As major road and rail projects expand across Kashmir, agricultural land is increasingly caught between acquisition and restriction. The Srinagar Semi Ring Road has introduced construction-free buffer zones that prevent farmers from building, selling, or investing — without fully acquiring their land.In this episode of The Witness, we walk alongside Saqib, a young farmer observing the quiet transformation of his village. As buffer zones reshape ownership and planning policies redefine value, agricultural land becomes something suspended — cultivated, yet shadowed.Through farmer testimonies and insights from a Kashmiri political anthropologist, this episode examines how infrastructure projects reorganize not just geography, but livelihoods, law, and memory.🎧 Produced as part of the Bertha Challenge Fellowship.Further reading: https://sajadrasool.com/land-farmers-and-futures-in-kashmir/

In this episode of The Witness, I travel through Kashmir’s farmlands — tracing how land acquisition, climate change, and unchecked infrastructure projects are transforming the valley’s agrarian heart. Through voices of farmers, environmentalists, and old irrigation canals now running dry, this story explores how the idea of “development” collides with memory, belonging, and survival.🎧 Produced as part of the Bertha Challenge Fellowship.Further reading: https://sajadrasool.com/land-farmers-and-futures-in-kashmir/

In this powerful episode of The Witness, I sit down with acclaimed academic and writer David Maughan Brown to explore his lived experiences under apartheid in South Africa. Drawing from his compelling memoir Despite the Darkness, David shares personal stories of resistance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of systemic oppression. Together, we unpack the parallels between apartheid-era struggles and contemporary challenges to human rights worldwide. This episode offers a gripping narrative of courage and hope, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in dark times.

In this episode I continue my conversation with Sohrab Hura and explore the profound impact of images on our memories, emotions, society, politics and perceptions of reality. We talk about how curated and manipulated photos on social media shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. Our guest, Sohrab Hura, a distinguished photographer and painter, joins us to discuss the power of images, both beautiful and haunting. He shares his journey from photography to painting, driven by a desire to tell stories that challenge the idealized narratives we often encounter. Through this conversation, we explore the deeper implications of how images influence not just our personal memories but also our collective understanding of history, politics, society, and human rights. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that spans the emotional depth of personal memories captured in photographs to the broader societal issues that images can both reveal and obscure.

In the first episode of our three-part series, we sit down with Sohrab Hura, an acclaimed photographer from New Delhi, India, and a full member of Magnum Photos. Sohrab's work delves into the complexities of identity, emotion, and the human experience, challenging the conventions of traditional photography. We explore the power of photography as a storytelling medium, the political dimensions embedded within images, and the fascinating interplay between personal and global narratives. From documenting his mother's life to capturing the enchantment of snowfall in Kashmir, Sohrab's journey and insights offer a thought-provoking exploration of visual storytelling.

Do you know how it is to have been displaced by conflicts, losing your family members to a civil war and struggling to become a journalist? Join us as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, a resilient journalist and human rights advocate from Somalia. Through candid conversations, Abdalle shares his firsthand experiences growing up in a displacement camp in Mogadishu, where he witnessed the devastating impact of violence and conflict. Despite personal tragedy, including the loss of his brother and sustaining life-altering injuries, Abdalle remains unwavering in his commitment to championing justice and freedom of expression. As the Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate and a fellow at the Centre for Applied Human Rights at the University of York, Abdalle sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of his advocacy work. Co-author of the compelling book 'Hounded: African Journalists in Exile', Abdalle's story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of individuals striving to bring about positive change in the face of adversity. Tune in to to discover the inspiring journey of Abdalle Ahmed Mumin and gain insight into the critical issues facing vulnerable communities around the world.

In the second part of this Podcast exploring Kashmir Pandit question, I continue my conversation with Kapil Kak and ask him questions about the role of narratives and discourses that have shaped this issue, the road ahead and the way forward. We also talk about the rising majoritarianism across India. Access all Episodes ⁠HERE

In this Podcast I will delve into the untold stories and experiences of the Kashmiri Pandit community, their migration from Kashmir, their struggle and the politics that revolves around this issue. In our first episode of the series on Kashmir Pandit question, I have the privilege of having Mr. Kapil Kak, Ex Air Vice-Marshal of India with me, Kapil is a Kashmiri Pandit with an intensive knowledge on the issue. Access all Episodes HERE

In the fourth episode of the Witness, we have the honour of speaking with Naseh Shaker, a courageous Yemeni journalist based in the heart of Sanaa. Our discussion with Naseh will center around the profound impacts of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the complex dynamics of peace negotiations, and the path forward towards a lasting peace in this war-torn nation. As Yemen continues to grapple with one of the world's most devastating humanitarian crises, Naseh will share his personal experiences as a journalist navigating the dangers, challenges, and restrictions in reporting from the frontlines. Through his unique perspective, we will gain deeper insights into the multifaceted nature of the conflict, the humanitarian toll it has exacted, and the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.

In this episode, we delve into the pressing matter of freedom of press and speech in the contested region of Kashmir and India as a whole. Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with Anuradha Bhasin, the Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, who will provide us with an in-depth analysis and personal experiences from the front lines of journalism in one of the world's most complex regions. Prepare to explore the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing struggles faced by journalists and media organizations, as they strive to navigate the delicate balance between reporting the truth and facing the repercussions of their work. Get ready for a thought-provoking and enlightening head-to-head conversation on the state of freedom of press and speech with our esteemed guest, Anuradha Bhasin, right here on "The Witness. Episode is hosted by Sajad Rasool.