Research Fellows

Saqib Naikoo is a postgraduate student of Conflict Analysis and Peace Building at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He currently serves as a Research Assistant at the J&K Centre for Peace Research and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS), where he contributes to policy research and analytical writing on tribal affairs and contemporary issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir. His research interests include regional conflicts, public policy, institutional accountability, and community-centred development.

At JKCPRS, he is actively involved in drafting policy briefs, research papers, and analytical notes on issues such as tribal rights, youth engagement, governance reforms, and evolving socio-political dynamics in Jammu & Kashmir. His work aims to bridge academic inquiry with policy-oriented solutions and evidence-based recommendations.

Prior to this role, he served as a Research Assistant to Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Syed Mohammad Sajad Kichloo and to the Legislative Party Leader and MLA Pulwama in the J&K Legislative Assembly. In these capacities, he engaged with legislative research, policy analysis, parliamentary procedures, constituency matters, and public communication. This experience provided him with practical exposure to India’s legislative framework and strengthened his commitment to linking academic research with governance and policymaking processes.

Saqib Naikoo also previously served as the National Media Coordinator of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), where he worked on student welfare, coordination, and outreach initiatives, further reflecting his engagement with youth leadership and community advocacy.

Rukhsar Zakir is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Jammu & Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). She is pursuing her Master’s degree at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, with a strong academic focus on peace studies and conflict resolution.

Prior to joining JKCPRS, Rukhsar was engaged as a Research Assistant with Mr. Sajad Kichloo, Member of the Rajya Sabha, and also worked closely as a Research Assistant with. Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, MLA Pulwama Kashmir. During these engagements, she contributed to legislative research, policy note preparation, constituency-level issue documentation, and briefing material for parliamentary and assembly interventions.

Hailing from Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir, Rukhsar brings a grounded perspective shaped by lived realities of conflict-affected regions. Her core interests lie in peace processes, public policy, governance reforms, and community-oriented initiatives, with particular emphasis on dialogue, inclusive engagement, and grassroots participation.

At JKCPRS, she is actively involved in research, drafting policy briefs, background papers, and analytical notes on issues related to governance, youth, education, social justice, and conflict-sensitive development. She also assists in programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, and research documentation, contributing to the Centre’s broader mandate of evidence-based policy advocacy and peacebuilding.

Dr. Mohammad Saleem is a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He holds a Ph.D. in West Asian Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, specializing in regional security, sectarian dynamics, and civil wars in West Asia. His expertise spans geopolitical risk assessment, strategic analysis, and policy research related to international conflicts and security. Dr. Saleem has an extensive publication record, with research articles featured in Scopus-indexed and UGC-CARE journals. His work primarily focuses on international relations, conflict resolution, and India’s foreign policy, with a special emphasis on the Middle East. He is proficient in research methodology, policy drafting, and advisory roles, contributing policy briefs and analytical reports on critical global issues. He has collaborated with several prominent think tanks, including Global Order, and has authored multiple research papers on topics such as Asian Gulf migrants, Arab affairs, and the Saudi-Iran alliance. His deep understanding of West Asian geopolitics and emerging global alliances makes him a valuable contributor to discussions on international security and diplomacy. He has been a regular contributor to leading publications, including Modern Diplomacy, New Delhi Times, and others, offering in-depth analyses on subjects such as BRICS expansion and Pakistan-Russia relations. In addition to his academic and research contributions, Dr. Saleem provides insights into evolving geopolitical trends and their implications for regional and global stability.

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Mir is currently a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He holds a PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia and a Master’s degree from Kashmir University. Previously, he has served as an Assistant Professor at the School of Education Studies, Ambedkar University Delhi, and as a faculty member in Political Science at the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB), College of Vocational Studies, University of Delhi. He has also taught at Jamia Millia Islamia. An expert in International Relations and International Security, Dr. Mir has contributed extensively to leading publications such as Global Order, Outlook India Magazine, Greater Kashmir, and others. His writings focus on key geopolitical and security issues, including Pakistan affairs, South Asian politics, Kashmir, agriculture, and nuclear deterrence.

At JKCPRS, he is involved in preparing policy briefs and conducting in-depth research on security, geopolitics, international relations, and nuclear arms control. His work provides strategic insights into global and regional security dynamics, particularly in the context of South Asia and the broader international order. Dr. Mir has written extensively on issues such as the breakthrough in Iran-Saudi Arabia diplomatic talks, India’s nuclear security vulnerabilities and commitments, the evolving contours of the Saudi-Pakistan relationship and its impact on India, the resurgence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Pakistan’s current predicament, nuclear arms control and the escalating threat of nuclear terrorism, and the Indo-UAE strategic relationship since 2014, analyzing its challenges and prospects. His research offers nuanced perspectives on pressing global security concerns, shedding light on emerging threats and opportunities in international diplomacy.

Dr. Touseef Ahmad Bhat is a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He holds a Doctorate in Politics and International Relations from the University of Kashmir, specializing in South Asian geopolitics, with a particular focus on regional conflicts and political complexities. Prior to joining JKCPRS, Dr. Bhat served as a Research Associate at the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), New Delhi, where he conducted in-depth research on the political dynamics of Afghanistan and Pakistan. His work significantly contributed to the academic understanding of these countries’ internal political challenges, security concerns, and broader regional implications. Through his research, he has provided critical insights into the intersection of domestic policies and external relations, particularly in relation to conflict resolution, governance, and peace-building efforts.

His research interests include militancy in Kashmir, the minority question in India, and the evolving political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. His publications have contributed to discourse on the socio-political and security challenges in the region, particularly concerning identity, autonomy, and governance. Dr. Bhat has also served as a Research Fellow at the Jammu and Kashmir Policy Institute (JKPI), a prominent think tank based in Srinagar, where his research focused on policy formulation to address the region’s complex socio-economic challenges. At JKCPRS, Dr. Bhat provides expert analysis on Kashmir’s political landscape, prepares policy briefs, and authors research papers on contemporary politics in Jammu and Kashmir and broader regional issues. In addition to his academic and policy research, he has written numerous opinion pieces, articles, and research papers for leading publications, including Firstpost and other prominent media outlets.

Aiman Masoodi is a dedicated researcher and policy analyst specializing in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and international humanitarian law. She is currently a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). Aiman holds an M.A. in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her research spans critical areas such as human rights, governance, and strategic peace initiatives, with a particular focus on marginalized communities and conflict zones.

At JKCPRS, she has previously led significant research on tribal migration and community engagement, contributing to a deeper understanding of socio-political dynamics in conflict-affected regions. During her tenure at the Centre for India-West Asia Dialogue, Aiman conducted an in-depth analysis of India-Syria relations, exploring geopolitical shifts and diplomatic engagements. Her insights have been featured in prominent publications such as Global Order and Kashmir Observer, covering topics like peace process failures and India’s role in post-war reconstruction. Currently, Aiman is focused on policy research in education, governance, and international human rights law, aiming to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and real-world implementation. She is also actively involved in writing reports and preparing policy briefs, contributing to informed decision-making and policy development.

Umar Masoodi is a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research, and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He is a legal researcher and policy analyst with a strong background in international law, governance, and human rights. He holds a BA LL.B from the University of Kashmir and has been actively engaged in research and advocacy on issues related to education, public policy, and social justice. With a keen interest in human rights, international relations, and governance, Umar has contributed to multiple global initiatives, including the UN Millennium Fellowship. In 2024, Masoodi was selected for the prestigious Lucerne Academy Program in Switzerland. His research primarily focuses on prison reform, health as a human right, and access to education for marginalized communities. At JKCPRS, Umar plays a key role in drafting policy briefs, legal analyses, and research reports, while also leading mentorship programs to assist students in securing international fellowships and higher education opportunities. His work aligns with the center’s mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and inclusive policymaking. Beyond research, Umar has conducted workshops and training sessions on scholarship applications, leadership development, and policy research methodologies. Currently, he is working on projects related to education policy, governance reforms, and international human rights law, aiming to bridge the gap between research and implementation to drive meaningful and sustainable change.

Aadil Bhat is currently a Research Fellow at the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research, and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Chandigarh University and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University. Before joining JKCPRS, Aadil worked with prominent media organizations, including Hindustan Times, and served as the Media Coordinator at Chandigarh University. Aadil has authored multiple research papers on the portrayal and representation of women in Bollywood, analyzing gender dynamics in Indian cinema. At JKCPRS, he is actively engaged in drafting policy briefs, conducting research, and writing reports on various socio-political and developmental issues. He runs mentorship programs aimed at guiding students pursuing international fellowships and aspiring for civil services, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Gazi Muzamil is currently serving as a Research Fellow at the J&K Centre for Peace, Research, and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS). A legal scholar, researcher, and columnist, Gazi has a strong academic foundation and a keen interest in policy research, governance, and legal studies. He is currently pursuing an LL.M in Criminal Law at the University of Kashmir. He holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and an LL.B (Hons.). As a Research Fellow at JKCPRS, Gazi brings extensive experience in legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy, with a particular focus on governance, justice systems, and socio-political issues in Jammu and Kashmir. His work is anchored in evidence-based research, aiming to generate strategic insights and practical policy recommendations to address pressing legal and social challenges in the region. Beyond academia, he has actively contributed to leading publications such as Kashmir Life, Kashmir Reader, Rising Kashmir, and Kashmir Observer. His writings cover governance, law, education, and youth rights. Gazi is also a seasoned TV panelist, regularly participating in national and regional debates on legal, political, and social issues. He has worked in management and political consultancy, playing a key role in the victory of multiple candidates during the 2024 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. His expertise lies in narrative-building, strategic communications, and electoral planning.