Address Kashmir Pain

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Kashmir is currently witnessing quiet painful situation. More than 75 protesters have been shot dead by security forces and about 10000 are injured and hundreds have been blinded by the pellets. Shutdown has crossed 65 days with most of the days having been marked by crippling curfew. Just few days back a high powered All Party Delegation lead by Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the trouble hit Kashmir valley. It was painful to observe that even this visit by All Party Delegation failed to achieve anything that can be termed optimistic or concrete.

Coercion and oppressive measures can no longer be an answer to quell the political sentiment of Kashmir and time has come to recognize Kashmir as political problem and offer political solution. The painful situation in Kashmir has also been termed by many intellectual voices of India as a blot to “Indian democracy “.

All those who have caused this bloodshed should be punished but unfortunately State has never shown a will in past three decades to act tough against security forces responsible for innocent killings as a result anger, rage and alienation has been increased.The need of the hour is to stop bloodshed in Kashmir and initiate a meaningful , result oriented dialogue process with all stakeholders.

Blinded Eid

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Farzana Mumtaz

Eid al-Adha (, “Festival of the Sacrifice”), also called the “Sacrifice Feast” or “Bakr-Eid”, is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. On this eid, pain and gloom have engulfed Kashmir as on every nook and corner suffering is visible. Protesters shot dead by Government forces and above all those blinded by pellet guns represent the tyranny faced by Kashmir . Kashmir valley has been turned into valley of blind via brutal use of pellets .

The SMHS hospital that receives only critical patients from 10 districts and caters to the city patients, is overwhelmed with cases of pellet injuries since July 9, a day after Hizb-ul-Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani was killed.

More than  15 per cent of those injured by pellets since July 9 are below the age of 15 and face complicated surgeries.

More than three  hundred protesters have been partially or completely blinded  in Kashmir due to use of  lead-pellet guns by security forces to quell the worst violence in the region for six years.

The  victims like  eight-year-old Asif Rashid and 13-year-old Mir Arafat, both of whom were hit by pellets fired by government forces to disperse protesters in Khanabal area of Anantnag  have represented the tyranny caused by pellets  .

Few weeks back, Hundreds of pellets penetrated Arafat’s body, from his face to the lower abdomen. The pain of pellet victims is immense .“Please, father, do something. I am dying with pain,” shouted Arafat, weeping in the intensive care unit of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital here in Srinagar.

On the global radar, Insha Mushtaq, young school going girl has represented the sufferings and blinding caused  to people of Kashmir.

She  has lost both her eyes after security forces lobbed a pellet grenade inside her house in south Kashmir’s Shopian district’s Sedow Village.

Insha Mushtaq was admitted to Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) of Shri Maharaj Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital here for several weeks and doctors are battling to remove over hundreds of  pellets which had gone deep into her brain and before few weeks she was shifted to AIMS at Delhi.

Insha’s father Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, while Speaking to News Kashmir from Delhi stated – “We have gone through immense pain since Insha was injured badly due to pellets, even after so many days pellets are being taken out from different organs. On this painful day when she got hit by pellets she had entered her room and just after opening window got hit by volley of pellets fired by Government forces. Her vision has been shattered and our world has come to halt.I had dreamt of making her achieve big in career, we are in deep pain.”

Without an iota of doubt, Eid Fervor this time around is dampened in Kashmir  among killings, sufferings, maiming, blinding and suffocations.

We as a society need to start standing up against the male objectification and entrapment of women: Richa Tyagi

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Richa Tyagi is a youthful activist championing diverse causes of women, She along with her friends is the architect of concept “OwntheNight” the idea that came to them from the need that women need to claim their right to public spaces at night and own it.
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir Richa Tyagi talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

How did the idea of own the night came up?
We are a group of students pursuing masters/bachelors in Eng literature/Sociology. We are all from Delhi and met at Breakthrough’s 2016 summer internship.
During the internship we were given sessions on campaign designing and we were required to choose a particular profile we were interested in for field work. We decided on the profile of a 34 year old single woman living in Delhi. And this particular need to talk about the safety of women who travel alone for different purposes at night came up. We were also interested in doing this campaign because we too face similar problems and the fact that despite all attempts from the government, and despite all those protests, the situation in Delhi has aggravated. The name OwntheNight came from the need that women need to claim their right to public spaces at night and own it. Also this hashtag is used by a vodka company making it an interesting subversion.
Why are the roads of India so unsafe for women?
The roads are unsafe for women because we as a society have assigned gender roles, a woman in the household and man the bread-earner. This is a carefully constructed power structure controlled by men both in private and public spheres. Women only fit in here as wives and mothers subjugated to societal demands. We don’t like the idea that women have created space for themselves within these limitations and therefore, we make sure to somehow scare them off the streets.
Is it true that Feminism is not showing desired results as a campaign as it is elitists centric?
Our campaign does not talk about feminism; we don’t aim to make it exclusivity for the elite who identify themselves as feminist. But we do want to target patriarchy and this makes us feminists, there are people who don’t want the feminist tag but they champion the cause for basic rights and equality and freedom for every person irrespective of their gender, sex or sexual orientation. Feminism is definitely taking the world by the storm these days but there are different brands of feminism out there. If you are against violence against women you are a feminist :/
What are future plans of your own the night campaign ?
We have a lot of online/offline activities lined up for future. We aim to initiate a dialogue on safety of all women irrespective of their age, social/economic/religious background. We also intend to bring up the issue of safety of women with disability, trans women, sex workers. We are also working on different posts where we will talk about how we need to tackle this problem and engage people in conversations on the road ahead.
Your role model?
Well my role models are not just people who are held in great esteem by everyone, but the people around me like that woman who stood up against domestic violence left her home and found the courage to look after herself and her four children despite limited means and absolutely no idea how to deal with the problems that she encountered. But if i have to choose one I will pick Malala Yousofzai and her words never fade out of my memory “We cannot succeed when half of us are held back”.

Don’t you believe by every passing moments the situation for women is getting tough in India?
The situation for women in terms of violence against women is getting worse but if we talk in general, women have definitely managed to create space despite limitations and become a force to be reckoned with through their own intelligence, acumen and endeavour. We as a society need to start standing up against the male objectification and entrapment of women and stand in solidarity against the stranglehold of men on discourse of economy, gender, sexuality and desire.
Any campaign you aim that can senestivize men towards women issues ?
Our campaign aims to sensitize men on women issues and we are going to post messages and articles from men’s perspective on this issue and also engage them in dialogues on various issues in future.

APD Visit Ignites Cautious optimism in Kashmir

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Farzana Mumtaz

It was on September 20, 2010 that a 39-member all-party delegation visited Kashmir to assess the situation in the wake of violence that claimed more than 120 lives  .Pertinently, valley wide protests had broken out in 2010 after killing of teenager Tufail Ahmad Mattoo by security forces .

As a matter of fact, currently after killing of popular militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter at Kokernag, unrest and agitation has erupted again in 2016 killing so far 70 people, injuring more than eight thousand and blinding scores due to infamous pellet gun.

Now again, an all-party delegation led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Kashmir on September 4 and September 5.But many a voices are calling to follow up the recommendations of 2010 all party delegation visit to achieve the desired results.

 

From National to Local political voices it is urged that Central Government should walk the talk on Kashmir issue .Pertinently,  AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi recently  stated that  the Narendra Modi government should adopt a consistent approach on Jammu and Kashmir and take follow-up action after the proposed visit of all-party delegation to the border state.

The Hyderabad MP said now that peace is returning to Kashmir, the central government should not give up the efforts to find a solution so that the cycle of violence does not return to kashmir.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also observed that  MPs who want an all-party delegation to visit the Valley, should have ensured implementation of the recommendations of an earlier such deputation. “I wish MPs pushing for another All Party Delegation had been this keen about pushing the implementation of the earlier one’s recommendations,” Omar wrote on Twitter.The NC leader said the MPs should have at least ensured tabling, in Parliament, the report of the three interlocutors appointed by the UPA government in 2010 in the wake of similar street protests in the Valley.At the very least they could have ensured the tabling of the report of the J&K interlocutors in Parliament, Omar said.

Pertinently, The report submitted to the Government by the group of interlocutors, comprising eminent journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former Central Information Commissioner M M Ansari, was based on their visit to the state in  the aftermath of 2010 civil agitation and deaths .

Ajaz War, a journalist stated -” All party delegations have visited Kashmir from time to time and mostly on those occasions when Kashmir has been on fire .We witnessed All Party Delegation visiting Kashmir during 2010 unrest which cooled the tempers to large extent  .But, these delegations have never implemented their own recommendations and forgot Kashmir when so called normalcy has been achieved .New Delhi remembers Kashmir only when it burns is a well -known reality, to achieve success it is hoped that this  time around All Party Delegation Visit will prove fruitful and they will make constructive recommendations and follow up actions to solve Kashmir once for all.”

Nutshell Analysis is that All Party Delegation visit to Kashmir has raised what can be safely dubbed as cautious optimism in Kashmir .

HM Visit fails to enthuse Kashmir

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News Kashmir Analysis

 

 

Keeping in view the continued violence and unrest of Kashmir in mind the Home Minister Rajnath Singh was recently on a two day visit to Kashmir, his second visit in a month. As Kashmir unrest is on verge of completing two months post the killing of militant Commander Burhan Wani, the Home Minister invited all the stakeholders to talk within framework of humanity and democracy.

Pertinently, the vast section of civil society and entire pro-freedom leadership declined to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and it was seen by many analysts as a blow to efforts of vast outreach in solving kashmir.

In the joint Press conference on Thursday , August 25 by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Home Minister Rajnath Singh when asked whether the government would talk to the separatist Hurriyat leaders, Mr Singh said: “We are willing to talk to anyone within the scope of Kashmiriyat, Jamooriyat and Insaniyat.”

As the demand for visit by all party delegation is being found on ground zero he said that an all-party delegation would visit Kashmir soon and asked the state government to make preprations for same.

Pertinently, an officer will be appointed to tackle problems of Kashmiris outside the state, the home minister added.

On pellet gun

On the burning issue of pellet gun Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that they will soon announce a substitute to pellet guns in Kashmir. He said the committee formed to look into the issue of pellet guns will submit its report within two to four days.

 

Chief Ministers controversial words

Importantly, the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti got angry and asked a reporter not to compare the situations of 2010 and 2016.

 

“You are wrong. What happened in 2010 had a reason. There was a fake encounter in Machil. Three civilians were killed. Today three militants were killed in an encounter and how is the government to be blamed for that.”

 

 

She said that people came out on the roads after the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani even though the government had imposed a strict curfew.

 

 

“Had a kid gone to buy a toffee from an army camp? A 15-year-old boy who attacked a police station (in south Kashmir), had he gone to buy milk? Don’t compare the two,” she said

 

 

Condemning the joint press conference of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Nayeem Khan, Senior profreedom leader  stated -” Rajnath Singh visit has been a mere eyewash tactics.  If Mehbooba believes only five percent people are participating in agitation than why to shun away from referendum,and this is simply cruel, misleading, illogical statement. Calling for employing 10000 SPOs is a shameless policy of arrogance of power and aims at legalising state terrorism via these private militias. Kashmir is not law and order problem but a mass movement for referendum.

Surprisingly, MLA Langate Engineer Rashid during his meet with Home Minister Rajnath Singh urged on having plebiscite . He stated – “Kashmir can’t be ruled under the barrel of gun but blinding and maiming Kashmiris has only strengthened the sentiment of plebiscite.”

On holistic paradigm Home Minister Rajnath Singh Visit looked to be a lackluster visit.

 

 

Kashmir: Community Schooling Keeping the flame lit

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WRITES::- SYED TAJAMUL ‘IMRAN’

 

“The best people in the world are those, who are helpful to others.” Dr, Iqbal (RA)

Education is among the significant fields of a country .A society is known to be well behaved only when it has education at its core. As we are very well aware that since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, the situation in Kashmir has with every passing day gone from bad to worse. Scores of innocents have been killed, thousands injured and many other crippled for life.

 

But, the pivotal sector of education too has taken a hit due to the ongoing agitation with no ending to crisis seeming near. The schooling of students has come to complete halt due to the situation, conduct of exams and preparations to these exams look a very rare possibility such is the gloomy situation in the Kashmir valley. The educational institutions in state were closed for the annual summer break on July 1 across the Valley. The break scheduled to end on July 17 was then extended up to July 25 due to the agitation which has already taken 70 lives injuring thousands, including students. The crisis has been discussed even in Parliament of India as well as an All Parties meet was called in order to handle the situation but there seems no breakthrough in calming the angry kashmiries that seeks a political resolution of Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the way-out seems to be quiet a difficult question to one and all. Now to find some sought of reprieve the youth of Kashmir have launched an innovative and timely initiative to provide some sought of reprieve to those seeking education and also keep in consideration the sacred freedom struggle  of Kashmir in mind. The youth have started community based coaching centers free of cost in their respective localities for the students and the response so far has been quiet impressive.

Without an iota of doubt, the need of education in these gloomy times has been to some extent being sufficed by these community based coaching centers, parents and students are all praise for this initiative and call it a great step and a step taken in right direction.

Apart from young and dedicated young and educated volunteers, All Jammu and Kashmir Students Union (AJKSU) has as a premier students body taken a lead in not only providing education in these community education centers via its volunteers, but also has established many such centers throughout the length and breadth of violence hit valley of Kashmir. AJKSU and the bodies like it are with every passing day widening the net of such education centers.

Keeping in view the ever grave situation of Kashmir in mind these education centers mainly operate at early morning and evening times, and students brave the heavy deployment of security forces to reach to these community based education centers. Apart from religious and civil societies, Pro Freedom Parties have also asked youth to take the initiative in opening more and more such education centers. Following this, several such centers have opened up where youth are teaching children in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

One such volunteer is Azra Muftia member of All J&K Students Union who teaches Management, English and all subjects’ up to class 1oth. “A message to all students, In these times of conflict and struggle, students should not suffer at all. I would like to contribute my bit. Any student who is interested in free tuitions can surely contact me. Free coaching for all the subjects will be provided and those who have Internet access will be provided material online. Let’s take a step towards change. Drop a message here keep sharing.” Reads her facebook post.

Another Such Volunteer is  Muzamil Maqbool. Who teaches English, Political science and all subjects’ up to class 1oth. “If anyone is interested in tuition classes for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th for English and political science can come to my home. I will try to cover the syllabus asap (free of cost) and would be happy to offer tea and free WIFI.” Reads his Facebook post.

Syed Suhail Yaqoob a scholar and a formal member of AJKSU believes that apart from present sutivation lot of kashmiri students can’t afford private tuition so in future  it should be done on a large scale. Suhail who currently teaches Around 100 students from class 1-12th at his home in a far-flung village Nazneenpora of south kashmir’s Shopian Distt.  “It took time to channelise these classes, but now students come themselves as they hear about free classes.”

 

Meanwhile All J&K Students Union on their official facebook account having more than 4k followers have released a list of their Members with their residence and phone numbers, who are teaching children’s across the valley free of cost in order to reach out to students.

On July 20, the government in first phase announced to open the schools in Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts and in second move before some days Education Minister of state Nayeem Akhter seeks co-operation of parents to re-open schools.  The response, however, from both teachers and students was discouraging due to the continuous shutdowns and curfew.

It is great shame that imposers of curfew and cordon for last 41 days are also ‘missing’ school kids and calling them for the morning assemblies.

 

While we are in resistance as a nation we are very well aware that we cannot neither compromise the our right to resist and on the same hand we as a nation are also motivated to give our future of nation a quality education which will keep our nation a balanced nation. But in the same time if we talk to any student of any class from 1st to 12th they only talk about slogans and also talk to have a lesson on Kashmir history.

 

Since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, sentiments have increased among youth in general and students in particular.

A for Aazadi
B for Burhan
C for Curfew

They knew it all by themselves & when I asked a question “Do you know, who is Burhan?” to one of my student of class 4th who comes to study nowadays to my home. The answer was “I want to be like him one day. Everyone will talk about me.”

With this couplet of Dr. Iqbal (RA) I pray for all those who were killed in current agitation in Kashmir. May Almighty Allah Grant all of them the highest place in Jannah where noble souls actually belong.

“Oh Allah bless the youth with graciousness of supplications of dawn and bestow strength to these kids of falcon to take a flight.”

Lastly, Anyone from my area south kashmir’s distt shopian worried about the tuition, I offer my voluntary services to teach English, Urdu, History, Political Science, Maths, etc up to class 10th and any subject of Management up to Masters. I am sure many more volunteers will come forward.

 

Bio: ‘Syed Tajamul Imaran’ is a Student activist, President at All J&K Students Union (AJKSU), Pursuing MBA, With the Dream of Breaking the Status Quo. He tweets as @sydtajamulimran   and can be reached at syedtajamul09@gmail.com.

Kashmir – Graveyard of Reputations

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Rameez Makhdoomi & Farzana Mumtaz

Kashmir is witnessing currently an unprecedented wave of unrest and agitation . Scores are dead, thousands injured and many other blinded due to infamous pellets in the 2016 agitation so far. Just few days back five persons were killed and 18 injured in fresh clashes in the Valley when security forces opened fire on protesters in Budgam district , raising the death toll to 65 in the unrest since the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.

A look at past few Chief Ministers shows how throne of Kashmir is proving to be graveyard of reputations of chief ministers despite touted labels on account of unsettled political issue of Kashmir .

When Ghulam Nabi Azad was sworn in the 10th chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the picturesque Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex in November 2005 , it was a coronation with  euphoria and hope. He was the first non-kashmir valley Chief Minister of the state.

But in 2008 On 26 May 2008, the government of India and state government of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to transfer 99 acres (0.40 km2) of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) in the main Kashmir valley. To set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. This caused a controversy, with demonstrations from the Kashmir valley against the land transfer and protests from the Jammu region supporting it. The largest demonstration saw more than 500,000 protesters at a single rally, among the largest in Kashmir’s history. Scores were dead and injured in this agitation mainly in Kashmir valley.

As a consequence of this, Ghulam Nabi Azad   resigned on July 8, 2008 as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister after withdrawing his confidence motion at a special session of the Assembly.

The State at that time was put under Governor’s rule as no party was ready to stake claim to form a government in view of the Assembly elections in Octoberear that year. With this, the Congress-People’s Democratic Party coalition rule had come to an end.

 

On January 5, 2009, Omar Abdullah became the 11th and the youngest Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after forming a government in coalition with the Congress party. Tipped as Kashmir’s hope, he began with a clean slate and distanced himself from the political and administrative blunders committed by the previous governments.

But the year 2010 really worsened the reputation of Omar Abdullah as a leader. On June 11, 2010 as Tufail Ahmad Mattoo headed home from a tutoring center where he was studying for the medical entrance exam, a tear gas canister fired from close range bashed a hole in his skull. He died almost instantly. This tragic death led to 125 deaths of mostly young people throughout the Kashmir. For entire summer of 2010, the valley of Kashmir saw naked dance of death and destructions. Curfews and arsons became order of the day. All this resulted in major electoral debacle to Omar Abdullah lead NC in 2014 elections.

On 4th April, 2016 Mehbooba Mufti became the  first woman Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti was sworn in as the 13th chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Hopes were raised once again.

 

And, already the 2016 unrest has taken much sheen out of her rule.

Syed Tajamul Imran, a young activist whole talking to news kashmir said, “Be it Ghulam Nabi Azad, Omar Abdullah or for that matter Mehbooba Mufti all have failed as Chief Minister’s of the state in one or the other respect.  Despite much hyped labels by National Media the unresolved kashmir dispute has made all of them face severe public anger. All these Chief Minister’s have faced serious civil agitations. Whatever be the sensation created especially by national media governing kashmir in peaceful manner is an impossible dream until Kashmir dispute is not settled.”

Political analysis and ground view is that political nature of Kashmir issue is making the governance of state of Jammu and Kashmir a daunting task.

 

Pellet Tyranny

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Bilal Bashir Bhat

The Pellets which are brutalizing the human values in were first used on 19th of August 2010 and Mudasir Nasir Hajam of North Kashmir became the first person who lost his life to this deadly weapon. Since then this weapon continues to shatter many dreams and ironically during the current year after the killing of Hizb Commander Burhan Muzafar Wani the deadly weapon continued to brutalize the humanity on larger scale. Pellet gun which can only be used against the animals or birds have taken vision of dozens of youth which makes a shame on the soul of humanity and a bolt on democracy under which the generation of Kashmir is being blinded.

During the present turmoil in Kashmir which erupted on 9th July around 100 people suffered serious pellet injuries to their both eyes while hundreds received injuries to one eye resulting in damage to their vision. The India’s leading retina surgeon and the Padma Awardee Dr. S. Natrajan who came all the way from Mumbai admitted on record that after visiting all conflict areas across the world he found the situation in Kashmir valley very unique when it comes to dealing with unarmed and innocent protestors. During ongoing turmoil only Dr. Natrajan has performed more than 45 surgeries in Srinagar’s SMHS hospital.

The pellets have once again shattered dozens of lives, as many as over 200 people particularly youth have been admitted in various hospitals in the valley who have received pellet injuries to their eyes, and many of them may never be able to see again. The fate of those referred outside valley and going through treatment in private hospitals is not known.

“The pellet comes in a forces so it penetrates through and through the whole layers of the eyes, from the front to the back, so we have to operate all layers thus causing damage which is difficult to recover,” Dr Ashish Holani prominent Mumbai based retina surgeon said.

The pellet gun fires which were introduced in Kashmir as a non lethal alternative to bullets against protestors caused death to 10 persons only in year 2010. A study conducted at SKIMS Soura revealed during the turmoil months of 2010, as many as 198 people received major pellet injuries, five persons blinded in the involved eye.

During the ongoing turmoil in Kashmir, apart from killing of more than 50 persons in discriminate firing and injuries to 7,000 people, we are witness to the killing of Srinagar’s Chattabal man Riyaz Ahmad Shah who was hit by pellet fires from close range. As many as 360 pellets were discovered in his body during autopsy.

“These pellet guns were introduced as effective non lethal crowd control weapons and authorities repeatedly claimed that these pellet gun will rarely harm the target however these pump action guns are creating havoc in the Kashmir valley claiming many precious lives,” said Mannan Bukhari a prominent Human Rights defender who has also authored a first ever book over the horror of pellets, adding, that the figures which are being provided by the authorities are not up to the mark infact they are hiding the actual figures because number of such victims don’t report to the government hospitals due to the fear of getting arrested and profiling done by the police and other agencies present in the hospitals.

The pellets which were introduced in Kashmir Valley to minimize casualties’ aftermath the killing of over 130 youth during the civil agitation of 2010 have proved to be most lethal.

The above quotes, statics and data is enough to term pellet as deadly weapon and time to seriously rethink over the use of pellet on protestors, the way it has been used in Kashmir is undoubtedly among basic human rights violations.

The use of pellet guns to disperse the protestors is a crime against humanity and against the International humanitarian law to which India is signatory. It is also against the constitution of India which guarantees the right to life. Contrary to this the government forces in Kashmir are not only using pellet guns in brazen violation of the international laws but against their own law.

Although people have right to come on roads to protest peacefully on the legitimate issues but according to the doctors most of the patients injured in forces action were hit above the waist which clearly depicts that how forces are violating the Standard Operating Procedures.  According to the law the forces have to use minimum force to disperse the protestors but they can’t go beyond powers even it can’t use its powers excessively, therefore maiming kids of Kashmir for entire life can never be justified by inviting specialist doctors.

Despite the repeated appeals from the several quarters of Human Rights Organizations and political parties even from those who are presently driving the ruling dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir the pellet remains to continue threat to life. The excessive use of pellet gun and legalizing this inhuman tool of barbarism to naked aggression by putting forever the life of people in dark just because they protest clearly indicates that there is need for the ruling class to envisaging the real view of politics.

Recently people in Kashmir saw a ray of hope that they may get rid of this deadly weapon after Home Minister of India Mr. Rajnath Singh quoting statics and data conducted by Manan Bukhari on the floor of Parliament assured to find the alternative to disperse the protestors.

Well, Amnesty International has once again asked Jammu and Kashmir government to end use of pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir following after the death of a third person in Kashmir due to injuries caused by pellet guns but the important aspect is to address the root cause i.e. the political dispute of Kashmir  which is not concealed neither to the claimants of largest democracy or its collaborators.

 

Bilal Bashir Bhat is a Kashmir based freelance Journalist and social activist can be reached at bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com

 

 

Kashmir in Pain

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Farzana Mumtaz

Kashmir is tremendously suffering on account of the prevailing situation which has worsened over the past few weeks, since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani. With more than 55 deaths, 6000 injuries and about 200 mostly youngsters hit by pellets on eyes which has endangered their vision , the unabated  siege and curfew continuing since more than 35 days and simply now the human suffering has attained new heights in already browbeaten Kashmir.

Sharing the pain of the suffering Kashmiris, Parliament few days back unanimously appealed to people of the valley to restore peace and harmony even as the government expressed readiness to hold talks with moderate groups and others and decided to call an all-party meet on the issue.

But, many are not satisfied with this and terming it a mere rhetoric as they feel now there has been history of lip- service without much concrete action to end the pain and sufferings of Kashmir .

Syed Tajamul Imran, a young columnist while talking to News Kashmir Stated – “Human sufferings in Kashmir are tremendous . Kashmir on account of atrocities has been ruined. Our youngsters are falling to bullets and we have been reduced to a mourning place .Where are the voices of humanity and voices of conscience. Kashmir  is being brutalized under the barrel of gun. If political issues are not addressed and policy of suppression follow unabated it would have disastrous consequences. Yells, Pain, Cries have become our fortune. Sanity should prevail and issues, aspirations should be addressed .”

As rightly analysed, the crux of the Kashmir problem is very simple (although often carefully elided in many essays on the subject): The Kashmiris want a voice in their future.

Even the depth of pain is gauged from what is written on the social networking sphere , Muhammad Tauseef, a volunteer who has worked untiringly during this agitation to reach to distressed , writes on his facebook wall –“ Met an innocent looking and sober kid brother Shahid Ali today. The thirteen year old boy was a Hafiz-e-Qur’an in making who has already memorised about 22 chapters of the holy book. According to his relatives He, this year led the taraveeh prayers at Pinjoora Village in Shopian. He had been called at a congregation at his native place Chee, Islamabad to do the Tilawat (holy recitation) on last friday but received pellets in his eyes during the event. The noble kid laments that had the tragedy befallen him after completing his Hifz (complete memorisation of Qur’an) he would not have felt that bad. He also fears that his dream to be a Mufti (Islamic Jurist) might be shattered.

Also whilst his mother learned about the episode she left home in search of him only to receive a  volley of pellets in her abdomen including private parts….

I fall short of words to express my feelings but just one prayer may the might of Almighty come to our rescue.”

Be it the loss of vision   caused by the  pellet gun or the arrest spree and the continuous death cycle the pain and misery in Kashmir is heartrending.

 

Rape video menace

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Off late, we have witnessed much hue and cry being  raised over rising incidents of crime against women, it seems little has changed on the ground.

In a dastardly and heart wrenching report we have learnt that in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Rape Videos are being sold .

 

According to a Times of India report, rape videos are being sold in hundreds in these markets, right under the nose of the district administration. The report further added that In view of the huge demand for exclusive rape videos, video clips, which are 30 seconds to even 5 minutes long, are being sold in these markets, priced anywhere between Rs 50 to 150.

 

All this shows how much backward, unjust, tyrannical and ugly we are as a society and this report is enough to shiver the best souls .It is high time that a revolution is ushered that makes our society free from such evils and crushed such demonic tendencies and punishes all the elements of brutality .

If we fail to give our women equal rights as humans and do not stop such dastardly crimes we are doomed as a society.