, I’ve often pointed out a fundamental flaw that shaped Kashmir’s political landscape and fuelled radicalisation: the absence of proper communication. I remember it clearly. Growing up, our only sources of news were Radio Kashmir (now AIR Srinagar) and DD Kashir. Television wasn’t widespread, and the radio remained the main source of information. Due to this communication gap, most people felt completely disconnected from the government and public administration. By the time someone in Gurez or Kupwara heard about an incident, it was already weeks old. That delay wasn’t just frustrating, it created distance, confusion, and a growing sense of alienation. For decades, Kashmir has lived with that silence. And in that silence, AIR Srinagar became the only thread holding us to any kind of narrative.
Over the past couple of years, the concept of a Community Radio Station has steadily gained traction in Kashmiri society. We’ve evolved in terms of communication. Social media, digital platforms, print media, and other sources of information have expanded our reach. But there’s something about the sound of the radio. It still brings a kind of solace that no screen can match. Today, we have CRS stations in Kupwara, Sopore, Central University Ganderbal, and Anantnag. Except for the one at Central University Ganderbal, all of these are run with the support and initiative of the Indian Army. These aren’t just radio frequencies. These are waves that reach deep. Waves that inspire young minds. Waves that steer them away from radicalisation. Waves that give a voice to the voiceless. Waves that guide, motivate, and connect.
Since August 7, 2020, the day Shri Manoj Sinha took charge as the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the region has witnessed a dramatic shift. Peace has returned, arguably the most significant and celebrated change so far. Alongside that, we’ve seen visible progress in Smart City projects, a tourism revival, successful hosting of the G20 meet, youth engagement programs, and serious efforts to counter radicalisation. His leadership has brought something J&K had long been missing: a sense of inclusion. A belief among people that we matter, that we belong in the national narrative.
For decades, people in the far-flung corners of Kashmir felt overlooked. That feeling is beginning to fade. Most recently, on August 6, 2025, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the National Tribal Festival in Gurez. The two-day festival celebrates the vibrant culture and traditions of the Dard-Shina tribal community, one of the oldest and most resilient cultures of our region. The event wasn’t just symbolic, but it was a statement that even the remotest areas like Gurez are finally being brought into the spotlight, not just for their scenic beauty but for their people, their stories, and their heritage.
In what can be called a landmark moment for the people of Gurez, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM Community Radio Station during his virtual address at the National Tribal Festival. Nestled deep in the mountains and often cut off during harsh winters, Gurez has long remained on the margins of mainstream narratives. This station is not just a technological upgrade. It is a bridge. A voice that now belongs to the people of Gurez themselves. The Community Radio Station will serve as a platform for local expression, storytelling, awareness campaigns, and cultural preservation. It is a powerful step towards giving remote communities the tools to speak, share, and stay informed. For the youth, it opens a new avenue of engagement, creativity, and purpose. For elders, it is a way to keep oral traditions alive. And for everyone, it is a way to feel less isolated and more connected. In his virtual message, the Lieutenant Governor described the launch as a historic initiative with deep cultural and social value for the Dard-Shina community. He acknowledged the contributions of the Indian Army and the Shinon Meeras – Shina Cultural Centre for their efforts in preserving the local heritage.
The Indian Army’s presence in Gurez has been more than just a line of defence. It has become a pillar of support for the local population, especially during the long, harsh winters when the region remains cut off for months. Whether it’s delivering essential supplies, facilitating emergency evacuations, or offering medical aid, the Army has often been the first and only responder in times of crisis. Beyond that, it has played a vital role in preserving the cultural fabric of the region. From supporting the Shinon Meeras – Shina Cultural Centre to helping establish the Community Radio Station, the Army has ensured that the Dard-Shina community has platforms to celebrate its identity, express its voice, and pass down its heritage. In a place where infrastructure still struggles to catch up, these efforts have filled critical gaps, earned deep respect, and quietly stitched a stronger bond between the people and the uniform.
This was not his first gesture of support for the Dard community. Earlier, at Raj Bhawan, the LG had released The Cultural Encyclopedia of the Dard Tribe, authored by Dr. Suheel Rasool Mir. He praised the author for exploring the nuances of a culture that has often gone undocumented and for ensuring its preservation for future generations. As someone who has long written about the communication gap in Kashmir and how it shaped our politics and pain, I see this not just as a milestone but as a personal moment of quiet celebration. This station in Gurez is more than a broadcast. It is a sign that the long-muted voices from the high mountains are finally being heard, not as echoes of the past but as participants in the present. The Community Radio Station in Gurez reflects a broader shift. A shift where heritage is honoured, voices are amplified, and previously unheard regions are finally being brought into the national conversation.
For me, this is not just about a radio station. It is about dignity. It is about visibility. It is about acknowledging that people living in the valleys of Gurez, cut off by snow for months and forgotten for years, finally have a medium to speak, to connect, and to be heard. I have always believed that the first step toward empowerment is being listened to. This initiative may seem small to some, but in a place like Gurez, it is nothing short of transformational. This is the kind of development I want to see more of. One that is rooted in identity, culture, and connection. Not just roads and buildings, but something that builds people up from within. As someone who has written about the silences we grew up with, I see this as the beginning of something hopeful. A slow and steady filling of the void. And if we keep listening, truly listening, I believe we can write a better story for every forgotten corner of Kashmir.
Syed Shawkat is a freelancer based in Kashmir. He writes on various current and human interest topics. He can be contacted on vadaiekashmir@gmail.com
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