AFSPA Revocation, Cover story 1 April 2024

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AFSPA Revocation

News Kashmir Analysis
Peace is paramount for progress of any concerned society.  It is heartening to note that peace and prosperity is limping back in Kashmir after decades of turmoil and terror.
The new look Kashmir is witnessing huge number of tourists and youth of Jammu and Kashmir are bringing national and global laurels.
In a bright development, it is learnt recently that esteemed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah  said that the Centre is planning to revoke the AFSPA Act and pull back some troops from Jammu and Kashmir.
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, Home Minister Amit Shah also said that the government will leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
In an interview  Amit Shah said, “We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone.
The AFSPA gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas “special powers” like arresting individuals they find suspicious, and doing encounters if they deem it necessary for the maintenance of “law and order”.
An area or district is notified as disturbed under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces.
As a matter of fact, December 2023, The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, as it upheld the government’s 2019 decision to scrap Article 370.
Centre has made it clear that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held before September deadline of Supreme Court.
Enshrining democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise and it will be fulfilled. However, this democracy will not be confined to three families alone and will be a people’s democracy,”  Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
Expert pulse suggests that AFSPA removal in Jammu and Kashmir suggests peace is heralding in a major manner and the progress would be further cemented on grassroots.
Other developmental are also heralding
OBC reservations have been made in the panchayats and the urban local bodies. We have made space for the SCs and the STs. Without reducing the share of the Gujjar and Bakarwals, the Pahadis have been given 10 per cent reservation. And special provisions have been made to accommodate the displaced people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (PoK).. The Centre is determined to ensure that these benefits percolate to the grassroots level,” HM Amit Shah said.
It is great thing to note that
Since the Abrogation of Article 370, militancy related incidents have declined in the J&K, paving the way for the Centre to consider the need to remove AFSPA in the region.

World Autism Day, Editorial 1 April, 2024.

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World Autism Day
Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder ̶ constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain.
About 1 in 100 children has autism.
Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), on April 2nd each year shines a bright light on a growing global health crisis.
As children with autism grow older, they face all sorts of obstacles. Because many don’t speak or use social cues as you or if do, they become targets for bullies or are excluded altogether. Children with autism are also vulnerable to drowning because they wander from their homes and schools. Due to their inability to communicate, they cannot tell someone their name or where they live, either. Additionally, adults are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed.
Autism transcends cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender boundaries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Despite the prevalence of autism, there remains a significant lack of understanding and acceptance in many communities. World Autism Awareness Day serves as an opportunity to address misconceptions and promote inclusion.
We too in Kashmir need to take steps so as to provide our children answers to their autism woes.
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors.
Extensive research using a variety of different methods and conducted over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism.

Awareness Key in Combating Fire Incidents- Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director Fire and Emergency Services Jammu and Kashmir

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Awareness key in combating fire incidents- Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director Fire & Emergency Services Department Jammu and Kashmir
Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director  Fire & Emergency Services Department Jammu and Kashmir in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz.
How do you see Rising Fire Incidents in Kashmir?
You have to Understand that the valley of Kashmir is different from rest parts of the country, as the period of winter is prolonged here and people use heating Gadgets of LPG and Electricity . Sometimes due to careless attitude in using same unfortunately fire erupts. We used to have in old times the houses fully made of wood and thus quite vulnerable to fire, but now we have many houses made of concrete thus less vulnerable. Still, there are good number of houses that  use Wood in Panelling and Flooring and are thus vulnerable to fires.
Since the esteemed Director has taken over in the year 2020 the awareness programmes by the department have increased manifold as we believe awareness is main key to combat fires.
We have due to awareness seen such fires wherein people after attending our programmes had swiftly doused fires . We have also in our awareness programmes visited Hospitals,  Banks and other important establishments.
We need to bear in mind that every fire starts from tiny spark so initial response is much pivotal.
The need of the hour is that we have proper staircases in houses so as to escape fire and need of well dimensioned exit points .
Every household should keep the basic fire extinguishers and Fire Hose Reels.
What is your take on some deaths also during Fire incidents?
The deaths are definitely a tragic aspect. We at the Fire & Emergency Services, J&K have conducted scores of awareness programmes in Srinagar and other districts ,with our focus on grassroots and thus focusing on school children . The challenge is that we as Department still do not have enforcing power and for residential houses wherein most of tragic fires occur no NOC is mandatory from our side,  we just Give NOC on Demand. The people should also have basic fire extinguishing equipment at home.
How do you combat challenges of fire especially in highly congested Downtown Srinagar, any changes in fire combating vehicles in such areas ?
The Srinagar District is highly vulnerable and in it the Downtown Srinagar is more vulnerable,  as in Downtown Srinagar the fire gaps between houses is very very less and congested lanes are everywhere. This makes fire dousing job highly difficult, to add to it the wrong parking of vehicles in Downtown Srinagar and wrong loading of construction materials makes both health and fire emergency a challenging task in Downtown Srinagar.
Now , we are placing fire tenders at distance and using many hose Reels to douse fire, but then there is a limit at which Hose Reels can be placed from Fire extinguisher.
Is Srinagar the most affected in terms of fire incidents in Kashmir valley?
Yes due to high house density and population density makes the Srinagar district very vulnerable to fires along with Anantnag and Sopore. Take for example Ganderbal the house density is low and there the fire incidents are low.
Does Department have modern equipment to deal with fires in Kashmir?
The Fire and Emergency Services Department has well sophisticated Hydraulic Platforms to tackle fires in high rise buildings as well. Basically,  you need to understand some equipments are specific for fires and in case of petrol pump fires water tenders are of no use and in that case we use foam tenders.  We have all the modern equipments to tackle major fires.
Do our big hospitals have fire combating measures in place?
The major hospitals in Kashmir have complete fire audits done and also the private hospitals because until then registration is not done if an institution does not undergo fire audit.
The majority hospitals also have fire extinguishing equipment in place if God forbid fire takes place.
Recommended fire gaps for residential houses?
The ideal gap for residential houses is 15 to 18 feet but at least houses should keep 10 to 12 feet gap in case to thwart major fires from spreading.

Child Labour Menace, Editorial 25 March, 2024

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Child labour menace
Child labour is a serious menace or hazard devastating not just childhood of millions of children in world but hurting humanity.
As a matter of fact, Child labour is the exploitation of children through any form of work that interferes with their ability to attend regular school, or is mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful.Such exploitation is prohibited by legislation worldwide, although these laws do not consider all work by children as child labour; exceptions include work by child artists, family duties, supervised training, and some forms of work undertaken by Amish children, as well as by Indigenous children in the Americas.
In India too child labour was a serious issue. At the last count, there were over 10 million child labourers and 43 million children who were denied the right to an education.
As a matter of fact, a parliamentary standing committee on labour, textiles and skill development in its 52nd report on ‘National Policy on Child Labourers’ has said that it was “practically not possible” to meet the international commitment to eliminating child labour by 2025.
Noting that different definitions of ‘child’ under various laws leads to ambiguity, the committee called for examining the discrepancies in the criteria for determination of age of child and suggested a relook at the offences as being congnizable or non-cognizable to ensure that these do not lead to any ambiguity as well as delay in justice to the aggrieved child.
World Day Against Child Labour, June 12, 2023 we are calling for
Reinvigorated international action to achieve social justice, particularly under the envisaged Global Coalition for Social Justice, with child labour elimination as one of its important elements;
Universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age, which, together with the universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour achieved in 2020, would provide all with legal protection against all forms of child labour.

Killer Roads in J&K, Cover story 25 March 2024

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Killer Roads in J&K
News Kashmir Analysis
Road accident deaths or Traffic accident deaths are a grim tragedy of the world we live in . Jammu and Kashmir owing to its tough terrain has a very complex and sensitive Geography making our roads also dangerous.  But owing to many other factors road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir have become a big menace. Even in plain areas many lives are lost in traffic accidents.
The facts and statistics in this regard are worrisome.  The often road accident deaths especially in Chenab area is a matter of huge concern.
As a matter of fact, The
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a horrifying toll of 4251 road accident fatalities over the past five years, with the National Highway and the Chenab Valley region emerging as particularly treacherous zones, according to data released by the Traffic Department.
On an average, two individuals have lost their lives daily due to road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, a very very grim  reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
The National Highway, a crucial transportation artery, has emerged as a major hotspot for road accidents, accounting for a very large number of fatalities over the past five years.
In 2019, 211 lives were lost on this vital roadway, followed by 178 deaths in 2020, 271 in 2021, 261 in 2022, and a further 234 fatalities in 2023.
The Chenab Valley region, known for its treacherous terrain and winding roads, has also proven deadly for motorists and pedestrians.
In 2019, the area witnessed 113 road accident deaths, followed by 64 in 2020, 91 in 2021, 81 in 2022, and a spike of 114 fatalities in 2023. The data highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and infrastructure improvements along these high-risk routes to prevent further loss of life.
Road accident deaths are also a big challenge for our beloved country India.
The “Road Accidents in India 2022” report, released in November 2023, said that the number of deaths reported in India due to road crashes in 2018 was 1,50,785 and it rose to 1,53,792 in 2021. The number was 1.3 lakh in 2010.
The need of the hour is to ensure building of quality roads everywhere,  bringing end to rash driving and making giving driving license a very tough process then only we can find solution to increasing road fatalities.
Tragic accidents happen often. Just last month , Seven persons, including four members of a family, were killed in three separate road accidents in Udhampur, Jammu, and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir on , officials said. A couple and their two daughters were killed and another one was injured after their car was hit by a truck in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.
The family from Jammu was on its way to Kashmir. The accident took place at Salore near Tikri along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway shortly after midnight and the rescuers had a tough time retrieving the bodies from the badly crushed vehicle, they added.
One hopes increasing traffic accidents would be a matter of past soon .

Lok Sabha 2024 Election Dates unveiled , cover story 18 March, 2024

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Lok Sabha 2024 Election Dates unveiled
Farzana Mumtaz
The Kickstart  for biggest democratic exercise also known as Biggest democratic festival of world has been set in motion as   the dates for General elections also known as Lok Sabha elections for entire India have been announced.
As a matter of fact, on 16th March, 2024 the Election Commission of India in a Jam-packed press conference announced dates of General elections 2024.
Also, Simultaneous election for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states — Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
It is worth pointing out here that The 2024 general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases that will begin from April 19 and continue till June 1, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said , announcing the commencement of the world’s largest democratic exercise. The results of the election will be announced on June 4.
It was important to note that Mr Kumar, announcing the dates, sent out a strong message on the circulation of fake news on social media, saying political parties should ensure responsible social media behaviour — “verify before you amplify”.
Fake news will be dealt with severely as per existant laws.. Section 79 (3)(B) of the IT Act empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content,” he said.
The facts and facets related to the biggest electoral exercise of world are fascinating to say the least.
Over 97 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said  and urged everyone to “get inked.”
On its part, the poll authority is preparing to set up 10.5 lakh polling stations across the country.
We have 97 crore registered voters, over 10.5 lakh polling stations manned by 1.5 crore personnel, and 55 lakh EVMs,” he said.
As a matter of fact, The CEC said there are 97.8 crore eligible voters of which 49.72 crore were male voters and 47.1 crore were female voters.
About 21 crore are youth voters.
On Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir the CEC assured that the Commission remains dedicated to organising Assembly elections in JK shortly after the Lok Sabha polls, once there are enough security forces available.
As far as Lok Sabha elections dates are concerned for Jammu and Kashmir,  it would be held in 5 phases.
Date of polls on Lok Sabha seats in J&K are : Udhampur: 19 April.Jammu: 26 April. Anantnag – Rajouri: 7 May.
Srinagar: 13 May. Baramulla: 26 May.
Huge amount of enthusiasm is being witnessed across the country as Dates for Election 2024 have been announced.

From Ancestral tradition to Uncertain Future: The Plight of Kashmiri Paper Mache

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From Ancestral Tradition to Uncertain Future:
The Plight of Kashmiri Paper Mache

A photo story by Farhan Sayeed Masoodi

The art of paper Mache has a long and rich history in Kashmir, dating back to the 14th century when it was first introduced by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a Daee who came to Kashmir from Hamdan in modern day Iran along with his followers, many of whom were craftsmen.
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Maqbool Jaan showcasing his products in his showroom which he has setup in his house.
The art of Paper Mache involves using of paper pulp to make decorative items, these items once moulded into shape are painted with vibrant colours and intricate floral designs. This art quickly gained popularity in the region and became an integral part of Kashmiri culture and at the same time, it became a source of skill work for Kashmiris and some, an ancestral profession. Gowhara (sister in law of Maqbool jaan) painting a paper mache flower vase.

(In Progress Paper Mache of Maqbool Jan in his in-house workshop)

 

Maqbool Jaan, a 58-year-old Paper Mache artist from the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar, has been practising this traditional craft since the tender age of 3 years after his father died and he had to learn this craft for it to become his source of livelihood and earning. Despite never having gone to school, Maqbool Jaan says that he not only learned the art of paper mache but also received moral education at the workplace of artisans, which he considers to be his school. He is deeply passionate about his craft and believes that it has the potential to provide livelihoods to many in the region.

Maqbool jaan giving final touches to a painting made for an costumer on order.

However, artisans like Maqbool Jaan face significant challenges in today’s world. Mentioning his experience, Maqbool says that he once visited the Craft Development Institute (CDI) to discuss increase in wages, he says that at CDI he was mistreated by the authorities and even abused by one of the higher officials, who said to him that “we should keep the artisans under our feet.” This lack of support from government officials has contributed to the decline in the number of artisans practising paper mache, bringing their numbers to a few hundred.
Maqbool Jaan fears that the younger generation would not be interested in continuing the tradition due to lack of opportunities and financial instability and that the art of paper mache is at risk of dying out. He believes that the government should do more to promote traditional crafts like paper mache and encourage younger generations to take up the art form. In particular, he suggests organizing workshops in schools and colleges to attract the younger generation towards the craft.

Maqbool Jan sitting among his finished Paper Mache showpiece works.

Despite these challenges, Maqbool Jaan remains dedicated to his craft. Working alongside his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, he creates intricate and beautiful paper mache items in his home. One room is dedicated as the workplace and one as a showroom. The products are sold both locally and internationally, providing a source of income for Maqbool Jaan and his family.

Family of Maqbool jaan working in a room which they have dedicated as a workshop.

  1. Maqbool Jaan’s story is a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and supporting the artisans who practice them. The decline of paper mache artisans in the region is indicative of a larger trend towards the extinction of traditional crafts. Therefore, the government must take steps to promote and preserve these crafts, ensuring that they continue to thrive for future generations.

“Wed In India”, cover story 11 March, 2024

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” Wed in India”
News Kashmir Analysis
In a progressive development for entire country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on 7th March, 2024  Thursday his next mission is “Wed in India”. Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu & Kashmir’ programme in Srinagar, the Prime Minister urged the citizens of India to avoid hosting weddings abroad.
As a matter of fact, People should host weddings in India…If people feel like coming to J&K and hosting weddings…do their booking here, stay here for three days and spend lavishly here so that people of Jammu and Kashmir also get their livelihood,” PM Modi said on Thursday.
It is worth mentioning here that Modi mentioned his “Wed in India” initiative for the first time during a Mann ki Baat episode on November 26, 2023. He said, “If we celebrate the festivities of marriages on Indian soil… the country’s money will remain in the country…The people of the country will get an opportunity to render some service…even poor people will tell their children about that occasion.
Luxury hotels in India offer wedding packages going up to several crores. The most popular desi wedding venues include Rajasthan, especially lake city Udaipur, Jodhpur and Goa. Recently, the Government has started meetings with wedding industry stakeholders like hotel operators to finalise the contours of the campaign.
The expert pulse is that The Prime Minister’s advocacy for ‘Wed in India’ is a part of a broader vision to enhance the economic and social development of Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as the crown jewel of India. PMs call for a developed Jammu and Kashmir as a priority underscores the region’s significance in the nation’s progress.
The call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Wed in India is yielding magical results with one of richest Indian Mukesh Ambani going for wedding of his son Anant Ambani at Jamnagar Gujarat.
 Mukesh Ambani’s approach to the big fat Indian wedding has been noted by Time, describing the three-day event as a “next level” celebration.
“As big fat Indian weddings go, Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani knows how to take it to the next level. While the wedding itself will not take place until July, a three-day pre-wedding celebration begins on Friday, March 1 in the family’s refinery township of Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Some of the biggest names in Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the entertainment industry are on the guest list,” Time wrote.
Without a doubt the dream and fervent call of making India a top global wedding destination is bearing its fruits.

Historic PM Modi Visit to Kashmir, Editorial 11 March 2024

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Historic PM Modi Visit to Kashmir
In a big development,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Kashmir valley. It was his first visit to Valley after abrogation of article 370.
Series of historic measures were announced. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir program in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today. He dedicated to the nation Holistic Agriculture Development Programme worth about Rs 5000 crores and launched multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1400 crore under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD scheme including the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar.  The Prime Minister also launched the  ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ and announced tourist destinations selected under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. distributed appointment orders to about 1000 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir and will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes including women achievers, lakhpati didis, farmers, entrepreneurs etc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his fans ,women entrepreneurs, farmers with warm heart and listened to their stories.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the feeling of arriving in heaven on earth cannot be put into words. “This unparalleled form of nature, the air, the valley, the environment and the love and affection of Kashmiri brothers and sisters”, he remarked. He also acknowledged the presence of citizens outside the venue, and more than 1 lakh people from 285 blocks connected to the event via video link. Underlining that the new Jammu & Kashmir is the one that has been awaited for decades, the Prime Minister said, “Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji had sacrificed for this Jammu and Kashmir.” He stated that the new Jammu and Kashmir has the sparkle for the future in its eyes and the determination to clear all obstacles. “140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of Jammu & Kashmir”, PM Modi said.

Elections are soul of Democracy, opinion 4 March, 2024 issue by Syed Irfan Hashmi

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Elections are soul of Democracy
By Syed Irfan Hashmi
Elections are soul of democracy. The upcoming elections in UT J&K an opportunity for the people of J&K to change the fate towards betterment.
The upcoming elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) indeed present an opportunity for the residents to have a say in shaping the region’s future. Elections are a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, providing citizens with the chance to choose their representatives and express their views on the issues that matter to them.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang Pole has said that preparations were underway in full swing for the elections to the five parliamentary seats in UT of  J&K. Preliminary reports indicate that there could be around 8.7 million electors eligible to vote for the five Lok Sabha seats from J&K.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in April-May.
Bharat as a vibrant democracy and J&K as integral part of Bharat. Every voter has responsibility to cast their votes for development, security, Peace and prosperity . This is the opportunity for 8.7 million people of J&K to change the fate. Everyone should Caste their votes for their potential candidates, through their votes, the people can express their aspirations for peace, prosperity, and inclusive development, as well as for the resolution of longstanding issues that affect their daily lives.
The complex history and unique circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir, the elections hold particular significance. They offer the potential for the selection of leaders who can address the region’s challenges, promote development, and work towards reconciliation and stability.
It’s important that the elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner, allowing all eligible individuals to participate freely. Additionally, it’s crucial for the elected representatives to prioritize the welfare of the people, fostering inclusive governance and economic progress.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are an opportunity for the residents to contribute to the shaping of their own destiny, and it’s essential that the process is carried out with the utmost integrity and consideration for the diverse needs of the population. Upcoming elections are going to be proud event for democratic India.
The upcoming elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir represent an important opportunity for the people of the region to influence and potentially change the trajectory of their future. By participating in the electoral process, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir have the chance to elect leaders who they believe will best represent their interests and work towards addressing the unique challenges facing the region.
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir offer the people an opportunity to shape their own destiny and play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the UT J&K.
Article written by Freelancer Journalist / Socio Political Activist SYED IRFAN HASHMI.