I’m Anzer Ayoob — journalist covering identity, culture, and environment from Jammu & Kashmir’s Chenab Valley.

Reporting one of South Asia’s most underreported regions — from the ground up.

The Diplomat The Wire Mongabay Founder, The Chenab Times

My Journey

2015 Began reporting at age 16, covering stories from Chenab Valley that mainstream media consistently ignored.
2017 Founded The Chenab Times — what started as a Facebook page grew into a full digital newsroom serving communities across Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. Also coined the term Chenabi to define the distinct identity of Chenab Valley people.
2021 Launched South Asia’s first daily multilingual news bulletin in Sarazi and Bhaderwahi — endangered languages of the Chenab Valley. Recognised by Frontline magazine, published by The Hindu Group.
2025 Joined Diplomat Digital as Foreign Desk Editor, expanding coverage to international diplomacy, geopolitics, and conflict reporting.
2025 Launched Journoist.com — an independent platform for investigative journalism and analysis, focused on “Truth in Focus.”

What I Cover

I report on the identity, culture, and environment of Chenab Valley and broader Kashmir — stories rooted in ground-level access, primary sources, and the lived realities of communities that rarely make national headlines. My work bridges local realities with global perspectives.

My Coinages

Chenabi

Coined in 2017 to define the distinct identity of Chenab Valley people — a term now widely used by politicians, activists, and communities across the region.

Journoist

A defined philosophy outlining the boundary between journalism and advocacy — grounded in evidence, ethics, and accountability to the communities being reported on.