News Kashmir Exclusive Kashmir has seen one of the heaviest snowfall in decades . On 3 January, 2021 Sunday heavy Snowfall began to lash parts of the Kashmir .And, after Four days of incessant snowfall, weather in Kashmir witnessed a significant improvement on Thursday, 7 January but heavy snowfall left property worth lakhs of rupees damaged and two persons including a CRPF sub-inspector dead.As a matter of fact ,heavy snowfalls in Kashmir have given testing times to both people and authorities. Jammu Srinagar NHW [national highway] blocked due to snow accumulation at Jawahar Tunnel and Landslides/mudslides/shooting stones at Samroli, Magarkot, Panthyal, Marog, Cafeteria mor, Dhalwas, Nashri @JmuKmrPolice,” tweeted Jammu & Kashmir traffic police. A group of tourists from Rajasthan had a narrow escape along the highway near Panthal when a landslide hit the vehicle they were travelling in. Police said the tourists were rescued and were safe. The snowfall, heaviest in decades created havoc on the road and electricity infrastructure in the Valley. The heavy snowfall caused faults in several feeder lines in Kashmir leading to power outages in many areas especially the rural areas .In many areas of Sriningar the administration was seen clearing the snow but in many areas of Kashmir Valley especially the rural areas people were on their own clearing snow and facing hardships .Electricity supply remained good in some areas but equally poor in many with bad reports of many transformers exploding causing hardship to the masses .The claims and counter claims continued .CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami alleged that the claims of the administration on alertness had been exposed “especially in South Kashmir that saw massive power breakdown, road blockades and scarcity of essential commodities”. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P.K. Pole said adequate stock of essential commodities was available in the Valley. “For the higher reaches and the other areas, which remain cut-off during the winter period, we have kept ration for 4-6 months stocked,” Mr. Pole said. The need of the hour is to strengthen the roots of Administration further so that we meet such heavy snowfalls with better preparedness.As heavy snowfall blocked roads in Kashmir, local youth ferried a pregnant woman on a cot in South Kashmir, marched for 12 km on foot amid 7-inch snow accumulated on got the road and took her to the hospital. Later, she delivered the baby safely. The patient had developed labor pain but the snowy roads blocked her way. Locals accused the administration of failing to clear the snow accumulated on the road because of which, no vehicle could ply on the road and the patient had to be taken on the cot. One hopes administration would take holistic view of these serious issues .
Theatre is fundamental thing if you aspire to be good actor : Mir Sarwar, Bollywood Actor
Mohammad Sarwar Mir popularly known as Mir Sarwar is a prominent Bollywood actor from Kashmir who has shined both in local industry and Bollywood . He has appeared in several Bollywood films like Kesari (2019 film), Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Jolly LLB 2, Phantom etc .Mir Sarwar has played important roles in movies Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Jolly LLB 2 Kesari (2019 film). He has also played protagonist in film’s like Half Widow, Kashmir Daily, Lihaaf and Negative lead in Dharma Productions Kesari (2019 film).He started his exciting career in 1999 as a model and then switched to the theatre in Delhi and later on worked with several renowned directors M K Raina and Bapi Bose in Delhi. He was part of three National School of Drama workshops as well. In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Mir Sarwar talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz. Was your aptitude towards acting generated since childhood. Was there a spark that needed to be kindled? This was not something I planned but some instincts did incline me towards acting. I had a fit body and many would tell me whether I was model and I wouldn’t know what modelling was, it was in mid nineties .Then I explored modelling in Delhi Circles and developed thrust for acting but had no Godfather who would teach me. So I took theatre route and learnt real realms of acting. I would like to tell you that I had SRO 349 that was national medal and eligibility that assured me a Government Job but it’s validity was till 2005 only. I took a decision to follow acting career while as my other three colleagues did job under this medal, and I had to hear many taunts and criticism for not opting for a Government job .I then had to witness a difficult phase as my family had stopped sending money for my expenses, so I had to do door to door marketing for survival in Delhi. In 2006 I decided to go to Mumbai but I had to thwart the plan due to train blasts (as my Kashmir identity and name Mohammed Sarwar Mir aborted same).It took me few years to regain myself as financial issues had cowed me down. After few years I came back quitting job in HCL where I was trainer. I began to contemplate that for acting I left everything and now I am not doing it ,so i took route to come back to Kashmir to restart acting for one Serial and went back after doing forty Serials to Mumbai to try my luck once again . I also developed interest for making film in local language . The first film I did was Dil Patang ,which was unfortunately not released and first releasead Bollywood formal film that I did was Phantom . I used to do several rehearsals for my scenes individually working very hard.Kabir Khan took my audition for Bollywood via Facebook and was impressed by my acting and stated he wanted same .How much role did Theatre played in your acting career ? Theatre is the real game changer for me and changed my entire life style towards betterment. I used to earn five thousand via door to door marketing but used to spend rs 2500 on Theatre as it does not pay you well . Theatre joining also overshadowed my modelling as theatre teaches you real acting , and developed my real love towards local language it’s music and literature .When I did national school drama workshop in which my friend Sheezan was also one of the actors , I developed resolve towards everything of Kashmiri Language .Theatre makes you humble as you have to do ground zero work while during modelling I was like travelling in skies . Theatre makes you know how much you have to learn and give you life long lessons that learning is forever .I would say theatre is everything if you aspire to be good actor and human being .How much opposition you had to face from family ?Some of the relatives and near ones had told my family that you preach religion to others and your own boy has opted for acting as a career. I had done Punjabi album which had few intimate scenes. They were told that now he will marry from outside and is no longer Muslim ,but when they saw my real work and also work in local language cinema and ads ,interviews those who opposed me earlier now did appreciate my work. I had always double traits of curiosity and passion . When I learnt theatre under MK Raina I did everything passionately . I was never knowing politics but always proactive that trait made some hate me and take credit of my work . But my teachers always knew it was my work . Sheezan Zargar was my right hand . Manzoor Mir assistant director in theatre assisted me greatly .When you have right intentions God helps you. How did you manage a tough role in Kesari ?I would say every role has been challenging . Be it my first movies Bajrangi Bhaijaan or phantom I had to undertake several challenges . I am non smoker had to smoke and that too while breaking filter as a result I swallowed tobacco on several instances.In Kesari it was challenging to change dialects , and wearing heavy outfits and keeping beard for one and half year .During acting I have to vent out because if you are acting you get opportunity to vent out whereas in real life I am soft spoken and do not ever use abuses but during negative roles in acting I get opportunity to vent out and use filthy language. In Laxami Bomb and web series avrodh I got emotional roles which I Iove . I love doing these roles as emotions are natural to me . I love to get in the skin of the role . As an actor it is challenging to get in to the skin of character and in this regard three things are important – one what I will do as Mir Sarwar in that situation , second challenzing all my learnings, techniques of years experience and third important factor is learning importance of spontaneity value, that it had to happen so happened .It is being rumoured that you have special bond with Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar, please inform us about it?I had opportunity to do three movies with Akshay Kumar .First was Jolly LLB 2, Kesari and Laxami Bomb . I had done movies prior to it but Akshay Kumar was my favourite. First shot I had to do was arresting him there was a fan moment, I had learnt that after action is clicked I am actors and they are actors and same learning made my scene great . Akshay Kumar is a great human and loves doing pranks on sets and is a jolly person . I interacted with Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan I found him quite informative and Knowledgeable as we talked from topics ranging to Kashmir , deforestation.Akshay Kumar brings aura to set and is most punctual actor in industry . The suicide of a talented actor like Sushant Singh Rajput has proven Bollywood is tough mountain to climb for outsiders? See it has some interesting stuff- be it industry ,any company , home or even mohalla favouritism or special bond exists everywhere which can be dubbed as favouritism and sometimes it goes to extreme things like nepotism when it goes ahead at cost of eschewing others rights . But we need to remind that special bonds exist everywhere .We have to remember big thing that talent and preparedness would get you real success and once Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister reference ensured one movie for one actor but couldn’t take him long. Talent will take you to long run .We need to know that millions are aspiring for a role in Bollywood and you have to create a niche in it and after realising same I found myself in negative role niches . I remember dailogue of our teacher MK Raina ” even if you cut grass,cut good quality ” and we need to do justice to our work. Only real talent and perseverance would get you long in Bollywood. One who goes prepared shines . Be it Amir Bashir or Iqbal khan many are doing well . Nothing happens in jiffy . One needs to have passion and have to be passionate . For fourteen years I had no movie but kept growing from modelling to serials to movies . You need to have all important preservance.What are unfulfilled goals and ambition of yours in Bollywood?There is no end to goals. Above All, I want to do action movie which I have not done so far and also try hands on comedy which I am seriously trying .I also have ambition to strengthen the local film industry on parlance of Punjabi and Bhojpuri .The same thrust made me venture into film making . And we would not go long way by making excuse that we didn’t had cinemas so we did not go long in local film industry . In Africa and Iran they make great movies on handicams . My parents and my spouse ,daughter have played a great role in journey of my life . I would like to say shortcuts in acting world do not pay you in long run . The theatre institute like NSD refine you and make you know where you lag. We often hear name of MK .Raina when it comes to theatre world especially from Kashmiri and other celebrities?In Kashmir MK .Raina did five theatre workshops and those who participated in these are among the participants in world of film making . He is s great teacher and fatherly figure , he has contributed a lot and taught us .We will teach others .Your message to youngesters especially from kashmir?I would like to say go prepared whether you go to Delhi ,Mumbai or other place . If you go unprepared it would make you depressed and make you lose key financial resources and make you also lose time , demotivate you . In today’s world people via online modes can cast you from any part of the world and you need not to travel to that place . In Kashmir look is not problem we are good looking but we need to work on our communication skills . Our problem is we have fast speed of speaking and influence of mother tongue which can be managed by working on it . Youngesters need to be prepared and keep themselves visible on social media platforms.
Among the many evils in our society, the evil of dowry system has attained the harmful forms. It has proved to be a life-taking evil. The dowry system is as old as the institution of marriage. It is a social evil prevalent not only in India, but other parts of the world. Many of the traditional customs have been given up but the custom of dowry has not only continued but flourished over the years. It reflects and perpetuates man’s superiority over woman and hence marks a mockery on the very idea of the gender equality. In general, dowry refers to the durable goods, cash and real or movable property that the bride’s family gives to the bridegroom, his parents or his relatives as a condition of the marriage. It is essentially in the nature of a payment in cash or some kind of gifts given to the bridegroom’s family along with the bride. It includes cash, jewellery, furniture, crockery and other household items that help the newly-weds to set up their home. The system of dowry also prevailed during the ancient period. Parents of the bride provided gifts, money, property and other household items to the girl out of their own wish. It was known as the premortem right of the girl. She was the absolute owner and even her husband had no right over it. But with the passage of time, the definition and the dimensions of dowry changed. It became an important and a primary factor in marriage. It became necessary for the parents of the girl to give a good dowry to her irrespective of their ability. The married life of a girl came to depend upon dowry. Several girls, whose parents could not afford good dowry had to commit suicide as their in-laws made their lives miserable. The worst part of this evil led to another evil i.e., female foeticide. It becomes important to understand what causes such an evil practice to prevail in the society when we are moving towards modernity. There are multiple reasons of dowry. It is a feeling that practicing or practising customs generates and strengthens solidarity. It means that they sail in a single boat of demonstrating that we are one in this regard. A few people give more dowries just to exhibit or show their high social and economic status. It has become a trend in our society to feign. Without this evil, it has become difficult to live. Most of the people believe that their daughters should live happily with their husbands and hence provide dowry. Here, in my opinion, the parents are not to be blamed. For the happiness of their daughter, they readily follow this tradition. Illiteracy is an important cause of dowry. Most of the people are unaware about the harmful effects of dowry. They blindly follow the traditions that are going on in the society. They have no time to ponder over the negative effects of dowry. They, being the so-called rich, in their comfortable rooms, think that everyone is capable of doing this. However, the reality is something different. It has brought a lot of misery in our society. The society of ours has become more difficult to live, particularly for those who are poor and can’t afford to opt for dowry. With the advent of science and technology, almost everything goes through a change, though in a limited manner. But it is our mindset that doesn’t accept good changes. Dowry has involved many characteristics when compared to the traditional practices of giving gifts. It is no more a voluntary exercise rather it is demanded diplomatically. The groom’s family may act modest or civilized but do not hesitate to accept precious articles offered by to the bride’s family on their own. I have come across many cases where the same situation came. They, being the champions of decency in talk, walk and behaviour, are devils when it comes to dowry. I was amazed at those times. I felt the urge to change the dynamics of learning. A system of learning can never be life-taking. But in our society, from the bottom to the top, the menace of materialism has taken strong roots. In the college, we were taught about the defects of materialism. Our English textbook had a poem which said that earning and spending had become our prime objective. In this process, we had lost touch with morality. The concept of morality had lost in thin air. Today, after completing the college course, I meditate and find that the laws are for fools. The lawbreakers are the real champions. The predominant types of dowry crimes relate to creulty, domestic violence, abetment to suicide and dowry death which includes bride burning and murder. In India, approximately 247710 deaths have been reported in past three years. As per National Crime Records Bureau data, the country had recorded 3.48 lakh cases of creulty by husband or his relative. There is hardly a day when one does not read of dowry deaths in the national newspapers. Dowry is considered as a major contributor towards violence against women in India. Some of these violence include physical violence, emotional abuses and the murder of bride’s and young girls prior to marriage. The Government has taken many steps to stop the abominable practice of dowry. A few of them are listed below: The Dowry Prohibition Act,1961 marked the beginning of a new legal framework of dowry harassment laws. It prohibits the request, payment or acceptance of dowry and provides penalty for the same.Section 304B was added to the Indian Penal Code(IPC) which made dowry death a specific punishable offence. Any one who commits offense under section 304B or 113B shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may be extended to imprisonment for life.Section 498A IPC was included in 1983 to protect women from creulty and harassment. Whoever being the husband or relative of the husband, subjects creulty under this section shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be extended to three years and shall be liable to fine.In 2005, the Government of India passed the ‘Protection of Women from Domestic violence Act’ to provide a cover law remedy for the protection of women from domestic violence. India is also a party to several international human rights instruments which provide theoretical remedies to the dowry problems. However, on the ground level, much is not happening against the evil. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It may be concluded that the abolition of the dowry system would be a landmark towards social reforms. With whatever intentions this custom may have been started, it cannot be denied that it has failed to give equal status to women in the society. The time has come to scrape the roots and branch of dowry system. Unless we become more progressive in our outlook, less orthodox in our ways and more revolutionary in our ideas, dowry will remain the same of our society. We can’t afford to lose more brides. In the present moment, the institution of marriage has already become complicated. Marriages often after a lot of bargain. We have thousands of girls who have passed their marriage ages and can never marry. Their redness of hands will never come true. They will die with the dream of going to husband’s home. In this context, all should come forward and try his or her best to fight against this crime. I think it will be a revolution for the superstitious society. Writer: Syed Mustafa Ahmad.Syedmustafaahmad9@gmail.com.
Safura Amin In Islam, marriage (nikah) is a legal contract between a man and a woman. Both the groom and the bride are to consent to the marriage of their own free will. Nikah is concluded by guardian (Wali) of the bride and the groom but it does not give them a right to force bride and groom to enter into a nikah. According to Islam, the marriage is invalid without free consent. Modern times have brought about change in the quality of the marital relationship. With changing generations we find more and more information about what marriage involves and requires. When I asked my mother whether selection of life partner is easy she said,” The selection of life partner has gone through lot of changes. It is being modernized. The women who once had completely no role as for as the selection of life partner was concerned have now an important role in it” and I totally agree with my mother that the institution of marriage has undergone various alterations but women has important role in it is little bit hard to digest. The rules governing selection vary widely from society to society. I personally feel love and compatibility are very important but in Kashmir the focus is always on caste, government employee, wealth, family status, physical beauty, Age, body shape, personal adornment and especially facial appearance are usually the focuses.Selection of life partner is the responsibility of the parents in Kashmir and children’s usually don’t interfere in such decisions and in case if any kid says anything he/she is considered as rebel and unfaithful but our elders fail to understand that , selection of life partner is one of the most important choices of both men and women. The possibility of happiness is low in marriage if they do not understand each other. Our parents take it as a mission which is named as “Proper match”. It was observed during research that most of the partners who were getting marriage late or were found unmarried in fact suffered from years in finding their proper matches. So proper match is a challenge in selection of life partner and I wonder whether such thing even exists. In spite of so many changes in our society, we find that the child is still so conditioned as not to think in terms of his own rights, his own pleasures, his own status and his own privacy etc, but to think in terms of family.Prof. Bashir Ahmad Dabla, in 2009, said late marriage phenomenon is increasing in kashmir due to poverty, unemployment, family status, poverty and socio-economic status, conflict, illiteracy, modernization impact, health abnormality, customs and traditions, caste consideration, dowry in different shapes, waiting for higher education and jobs, and the lengthy search for a proper match and 10 years down the line I feel nothing has changed in our society. This has brought negative ill-effects in Kashmir, like Psychiatric problems, suicides, drug addiction, pre- marital affairs, sex scandals and a spiral in divorces. That’s why in Islam marriage is considered half-faith completes which prevents the believers from the immodesty and immorality but in Kashmir we have made (Zina) cheaper but (Nikah) expensive. All the above factors have led to Postponing marriage in Kashmir and this trend has become so common that the percentage of women who are unmarried is now more than double what it was 10 years back. As per the census, 60 per cent of the total population in the state has actually never married, even after attaining a standard marriageable age which in old times was 22-25 years has now changed to 27 to 32. I personally request parents to be actively involved in the lives of their children, to guide and lead them properly recognizing their choices, preferences and desires and help them not force them to arrive at decision in their life. Let us cherish our traditional and cultural way of doing marriage but let us not turn this into competition with others. There is lot poverty and unemployment in Kashmir so it is completely fine if we don’t find a Government employee as a life partner, trusts me we can still go to heaven. Then comes “the caste “which is much different in Kashmir than the caste system in India, as caste system in Kashmir is based on occupations and is an obstacle in marriages. The caste and family background of the families is an extreme object for our parents in Kashmir that they will not compromise a bit over caste and family match but they fail to understand that all these factors are not key for successful marriage but a key to destroy lives of their children’s. All I can say is let us follow Islamic laws when it comes to selection of life partner or marriage indeed life will be blessed. Let us avoid the unnecessary delay in marriage as it has biological, social and the psychological consequences.
Curbing Crimes against Humanity Suhaib Ashraf I am living in a world whose concepts are no longer clear to me. Crime against humanity, an offense in international criminal law, adopted in the Charter of the International Military Tribunal (Nürnberg Charter), which tried surviving Nazi leaders in 1945, and was, in 1998, incorporated into the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
I am living in a world whose concepts are no longer clear to me. A world where the criminal walks free and the victim is called a terrorist. A world where killing a one-year-old kid is permissible. A world that has left me baffled about what is right and what is wrong. No one can believe that any person with any religion or any mercy in his heart would split a pregnant woman’s belly and take the infant out then kill it; kill children one by one in front of their parents; smash heads with axes; or, burn the living. Only a criminal with a heart harder than a stone which has no mercy would do such acts. It is not even possible for a sane person to believe that such a person is a Human. This is a fact that can’t be denied. Killing of innocent people in communal and sectarian violence is nothing new in any country. A majority of the perpetrators of these horrific crimes enjoyed political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency. The criminals escaped prosecution and punishment, Crimes against humanity are criminal acts that are directed at an identifiable group of people. Genocide is an example of a crime against humanity. Crimes against humanity are criminal acts that target a group of people based on their religion, ethnicity, or some other trait, which is not a direct result of something that group has done. One of the most common crimes against humanity is genocide, which is the murder of a large portion of the population. Genocide is often either condoned, or carried out by the government. While history looks back to Nazi Germany for its example of crimes against humanity, the truth is, many modern conflicts see some combination of displacement, torture, sexual violence, and death against civilians. In fact, the number of civilian deaths in modern conflicts far exceed that of armed combatants. The brutality of violence committed against civilians sickens the rest of the world, as women are forced into sexual slavery, children are abducted and used as slaves; political rebels or dissenters are killed or imprisoned, Human rights defenders and put behind bar, tortured, and murdered. All this because the targeted people happen to be members of the “wrong” group. This may be due to their religious beliefs, ethnicity, social class, or political beliefs. Those perpetrators had deviant ideologies, turned away from the values of humanity, never cared for the good of others, and acted in complete disregard to the devastating consequences of their deeds (such as terrorising people, maximising risk of foreign intervention, deteriorating the country’s reputation, and discouraging domestic investments, which require stability and security). It is the duty of everyone in this world — leaders, politicians, and citizens — to mobilise and combat such erroneous ideologies. Scholars and intellectuals have a particularly important role in refuting the malicious thought that seeks to plunge society into chaos and turmoil and to implant intimidation and insecurity into Human’ lives. I ask Allah swt, Exalted be He, to protect us and all humanity from evil and tribulations. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
The beginning of year 2021 in the Valley of Kashmir has been witness to heavy snowfall and infact after decades we have seen such snowfall in Kashmir .We have seen in the winter months that often snowfall results in road closures which result in often road closures especially the closure of all important Jammu Srinagar National Highway .The closure of all important Jammu Srinagar National Highway is causing discomfort to the commuters aspiring to travel to outside places of Kashmir and more than it causes shortage of essential items leading to price rise and inflation .The black marketing done by few vested interests during the long closures of the national highway causes immense hardships to the consumers . The need of the hour is to undertake more market Checks so as to keep a eagle eye on black marketing .Vegetables and non vegetarian food items is witness to much drastic price rise during these highway closures . Eggs as a commodity also see much abnormal price rise during the road blockade .The need of the hour is to meet the deadline of completion of all important Jammu Srinagar Rail link and see to it by the year end of 2022 we see fully functional train in Kashmir . The opening of train would ease the life of people of Kashmir as supplies can be arranged easily and plus rail link will remain cut off for shorter period as opposed to road link .The realities urge upon the authorities to ensure that till long lasting solution is ensured on the aspect of keeping national highway open they take all steps to weed out the menace of inflation breaking back of masses . The availability of necessary items by keeping adequate stock during winters can ensure that hyper inflation during National Highway closure does not break back of the people of Kashmir.
DDC Poll Results Prove PAGD real Representative of Masses : Dr.Harbakash Singh Spokesperson People’s Democratic Party and recent winning candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in DDC polls Dr. Harbakash Singh is an eminent politician of Kashmir . He is popularly known as Shanty and defeated his nearest rival Trilok Singh of Congress by a margin of over by 982 votes. A resident of Kavil village in Tral sub-district, Harbakash started his political career as a student and was provincial president of NSUI Kashmir for many years. He has also served as PRO to senior PDP leader and former cabinet minister Naeem Akhkter for four years during the PDP-BJP coalition government. He is often seen in TV debates of national media representing the party views with full vigour .In an exclusive interview, he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi .Excerpts:
How was it possible for you to win from Muslim majority area despite belonging to minority Sikh Community? It is biggest honour for me to get elected from Muslim majority area . I am highly grateful to my party People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and especially Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti for reposing full faith on me . I am highly thankful to people of Tral .I have been working here since long as RTI and Social activist . I have been doing diverse philanthropic activities here in Tral and was able to also in pandemic Covid provide many Oxygen cylinders to patients in Tral and also hundreds of food kits to the people of Tral . I have also been running many Food kitchens in Jammu and Kashmir .When I was with Nayeem Akthar Sahab in ministry I tried to do best for Tral and also on TV and other media raised issues and pain of Kashmiris especially about attack on our ethos and identity. As a DDC member I would via my efforts try to make Tral a model area which others would replicate as great example . People should say via my work that they need me as Assembly representative as well. How do you view success of PAGD Alliance in DDC polls ?This alliance of major political Parties National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and other parties had happened before the 5 August ,2019 developments when we had fears our rights would be robbed . The performance of our alliance PAGD was excellent in DDC and we this time did not leave field open for BJP as had happened in few polls like in Panch and Sarpanch . If we would not have fought this DDC election it would have been betrayal to hopes of people .No big leader of PAGD sought votes because just election is not our motive but Gupkar alliance seeks bringing back our stolen rights. Wouldn’t the post of Chairman in respective DDCs create rift between PDP, NC and other PAGD parties ? No not at all .We as PDP party would not create any issue on who among our alliance gets post of the Chairman . Be it NC, PDP ,PC , Communist party ,ANC, etc we are all in alliance and does not matter who among our parties gets post of DDC Chairman in the Districts .How many Districts realistically speaking you feel would PAGD alliance get the prestigious post of DDC hairman ?Going by the verdict, I believe we would get DDC Chairman as PAGD in more than ten districts .Some districts in Kashmir like Srinagar have large number of Independent ,do you feel here BJP would get Chairman post ?It all depends on whether there would be horse trading of Independents or not . Also any Independent getting elected should remember what he or she got mandate from people for . This result shows mostly they got this mandate as vote against BJP and they need to remember it .DDC as an institution how much effective you see it as a neutral voice leaving politics aside for a minute ?We still don’t know it’s effective as Institution yet as we are still to go through its by laws and powers . Until we don’t know complete nomenclature we can’t comment on ins and outs of DDC as an institution .We would but not let people down who voted for us . Would PAGD alliance last in Assembly elections as well?I have told you in beginning that more than for vote our alliance in PAGD is ideological and based on burning issues like restoring our identity back and getting our rights back . I on personnel level feel this alliance would continue in Assembly elections.BJP is making taller claims that for first time ever in DDC polls the lotus bloomed from places like Kakapora and Ballhama ,your take ?The 40 DDC seats we won from Jammu region and seats we won even from Nowshera the region which is home of BJP President what about that .The real victory is ours that despite having faced millions hardships we won dozens of seats from Jammu region and if BJP won few seats from Kashmir we respect the mandate as it is beauty of democracy .How will you try to raise issue of Kashmiri Sikh Community like getting minority status ?Whatever is in my powers I would try to solve issues of my community . Our community is neglected community and be it in terms of jobs or getting reservations, Punjabi language issues and minority status issues I would try to forcefully raise it and get it resolved .How is current mood in PDP like ? PDP mood is buoyant and we have iron will that despite having faced so much threats and allegations people reposed faith on us . People also have us given message via DDC polls that PDP and PAGD are real representative of Jammu and Kashmir.Will you try to solve day to day issues of People of Jammu and Kashmir via DDC as people face huge issues ?We will have to solve issues of People as they are facing lot of issues with reference to basic facilities . The grasroot members of PAGD via DDC will try to solve and concentrate on basic issues of masses and our higher ups are already involved in bigger mission .Since you are also among prominent media faces of PAGD , do you feel a Powerful BJP currently at Center would listen to your demands on restoration of article 370 ?Whatever was given to us was given to us by constitution of India and we would fight for our rights legally and politically . We would not fight for our rights through barrel of gun but via legal means . Lastly , how much delighted was prominent leader of Your party Naeem Akthar on your success who has been real close to you ?All throughout my political Journey Naeem Akthar Sahab has been my mentor and guiding force . It was unfortunate that one day before verdict he was taken into detention . Here I condemn detentions of all PAGD leaders as BJP rather than fighting us politically is using power to fight us personally which is bad for democracy .
Syed Mustafa Ahmad Reading books is an attribute of the civilized nations. Since a long time, it is the book that has been with those who want to progress in the real sense. The developed personalities have the virtue of reading books. They know this fact that behind anyone’s victory, the books have played the greatest role. If they become the richest persons in the world, they never leave the bond of books. William Bill Gates has one of the best libraries at his home. He always likes the company of books. So, it becomes clear that it is necessary for every person to like books as they like air, water, clothes and food. But in the present times, this is not the case. The already crumbled system of reading culture, has become the target of new threats like internet. Internet is the hub of libraries. However, internet is full of distractions that makes it possible to get deviated quite often. Apart from Internet, there are many causes that has made it possible to abhor reading books. In this article, let us try to know some of the causes. First is that we don’t know our purpose of living. We have no aim. Our only concern is to fill our bellies, have bank balances, rituals and customs, etc. When this is the condition of any country, nation or state, they automatically have no liking for learning. However, if they learn, their learning is be of no value. Their only concern is paper degrees. They get these by hook or by crook. They won’t think of learning beyond the academic books. It is a pity that they don’t even learn their academic books; but go on rote learning the things so that they pass the examination. An Israeli student reads 40 books in a year. In Jammu and Kashmir, this trend will take years. Hence, we lag behind. Second is educational system is not compatible with learning. Here, donkeys rule the roost. Intellectualism has lost its way in the dreary desert of dead habitation. People hate those persons who buy and sell books. They call it madness to read books. They, instead, want to follow materialism. Big houses, cars, colourful clothes, etc., are the main motives of life. Reading a book is not their in their domain. They don’t have time for this. They want to spend their precious time in useless talks and chats but never bother to open a book and read some pages interest. Third is internet. The world is at finger tips. Why to carry a load of books instead of keeping it in a single device? Internet promised us that every kind of knowledge is there. Indeed, it is. But the poison it has brought with it is overlapping its benefits. There are millions of libraries on the internet but more than this there are the things that divert a person’s mind. Games, apps like Tik Tok, gambling, video making, etc. reduce the chances of learning anything new. It has also affected our health. Suicides have increased. Mental depression is on rise. Social distancing has increased. Alienation is the order of the day. Imitation is on rise. Money earning has become the newest trend. Craziness is the art of everyone. So, it has marred our society. Fourth is the lenient approach of the government. They themselves are ignorant and uneducated. They can’t do anything in this regard. They need power, money and fame. Their only concern is promises that are to be broken. They know that politics is about coming and going. Why should I use my mind in this hectic job of inculcating the spirit of reading culture? It is better to enjoy the years that are in my luck. Why to take this extra responsibility? But they don’t know that it is their main responsibility to acquaint the masses about the world and themselves. But they will waste money and time in futile pursuits; rather than in this good endeavor. It means that we have not still produced the ideal statesmen. Statesmen like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Voltaire etc are rarely found. They were, are and will be voracious readers. They left, leave and will leave a long last effect on the masses. Fifth and last is that we themselves are not interested. We hate books. We are impatient. We become bored when reading a book. We want something delightful. We want something charming. We want something attractive. We want something colourful. But it is deception. The charm lies in reading and imitating the best minds of the world. Steve Jobs, William Bill Gates, Jeff Bezoz, etc., share their experiences of lives and make us aware about the real motive of the temporary life. In the backdrop of the above lines, it becomes clear that in order to progress in this world, reading culture should be our first preference. Other things should follow it. From home to the market, every one should be awaken that reading culture is as important as oxygen. A labor should be in a position to read a book. All great authors should be read at the earliest. The need of the hour is to leave leniency and embark on the path of reading culture. Reading rooms should be available at in nook and corner of country. Then, there are the chances that we may go forward in this endeavor. Hope good sense prevails! By : Syed Mustafa Ahmad.Syedmustafaahmad9@gmail.com
Terrible 20Hopeful 21 News Kashmir Analysis The year 2020 will undoubtedly go down in history as the worst year ever — at least to those of us living in it. It started with Australia forests on fire ,a near war between Iran and USA over killing of General Soleimani . And who knew that it was just the start .The Coronavirus Pandemic that spread from China began to rattle entire world from March 2020 . Millions have died and Crores got Infected due to Coronavirus in the year 2020.The pandemic destroyed economies and millions of Jobs throughout the world .Perhaps the biggest outstanding mystery surrounding the virus’s biology is where it came from. Strong evidence suggests that it originated in bats, and probably passed to humans through an intermediate animal. A number of animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including cats and mink. In September, the World Health Organization (WHO) formed a scientific team to investigate the animal origin of the pandemic, starting its search in China and expanding elsewhere. US President Donald Trump and others have claimed, without substantive evidence, that a Chinese laboratory released SARS-CoV-2, but most scientists think that is highly unlikely.Farmer agitation against the farm reform bills passed by the Government was another bad news .The farmers’ agitation against new agri laws will lead to economic loss of over Rs 70,000 crore in the December quarter owing to supply chain disruptions, particularly in Punjab, Haryana and border areas of Delhi, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said recently. The chamber’s President Sanjay Aggarwal said “the 36 days farm agitation so far will have more than Rs 70,000 crore economic loss in the Q3 FY 2020-21 due to…disruption in supply chains and day-to-day economic activities particularly in the progressive states of Punjab and Haryana and border areas of National capital Delhi.”Even in Kashmir job loss ,Covid and conflict deaths made Kashmir an unhappy place to live .Now masses are hoping for a better year 2021.As 2021 prepares for its time in the spotlight, perhaps no year in our lifetime has so much weight on it to perform brilliantly. social feeds were full of GIFs and memes panning 2020 and begging for 2021. There is so much hope, so much expectation for 2021 to be a great year. The anticipation for 2021 was immediately palpable. One hopes that after worst 2020, the year 2021 would offer hope to humanity and prove to be better year .
“Lesson from the life of Musa Alihisalam”By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, “Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us.” So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, “Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.” (Al-Quran 28:25).Why did Allah swt mention the way she walked?The sense of shyness and humility we get from this woman is something for the Muslim to reflect on. In an era where such shyness or introversion is seen in some quarters as a possible manifestation of anxiety, lack of self-confidence, or even a social disorder, taking a moment to reflect on why Allah swt chose to mention this noteworthy trait of these women is of great benefit. A simple “Google” search reveals the characteristic of shyness being associated with apprehension, awkwardness, low self-esteem and so on; characteristics that any individual of integrity would want to avoid. But as Muslims, do we see shyness in the same way? If Allah swt chose this word to describe this woman as she walked towards Musa (Alihisalam), did He mean it in a complimentary or blameworthy manner? Is it bad to be shy?! A saying of the Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwasalam sheds light on the matter, where we are told that “shyness does not bring anything except Good.“ Elsewhere we are told even more emphatically that “shyness is a branch of faith!” Furthermore, we hear that the exalted character of the beloved Prophet Salalahualihiwasalam was described to be “more shy than a virgin in seclusion.” In an age where arrogance, immodesty, brashness and sometimes outright disrespect can be often looked upon fondly by some, the sincere Muslim remains firm in the knowledge of what characteristics please his creator. The young Muslim boy who emulates his favourite footballer’s ‘cocky’ traits, or the young Muslim girl who sees the ‘prettiest’ women on TV as those who wear very little and show far too much, or even the highly qualified Muslim academic who holds an esteemed position, or the affluent and successful Muslim businessman who is blessed with great riches and wealth, must remember that modesty and humility is an honour for the true slave of Allah swt. Never should a Muslim feel that being humble will hamper their progress in this pretentious world. Rather our focus is on our hereafter, attributing importance to that which will lead us to gardens of bliss and delight. Social vices such as outlandish dress sense, vulgar language and sexual openness and obscenity unbecoming of human beings, all combine to make that ‘shy’ trait even more difficult to hold on to. Very rarely does the media present to us a humble role-model for us to look up to and learn from. Shyness is slowly unfortunately becoming that ‘black sheep’ characteristic. Amongst all of these tribulations, the Muslim holds firm to his faith, and the characteristics it brings with it. The Muslim is humble yet firm, concise yet polite, modest yet confident, and shy yet totally and utterly content. As related to us by the best of all creation, Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwaslam “if you do not have any shame, do as you wish.” Look at your heart. As related by Ibn al Qayyim (Rahimullah) “the strength of one’s modesty and shyness relies on the strength of one’s heart.”May Allah swt grant us the blessing of embodying these beautiful traits and save us from that which incurs his wrath upon us. Aameen.Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
