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Kashmir's Social Media Ban Is Killing Female Businesses | OZY – OZY

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5 years ago

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On Aug. 4, 30-year-old Kashmiri crochet artist Umaira Khayoom was busy responding to customers on her Instagram page, World Craft Kashmir, as rumors swirled that the Indian government was planning to clamp down on communication lines in the troubled region. By the time she woke up the next day, telephone and internet networks had been shut down, and strict restrictions on movement had been put in place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its statehood and revoked a special status that allowed the region to frame and implement its own laws on most social issues. Modi’s administration claimed its move was aimed in part at helping Kashmiri women gain equality — the region’s earlier property laws, for instance, were discriminatory. But its internet crackdown is instead demolishing a rare economic opportunity that had emerged for thousands of Kashmiri women like Khayoom.

Women in the conflict-scarred conservative region have in recent years used the internet to launch small-scale businesses, mostly from the comfort of their homes. They’ve relied on social media to promote their products — usually Kashmiri crafts and textiles — and take orders from customers. Sheikh Ashiq, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, estimates there are at least 4,000 female-led internet-based businesses in the Kashmir valley.

I feel like I cannot dare to dream anymore.

Umaira Khayoom, Kashmiri crochet artist and Instagram entrepreneur

But the longest-ever internet blackout in a democracy — more than 165 days running now — has meant that these businesses haven’t been able to operate since Aug. 5. On Jan. 15, the government opened up broadband services at hospitals and other essential services, and 2G mobile data in some parts of Kashmir. But a complete ban on social media remains.

That digital blockade — justified by the government citing security concerns — is taking back not just their financial independence, but also the sense of dignity and honor their entrepreneurship offered, many of the businesswomen say. And the impact extends beyond them to the women they had employed who now can’t work. Ashiq estimates about 100,000 internet-based jobs have been lost since the clampdown.

“Internet to these young women was like air and water to you and me,” says Ashiq. “It is a lost opportunity. We are disempowering women — not empowering them.”

It was from the internet, in fact, that Khayoom says she learned to crochet while she was teaching at a private school. As those around her started praising her work, she created an Instagram page in 2015 with a friend, Binish Basheer. As she found strangers seeking out her work, she turned her hobby into a business. She and Basheer didn’t want to work for anyone else, she says. “We wanted something of our own. We wanted to be self-empowered.”

For sure, Kashmir is
no stranger to internet disruptions — it has witnessed at least 180 such
instances since 2012, including one in 2016 that lasted a few months. But even
that was shorter than the region’s current period without internet, and Khayoom’s
business was smaller at the time.

Gradually, more orders started coming in — mostly for her customized handmade crochet jewelry. By July 2019, she had hired 12 other women, as her business drew 45,000 followers on Instagram, with 70 percent of her customer base being other Kashmiris. She was delivering around a thousand orders a month and was earning more than $2,000 monthly — in a state where the annual per capita income is $1,300.

Meanwhile, two young male entrepreneurs, Sami Ullah and Abid Rashid, launched Kashmir’s first home-grown logistics company, FastBeetle, in 2018. Ullah says the idea for the company emerged from a desire to help internet businesses, especially those led by women struggling to procure raw materials and deliver products to customers. That helped entrepreneurs like Khayoom expand their market.   

But because of the clampdown, Ullah also is now on the verge of shutting down his business. FastBeetle’s exit would serve as a blow to other aspiring entrepreneurs for whom the firm’s success made it a role model. It would also make it even harder for female businesses in a society where they face additional barriers and that lacks a robust private sector. Already, Khayoom missed out on the peak season for her business — July–October, the wedding season. “When we start again, if we do, then it will be from scratch — again,” she says.

It’s the same for 20-year-old portrait artist Sana Mir, who hasn’t seen her Instagram flashing notifications for more than five months. She was 18 when she was first flooded with requests for portraits from people who had seen her work on her Instagram account, SketchySana. She started charging Rs. 1,000 ($15) for an A4-size drawing. “The best part of the process was seeing their reactions,” she says.

Khayoom laughs when reminded of the Modi government’s claims of empowering women. “I created jobs and hired women — that’s empowerment,” she says. “Instagram was the only source of income for our team.” She says people have suggested to her that she move outside Kashmir and continue her work. But she isn’t willing to do that. “Why should I move outside Kashmir? It is my place, and I’m not going anywhere,” she says.

She also questions how the internet clampdown squares with the rationale for ending Kashmir’s special status — that all parts of India should have the same set of laws and rights. “How come [the] internet is different for us and Indians?” she asks. “I feel like I cannot dare to dream anymore.” 

Earlier this month,
India’s Supreme Court called the continued restrictions on the internet in
Kashmir an “abuse of power.” But it hasn’t ordered the government to end that
approach.  

For young women
like Mir, life without the internet has also meant the disruption of a key
source of learning. Unlike earlier — when her 10K followers on Instagram could
approach and admire her — the only work she gets now is from close friends.

“I was growing on the internet and learned new things — saw other artists,” she says. “They snatched our basic rights and powers. … How does that empower me?”

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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

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1 day ago

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September 13, 2024

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Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

— Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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