1018hrs:
Countdown to end of 2025: 57 days
I'm still running 5 hours behind schedule. The problem is at the top end of the day viz. not being able to get to sleep at 2000hrs in the evening. So, if I stay awake till 0100hrs in the morning, I am already 5 hours late. That is where I need to address my routine.
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Yesterday, I was invited to speak to an 'International Conference' at the University of Jammu, on the following topic:
Of course, as relayed to the University of Jammu, this would be a complete honour to address such a forum and I am no stranger to the University, having visited in 2008 and 2009 on a cross LOC permit.
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(Update: 8th December 2025)
Consequently, I did send them my abstract, while also uploading to the effect on FaceBook:
(Update: 26th November 2025)
The matter of whether I will be able to travel to Jammu for this conference looks increasingly unlikely, after I was informed that they would like me to participate online on this occasion, while they intend to hold another conference in April/May next year (2026), for which they would make travel arrangements too.
Meanwhile, here's my 250 word abstract, just for the record:
An organically created conflict to peace strategy
in a region most precious and heavily contested
This strategy has its roots in over two decades of voluntary, independent, uninterrupted, on-the-ground action-oriented public policy research; taking this writer to all corners of the divided pre 1947 State of Jammu & Kashmir (bar Ladakh), hitherto engaged in international & British parliamentary journalism.
Having scrutinised public opinion throughout these above-mentioned territories (most extensively in the controversially termed AJK) using random sampling but ensuring representation, down to village level. This process remains ongoing in various forms & mediums; financed directly by the people of AJK and its diaspora, using an equitable & inclusive framework, ensuring the poorest of the poor can contribute whilst the rich cannot contribute over a certain amount, thus no special interest could monopolise the process at any stage.
Being unaffiliated to any form of lobby whilst also utilising the abundant nature around me helped me find answers – from history (both verbal and written) and from the diversity of opinion here.
These 4 non-negotiables dawned on me gradually:
Geopolitical neutrality of Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas).
The people’s reference.
Ecological concerns of the territory.
Cultural, religious/ideological harmony.
There is actually a peaceful, ethical, legal and democratic strategy available to transform this region from a conflict economy to a peace economy.
Yes, it requires a huge dose of political will, negotiating away from British colonial designed frameworks still shaping legacy here and utilising civilisational strengths that have enriched this region for millennia.
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