We will make Srinagar a great city : Sheikh Imran

Posted on by Editor

 

 

 

Eminent businessman of Srinagar  Sheikh Imran, an independent corporator backed by Congress, was in November  elected Deputy Mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

He has also been an active figure on resolution and peace process front . In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir , he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi .

 

We have limited the contours of Srinagar City to few areas and overall it looks a Grand mess. Your take as Deputy Mayor?

The observation that Srinagar City is not just a place of few areas is quite valid as it is not just about karanagar or Rajbagh only but from khanyar to Pandch, Hiaderpora to Gulabagh  and scores of other areas make the historical Srinagar city . The reason Srinagar City has been mess is that exploitative and wrong minded politics has been played by vested interests to ensure that just ten percent vote and ninety percent remain aloof from the progress and development .

Those who dream to be real change makers are put to series of hurdles and problems .To stop my journey JK Bank loan issue is being cropped.

What is the bank loan issue about and your pendency of about 128 crore?

The bank has itself settled my case at 78 core out of which 51 crore are already paid and I am ready to pay further 27 crore.

Basically some earthly demigods tried best to stop my dream of becoming Deputy mayor but failed as I have firm faith in Allah. The irritants are being caused because I have been against a particular party which I am still.

 

How can we bring positive change in Srinagar?

The Srinagar City has faced unprecedented mess and misgovernance and it is like last stage of Cancer. Although I never lose hope when a place like Old Delhi can be given good ambience why not Srinagar, we are one of the historical cities of world. Srinagar Municipal Corporation will be having 35 services in hand and we will make Srinagar a great city in terms of development and infrastructure. We seek effective support of people as without them we cannot bring positive change. The employees of SMC too will also feel proud to be part of the corporation and it is our goal.

 

How does it feel as Posts like Mayor, Deputy Mayor have been revived after long?

Well the valley currently has just four elected people Muzafar Baigh, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mayor, Deputy Mayor and  I guess two more Rajya Sabha members .

I feel we need these municipal elections regularly and not having these posts has been deceit with common people and their dreams as Municipal governance is the grassroots governance and we need it to change the face on  ground zero which is possible only via this form of grassroot governance .

 

NC, PDP had boycotted these elections and some voices   among these parties questioned the credibility of these elections, do you believe once if any of these parties form government they will cause impediment in your way?

Well be it NC or PDP, Congress or BJP I guess on large scale everyone is interested in better urban governance in the state and for that municipal corporations are backbone.

We are getting overall warm gestures from every party and few isolated voices don’t matter and my opinion  is that we won’t have any problems whoever forms the government in the state.

Some believe there are too many departments handling Srinagar like the famous adage goes too many cooks spoiling the broth?

I disagree with you on this as there is still burning need of increasing officials, officers and Departments that cater to needs of Srinagar.

But then what about lack of coordination?

Yes lack of coordination has been a serious issue. PHE has been going One Direction, R and B other, SDA other, that is why we have seen one department repairing roads other digging it.

We have the act for same purpose wherein all is done under one roof in Municipality department  to ensure better urban governance, similarly to achieve better and progressive Srinagar SMC is going to have 35 services under its belt and all departments coordinating with it effectively and thus lack of coordination will finish.

What is being done to improve garbage dumping system ?

There is already waste to energy programme and there is company that has participated in it .We are not new to garbage neither is garbage new to us .As a Deputy Mayor I would ensure world class dumping site come up which does not cause any smell problems to vicinity .When Singapore can use solid waste for farming and dump it in sea or lake why can’t we .

 

 

Dog menace is a serious issue, but then animal rights activists have raised question mark, how will you strike balance?

I would like to say Dog Menace has been serious issue for our city and my predecessors either have been ignorant or their intentions are questionable, we will implement the same standard pattern of sterilization as is being done in parts like Delhi. Standard sterilization centres would be established across Kashmir.

Electricity crisis in Srinagar city and other parts of Kashmir, your take on it?

The electricity problem is a very big problem. We are having problems at transmission end I have talked on this issue with engineers and commissioners. By February I assure their would not be major electricity issue in Srinagar.

What about safeguarding wetlands ?

Wetlands are of paramount importance to us and unfortunately we have lost many of them in past few decades but now we will take every step to protect them and I believe we should be grateful to Mahraja who gave us flood channels and institutions of excellence but after that since some decades our progress has come to halt.

You are very active in peace process and facilitated meet of Joint resistance leaders with former Norway PM  according to some reports, why don’t you use same repo with government of India which matters most ?

I am very grateful to Shri Shri Ravi Shankar for aiding our efforts of peace . For six years Hurriyat leaders shut doors ,and ex Norway PM came and met trade, lawyers and Hurriyat .  if we want to stop bloodshed then peace process in form of dialogue and talks is must . USA has failed somewhere .

Your suggestions are valid we need to prepare government of India for talks and taking  other countries also on board is must .Bloodshed is destroying kashmir . The way things are going it looks Kashmir is born to get killed and each one of us need to make efforts to save our generations   .

 

Desensitized Kashmir?

Posted on by Editor

Rameez Makhdoomi

American actress Jenna Morasca had famously stated : “As human beings we value the experience that comes with age. We are reminded over and over again with statements like ‘older and wiser’ and ‘respect your elders,’ promoting age as something to be cherished and respected. “

But as a matter of great pain and discomfort with the speed of life changing under the garb of technology in once close knitted, compassionate society of Kashmir the elders are finding themselves at the receiving end , with more and more elders cutting across economic and social sections  being abandoned by their children and relatives.

Pertinently, the recent image of abandoned elderly transgender in capital city Srinagar showed how grievous the issue is . The administration swung into action only after a social media storm. Painful condition of Ghulam Nabi Mir, a Kashmiri transgender hailing from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district aged 70 , sleeping  on the footpath outside the Srinagar UN Office aptly described the gravity of this issue.

The ground pulse is that We have been listening since ages unfulfilled promises from the consecutive state governments   of  creating rehabilitation homes for people in need, especially abandoned in their  old age by relatives  often found wandering in hostile weather conditions on the streets of Srinagar and other parts of kashmir.

Ghulam Ahmad  ( Name Changed ), a case of elderly neglected by a child belonging to a posh area in Srinagar states , “ I am from good  financial ground but feeling a need of elderly old age home to take care of me as my children have all left me to foreign lands and come here for just few weeks in a year . In this day and age one cannot trust the servant and his or her background easily .The need of the hour is to build elderly homes were deprived elders cutting across social and economic boundaries meet and get cared so as to lead healthy and interactive life .

Rights activists are also raising genuine questions . Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikandar , an eminent activist states : “The  society with each passing day is growing callous. The growing materialism is directly proportional with our apathy towards old and physically challenged. Despite our strong boasting about being a religious society, the problem of abandoned elderly is growing though not in epidemic proportions, but as a problem it needs to be reckoned. The NGOs and state can establish some homes with permanent lodging and boarding for elderly. But being a Muslim majority society the women and men who are not related to each other can’t exist under a single roof. So some different arrangement needs to be worked out. Also some recreation centres need to be started too in different areas where elders can spend their time and socialize with each other.”

On the otherhand, authorities are also questioned for hallow talks in this regard and every year just promising shelter homes and doing nothing.

Sheikh Imran, Deputy Mayor Srinagar City while talking with News Kashmir stated : “We would be definitely looking to possibility of setting old age homes at least in Srinagar city for elderly people as the time is taking negative direction and many  elderly are feeling heat of  troubled times in the this day and age, especially those who are abandoned either by their kids or are unfortunately childless. The pain of elderly people goes unnoticed in Kashmir and is being clearly sidelined by other issues. With the zeal and enthusiasm to give our city and Kashmir a new direction we would definitely try to give practical shape to the idea of perfect shelter for elderly people. ”

 

 

 

IFED (Initiative for Enlightment and Development) in collaboration AICIN Trust organized one day session on Guidance and Counseling

Posted on by Editor
IFED (Initiative for Enlightment and Development)  in collaboration AICIN Trust organized one day session on Guidance and Counseling on 09-12-2018 at Nagabal Ganderbal.In which Prof Dr Seemin Rubab from NIT Srinagar interacted with invited students from various High ,Higher Secondary and colleges and replied the queries of students regarding selection of career oriented subjects.
Mr Shabir Ahmad Paswal (Editor-in-Chief Weekly Rodaad-E-Qoum) said IFED takes active measures to mobilize the underprivileged and deprived children of the society towards education. It is working through its welfare projects & programs on education to enroll the dropout students of the adopted areas in the schools. Every type of educational help is provided to the poor and needy students at its recognized centers. Besides this IFED will endeavor to create opportunities of livelihood for the rural and urban needy people, especially the establishment of micro enterprises, agri-business activities, horticulture activities, fisheries, mushroom cultivation, animal husbandry, forestry and other activities provided by rural development and employment programs and provide awareness on self-employment. It is also the objective of IFED to arrange for financial help through establishing institutions for the poor minorities, women and the old aged people. In addition to this IFED is working for Disaster Management initiatives, Legal Awareness Initiatives, Research, Community Services and Coordination with NGOs, Governance Initiatives and Relief Distribution etc.
Mr Mashkoor Ahmad highlighted the issues and concerns of the society moreover he shared feedback which he received during fieldwork and relief distribution. He requested people to join hands with IFED for the betterment and upliftment of the society.
The other dignitaries who spoke on the occasion were, Patron AICIN Society Mr Aijaz Ahmad Chashti,Mr Imtiyaz Ahmad Hamdani,Mr Sajad Ahmad,Dr Mudasir, Mr Bilal Ahmad, Mr Uzair Ahmad,Mr Irshad Ahmad wani.Team IFED is in dire need of volunteers for Relief distribution and other activities for that they can contact on 9622458819/7006500597 or can mail at ifedsociety@gmail.com .

Kartarpur : Corridor of Peace

Posted on by Editor

News Kashmir Exclusive

In a big boost to the peace efforts between India and Pakistan  the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated few days back .The Kartarpur  is a  border corridor between India and Pakistan. It will connect the Sikh holy shrine of Dera Baba Nanak Sahib (located in Punjab, India) and the holy shrine of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The main goal of this proposed corridor is to facilitate the crossing of religious devotees from India to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, located in Narowal District, Pakistan, only 4.7 kilometres from the Pakistan-India border.

This step is a great boost to Sikh aspirations who revere and respect deeply these places. The move has come after long time and many decades .

As a matter of fact, In 2000, Pakistan agreed to allow Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the shrine without the need to present a passport or visa by constructing a bridge from the Indian side of the border to the shrine.

In August 2018, Punjab Minister and former MP Sidhu announced that Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa had told him that Pakistan would open the Dera Baba Nanak (Kartarpur) corridor on Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.

On 26 November 2018, the Vice President of India, S Venkaiah Naidu, laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak – Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Mann village, in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India.

On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor near the Narowal district of Punjab, Pakistan.Two Union Ministers of India, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri were present at the event in Pakistan. Former Indian MP  and current Minister in Punjab Cabinet Navjot Singh Sidhu and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla were also present.

Indian former cricketer and currently politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan role is lauded in opening of Kartarpur corridor.

Many see the opening of this corridor as the opening of peace corridor between two hostile neighbors.  All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), has welcomed the opening up of Kartarpur corridor and said that the step would help a lot in normalizing the strained relations between India and Pakistan.

In an important development, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said that people of Kashmir, especially the members of Sikh community, are “quite ecstatic over the development”.

He said the move would help the Sikhs of India to move towards the different religious places located in Pakistan.

“It is quite heartwarming that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan proposed the opening of Kartarpur corridor and the same was reciprocated with warm gesture by the Government of India. This shows that both the countries are quite serious in fostering good relations with each other,” said Raina.

 

 

Undoubtedly if not in short run but in long term Kartarpur Corridor is a step in right direction and move towards peace .

My life as Nigerian Lawyer

Posted on by Editor

Barr. Saadatu A. Mohammed Esq.

A very cold morning in the holy month of Ramadan, i was asked by my Principal to appear

before the Court of Appeal Judges Kaduna division to move an Application.

I was confused for a minute, because i was new and terrified of the court, those judges

intimidate even the most Senior Lawyers in the Land, let alone myself.

Even though i had a sleepless night, i was up as early as i could for my epic journey. Upon my

arrival, my case was No.11 on the causelist.

As i waited patiently for my turn, i watched with enormous fear how Senior Advocates were

being drilled and tossed around like a football. Few minutes later, case No.11 was called, my

mouth was as dry as the desert, as I stood up to speak i almost choked…

…..S.A Muhammad Miss is my name, i whispered in a very low tune. I became even more

terrified when My Lord gazed at me, but as i advanced i spoke evidently well if i may add.

They acknowledged that i was new and able… “Application is hereby granted–call the next

case”…

I stood up like a champ and took my leave.

That is my life as a Nigerian Lawyer.. Every session is a fight you just have to find a way to win….

Islamic cleric and writer Aga Syed Hussain Madni of Sonawari Passed away

Posted on by Editor

Kashmiri Islamic cleric and writer Aga Syed Hussain Madni of Sonawari Passed away few days back .Aga Syed Hussain Madni were among the prominent clerics in Nowgam Sonawari of District Bandipora and has worked tirelessly throughout his life time for the betterment of Islam and society.

Religious, Political and Social dignitaries expressed sorrow and termed his death as an irreparable loss and also offered condolence with his Son Aga Syed Muzaffar Madni and bereaved family.

Moral Degradation in Kashmir

Posted on by Editor

In a barbaric episode depicting height of crimes and moral degradation in the once revered valley of Kashmir, it is learnt that a mentally-challenged woman delivered a stillborn baby on November 20 after she was gang raped by two men near the respected Makhdoom Sahib shrine in Srinagar. A Kashmir-based social activist has put up a social media post of how the woman was forced to pull out the foetus all by herself and said she has now been taken to the hospital. We cannot brush aside the fact that Moral degradation has also adversely hit the valley of kashmir over the past few years. Growing drug addiction, vulgarity, loss of respect for elders are some of the evident realities that  we are also witnessing in once virtuous kashmiri society . All this is impacting the overall moral and intellectual  growth as a society.

 

 

.As a matter of truth, moral degradation is worse than a complex and serious disease with overwhelming long term consequences.  It refers to the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of morality and is seen as preceding or concomitant with the decline in quality of life as well as the decline of societies and nations.  it has destroyed individuals, families, dynasties and nations alike from within.  it starts slowly with seemingly harmless choices by some individuals but then it spreads like an epidemic affecting the society at large.

We need to wake up against rising heinous crimes in Kashmir. The ground pulse is that  we are  not far away when Kashmiris and human of other societies   would lose their identity. These vices cannot  be curbed by an individual effort but need a joint effort of our social, political and above all efforts of the religious leaders.

Fax Paus and the House of Cards!

Posted on by Editor

News Kashmir Exclusive

The recent dramatic dissolution of Jammu and Kashmir assembly has given rise to saga of controversies. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly on Wednesday evening after rival claims to form government from former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone, who is backed by the BJP. Ms Mufti said her Peoples’ Democratic Party has the support of arch-rival Omar Abdullah’s National Conference and the Congress.

Fax machine at Governor house became center of controversy. National Conference (NC) vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah said that the fax machine made a one way instrument just like a traffic signal light strangulated democracy as the outgoing faxes were sent but the incoming faxes couldn’t be received adding that “right to challenge the dissolution of assembly by taking a legal course lies with the PDP, the party which staked claim to form the government on our assurance for outside support and outright support by Congress party.”

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar Omar said, “strangely the fax machine was rendered defunct when PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti wanted to fax a letter for staking claim for formation of a government with our outside support and outright support by the Congress party but barely few minutes later the Governor’s fax machine worked when he sent an order on dissolution of assembly.”

 

Condemnation poured on national level as well.

Former Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav on Wednesday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no respect for democratic institutions.

He called the dissolution of the assembly in Jammu and Kashmir as the murder of democracy.

 

“I oppose and condemn the dissolution of Assembly in the State. This action of the Government is a visibly bias when alliance of major parties staked the claim for forming the government,” said Yadav, who now heads Loktantrik Janata Dal.

In a statement, Yadav said that recently, the Government in J&K allowed Urban Local bodies elections without participation of the major political parties in the State which was mockery of democracy.

 

Political analyst Mushtaq Ul-Haq Ahmad Sikander states : “

 

The misuse of constitutional powers by BJP backed Governor Satya Pal Malik, once again depicted BJPs sinister designs for Kashmir and Muslims. They want to destroy every institution of democracy, secularism and freedom of speech which constitute the fundamental values of constitution. Need of the hour is to unite against the fascist communal Hindutva led BJP. So Grand alliance of PDP, NC and Congress should be established so that a united defeat against BJP is realised.”

Many are terming the whole incident an already decided understanding or match fixing .

In this regard, calling dissolution of Assembly by Governor Satya Pal Malik a match fixing between various stake holders, AIP president and MLA Langate Engineer Rasheed has said that it is yet again proven that there is a controlled democracy in J&K. In a statement issued  Er Rasheed said, “while Governor’s decision to dissolve the Assembly was unconstitutional and immoral following what NC, PDP and Congress claimed as hectic efforts to form the government, the reaction and response to Governor’s decision by the constituents of grand Alliance is disgusting and disappointing. Dr. Farooq Abdullah without wasting a second welcomed Governor’s move and Congress leadership started changing its statements. PDP by not challenging the Governor’s decision in the Court got itself exposed to the real designs it had planned to achieve through this drama. It is obvious that none of the three constituents wanted to form the government and by just posturing themselves as defenders of Article 35-A and 370 they were addressing their own constituencies and executing the plan to keep Sajad Lone away from breaking PDP and forming the government

Undoubtedly the political temperatures have shot up with dissolution of assembly.

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan Unplugged

Posted on by Editor

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan Unplugged

 

The Show Must Go On !

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan is an actor of stage, Radio, Television and a filmmaker. He is also a theatre practitioner. He started his career back in 1988.

 

Born and brought up in Srinagar, Khan has acted in and has directed more than two dozen stage plays. He is one of the leading filmmakers of Kashmir and for the last more than 3 decades he has produced and directed more than 300 hundred documentary films / Tele Films/episodes of serials/music albums for DD Kashir, DD Urdu, J&K Tourism, Excise Department, Kashmir University and other clients.

 

Having completed his post graduation from Kashmir University in 1982, Khan has been awarded, honoured & felicitated from time to time by state cultural academy, other prestigious organisations and associations for his contribution in the field of theatre and filmmaking.

 

The filmmaker has also attended ‘Film Appreciation Course’ held under the joint auspices of NFAI (National Film Archives of India) & FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) in Pune (1997). He also attended “Basic Videography Course” held at FTII in 2006.

 

 

 

The Stalwart, who defied all barriers to bring World Class films to the Valley, who struggled against all odds, the cultural activist and The Man behind KWFF !!!

 

 

Recalling his struggling days, Khan said: “People have struggled in Bollywood but my struggle began from Kashmir itself. It was not easy to get the space in Radio, TV and Theatre in the beginning. In Radio, I cleared my audition in the third chance. In Theatre, I was made to serve tea to my seniors and I never felt ashamed of it. That’s how I have grown up”.

 

When asked about what kind of person he is, Khan replied with a smiling face, “I am a simple human. I love music, photography, theatre and films. I am an artistic person. I want to be surrounded by art, peace, love and everything that gives me solace. Earlier, music was my first passion and after music, it was acting. I acted extensively for Theatre, TV & Radio and enjoyed it. And later I started directing stage plays and TV films and TV Serials. Now I love both of the professions”.

 

Adding some flavour to the story, Khan said that he had to leave the dream city because of the unavoidable circumstances. “I was in Mumbai for two years. I acted in some serials. I had few meetings with film directors for few assignments but I couldn’t make it as I didn’t stay there for a long time due to some domestic issues at my home in Kashmir and I had to return back”

 

He is the first filmmaker of the valley, who produced & directed documentaries for UGC’s countrywide classroom through AVRC of Kashmir University.

 

He is the founder and director of ‘Kashmir World Film Festival’ – a first of its kind and magnitude in Kashmir. He is also working as Consultant with North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala at its Srinagar office. He is the Chairman of Actors Creative Theatre (ACT), an organisation, active in the field of Art, Culture, Film & Literature, since 1976.

 

Khan has been conducting film festivals, theatre festivals, theatre workshops, seminars, interactions, discussions and other functions on subjects like art, culture, film and literature involving hundreds and thousands of art loving people, especially youth.

 

Till date Khan has been felicitated with many awards – Infotel Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mohtarma Asiya Naqash (12th Nov. 2017), Was presented “Award of Honour” for his meritorious services in the field of Theatre and Film Making by “All Artists Welfare Association Jammu”, presented by State President BJP Shri Sat Sharma and Secretary Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Mr Azeez Hajni (22nd Dec. 2016 at Jammu), Short Film “Sula Mout” directed by him was awarded by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The award was presented by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Mr Kavinder Gupta (12th Oct. 2015), “Infotel Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir (Dec. 2014), “Athwas Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar (April 2011), The films “Ek afsana chaman ka” and “Tresh Ta Tarpan” produced and directed by him got “IInd Best Production” and “Consolation Award” respectively, in the first Film Festival/Competition of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani (March 2010), “Award of Excellence” for “Best contribution in TV & Theatre” awarded by Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora (October 2009), “Best Direction” and “Best Set Designer” for the stage play “Taqdeer Saaz” in the Theatre Festival of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The play was also awarded Best Production and got a total of nine awards, presented by Shri Vijay Baqaya (25 May 2009), “Academy’s Special prize of Best Direction” and “Best Set Designer” for the stage play “EK POTLI ARMANOON KI” in the Theatre Festival of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The play was also awarded Best Production (jointly), and got a total of eight awards, presented by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Saifuddin Soz (2006-07), “Best Set Designer” for the play “Jheel Bula Rahi Hai” in Doordarshan Srinagar’s Theatre Festival. The play which was directed by him was also awarded “3rd Best Production” and got a total of four awards, presented by His Excellency Gen. S. K. Sinha Governer of J&K State (2005), “Best Director” (Shakir & Aslam Memorial Award”) by Jehlum Art Media for directing Tele-film “Phirsaal” (2000), “Best Acting Award” for acting in the stage play “Bhoma” by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (1986) and “Special Prize” for acting in the stage play “Juloos” by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (1983).

 

He has many achievements to his credit. He has been awarded senior fellowship in the field of folk theatre for a period of two years by Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India (2009 – 2011). Has worked as a subject consultant in the Hindi Feature film “TAHAAN”, directed by Santosh Sivan (2007-08). The documentary film titled “KASHMIRI MUSIC” produced & directed by him in 1994 was screened in the International Film Festival, held in Srinagar, organised by Films Division and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (June 2007) and others.

 

Mushtaaque has also served as an expert and the judge for his outstanding knowledge regarding the subjects like art and culture. He was an expert in the selection committee of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, for the selection of Costume designer (Aug. 2006), a member of the panel of Jury in the Painting competition in Kashmir University (Nov. 2008), a member of the panel of Jury in the Theatre Festival/ Competition organised by ANHAD (Aug. 2009), a member of the panel of Jury in ANHAD’s Young Filmmakers Documentary Film Festival (Nov. 2009), was member of the panel of Jury in Folk Theatre festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala (Nov. 2009), was Judge in the 3-day Talent Hunt Programme, held at Bandipore by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (May 2011), an expert in the Auditions conducted by Song and Drama Division in Srinagar twice (July 2009 & May 2011), a member of the panel of jury in Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Srinagar (July 2013), a member of the panel of jury in the Drama Audition held by Radio Kashmir Srinagar (5th & 6th Aug. 2015), a member of the panel of jury in the Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Abhinav Theatre, Jammu (7th to 20th Dec 2015) and an expert for evaluating the plays for Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Srinagar (2017).

 

Being into the profession of filmmaking, Khan asserted that the Bollywood has not explored many destinations in the valley. “Be it for what reasons, but I believe that the film industry has not explored the valley properly. There are many beautiful places that I know personally, where they have not filmed so far and in contrary, I will say that in Kashmir there is a saying that wherever you open your camera, you get a perfect frame”

 

Explaining about Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) Khan’s latest venture, he said: “From the past few years, I had a dream of holding a film festival in Kashmir. I was planning for more than a year and finally, in 2017, I did it. The first edition of Kashmir World Film Festival was held in July 2017. In November 2017, we did its second edition and in June 2018 we returned for the 3rd one. Now, we are all set to host its 4th edition in November 2018,” Khan said.

 

“In the festival world, class films and the films from different states of India are screened. The films made on Kashmir get a special emphasis,” he added.

 

For his initiative of the film festival, Khan has been receiving an overwhelming response and support from all sections of the society and also from the Mumbai film industry. “I kept moving and people kept joining me. My wish is that the KWFF should continue even after my death. I strongly believe in “THE SHOW MUST GO ON,” he concluded.

 

 

Kashmir is one of the most challenging places to work for a journalist. -Kashmir Press Club holds an event on how to deal with problems faced by scribes.

Posted on by Editor

Srinagar: Kashmir is one of the most challenging places for journalists to report from, according to senior journalist Yusuf Jameel at a maiden event at Kashmir Press Club about “reporting in Kashmir: Challenges and Dealing with Harassment” on Saturday. Sharing titbits about his journalistic work in the Valley for more than three decades, he recalled that when a parcel bomb was planted at his BBC office in 1993, it resulted in the killing of his colleague Mushtaq Ali. In the aftermath, he was asked by J&K police to keep personal security guards for protection. “But I refused because I told the police officer who had come to me that I am a reporter not an editor who has stay in office,” he said. According to him, journalists have to face the challenges and make it part of their daily life. “I was even told to migrate after the blast but I trusted God and whatever will be in your fate will reach to you. No security guards can’t save people,” he said and pointed to slain Kashmir journalist Shujaat Bukhari who was killed along with his two police guards in Srinagar’s press enclave. Insisting that journalism demands sticking to truth, he said when he didn’t change after facing multiple attacks on his life, army gave up and realised he can’t not be bought. “When you are doing factual reporting, truth will prevail,” the veteran journalist told a gathering of journalists at the club. He advised young journalists to take precautions while reporting in on the ground. “Don’t instantly rush to spot where an attack occurs,” he said, “Young reporters should take precautions before going there. “But that doesn’t mean I am asking you not to visit spots. You need to plan from where you can reach the site,” he added. Senior advocate at J&K High Court Syed Faisal Qadri, who also spoke of the issue, explained how legal challenges can be mounted to journalists to contest cases. Pointing to challenging times and mounting attacks against journalists in India, he said risk of life always exists in conflict zone such as Kashmir. He said reporting annoys people in power and as a result journalists are being slapped with sedition cases. But he clarified writing or saying anything doesn’t amount to sedition. “Saying zindabad and murdabad is not anti-national or seditious,” Qadri said. He said laws for citizens and journalists are same and journalists should mount legal challenge to fight for their rights. Pointing out that no employer has right to throw out an employee without a substantial reason, he said rights of media workers are always protected even if there is written contract between employee and an employer. “Randomly an employer can’t throw out an employee. Even if there is a contract that too can be challenged in court,” Qadri said and added, “an employer can’t have hire and fire policy. Contract should have certain privileges attached to it”. He suggested that journalists should have a team of lawyers, who can challenge the system for any violations. Kashmir Press Club president, Shuja ul Haq said, “Throughout much of the world the journalists‘ rights to expression and access to information are changing. Incidents of physical harm, abuse, threat and even financial injury are also increasing.” According to the senior journalist, Kashmir being a conflict zone is no stranger to this phenomenon. “The only difference is that we tend to normalise this at times. We forget to create a discourse. That is what is required”, Shuja said. Journalists in the valley have been facing tough times in covering daily events. While many journalists have been killed during the decades old conflict several cases where journalists have been thrashed, beaten up, abused and harassed have been reported over the period of time.