Srinagar: The book Beyond the Border, authored by journalist and columnist Mohd Aaqib Khan, was formally released at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, by J&K Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, along with Hon’ble MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and MLA Javed Choudhary.
Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma appreciated the author’s hard work, dedication and efforts in bringing the experiences of frontier communities to a wider audience. He praised Aaqib Khan for undertaking the effort to document issues that often remain confined to the border regions and for presenting the human dimension of life in these areas.
The book presents the realities, experiences and challenges of communities living in India’s frontier regions, where border tensions, security concerns and everyday life often intersect. Drawing upon his field-based journalistic experience, Aaqib Khan highlights the difficulties faced by border communities and brings attention to their resilience, aspirations and concerns.
The book also examines the role of the Indian Army in border areas, including its responsibilities during counter-terrorism operations and its engagement with local communities. It highlights the Army’s efforts towards maintaining security while, at the same time, extending assistance to civilians and supporting communities during challenging situations.
The Hon’ble Minister and Hon’ble MLAs also appreciated the author’s commitment to field-based journalism and his efforts to give a platform to the concerns and experiences of people living in border areas. The release was described as an encouraging step towards documenting the social realities of communities whose lives are closely connected with the security and geopolitical environment of the region.
Aaqib Khan, founder of Digital India News Channel, is based in Manjakote, Rajouri, and holds a Master’s degree in Journalism. His journalistic contributions have earned him the UK Press Freedom Award, besides recognition from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu & Kashmir.
The dignitaries congratulated the author and appreciated his initiative to document the voices,
struggles and lived experiences of people residing in India’s frontier regions.
