Kashmir Highway : Choked Vein

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News Kashmir Exclusive

Jammu Srinagar National Highway is a part of NH 44 (former name NH 1A before renumbering of all national highways) system and connects Srinagar (Kashmir Valley) with Jammu City. The distance between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar was 295 km and was reduced by about 30 km after commissioning of Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, new Banihal road tunnel and other small tunnels.

It is the only prominent road link connecting the valley of Kashmir with rest of country. As a matter of fact, All essentials of life are routed into the landlocked Kashmir Valley through this highway. To add to woes of masses in Kashmir the Hoarders and profiteers hike prices of essentials by creating artificial scarcity each time the highway remains closed for a longer period.

This year too owing to heavy snowfall in all winter, the highway in the most of times especially in the month of January has remained closed giving rise to multiple issues . Despite the promises made that rail link from Srinagar to Jammu would be operational soon the dream has remained so far elusive and will that remain functional during heavy snowfall also remains to be soon. Despite tunnels built the Jammu Srinagar highway has remained a weak point with landslides, blockades wrecking havoc every winter.

Also, the prices of air tickets  soar once highway get blocked.

We have also seen Hundreds of Kashmir-bound passengers stranded in Jammu for weeks this year due to highway closure and staged a massive demonstration, urging the government to take immediate steps to clear the road or airlift them to Kashmir. The passengers have often assembled at General Bus Stand Jammu urging authorities to be serious about their problems.

The high prices are a norm due to highway closures, and not having the enough quality cold storages and other mechanism remains an issue .

Malla Jameel Ahmed , a knowledgeable voice states : “In Kashmir valley, the storage of food is a big problem. The vegetable, fruit and cereal growers does not possess the knowledge regarding the storage of food and various means to increase the shelf life. Resultantly, lot of vegetable & fruit markets can be seen piled up with the waste of vegetable & fruit waste which get decomposed/putrefied due to improper storage. The cereal mainly rice which is distributed in government run fixed price shops are engulfed with rodents and other insects making it highly susceptible for human consumption. Thus we immediately see problems a road closes ”

 

 

 

 

Why US Empire incarcerated Marzieh Hashemi?

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By Javeed Ali

 

 

 

 

 

In this materialistic world a person who wants to support and spread the truth is not allowed to do so by those whose foundations are based on falsehood and deceit. Any voice of realism is being muzzled by those who survive on fabrication and falsification.  A cry for an oppressed soul is being trampled under the boots of oppressors. An opinion for peace is being eroded by those whose strategies are based on wars and deaths. An appeal for justice to marginalized and disadvantaged people is being caged by those who claim to be the defenders of human rights. A right of religion is being trammelled by those who create and groom terrorists. Discrimination in the name of caste, creed, religion or colour is being perpetuated by those who own and run corporate media.

 

 

 

There are some God-fearing individuals in this world who advocate and uphold the cause of suppressed and subjugated people. One such soul is Marzieh Hashemi. She is a journalist, anchor-woman, documentarian, presenter, voice-over artist and an analyst who is vocal for Muslims, Women Rights, African-Americans and other oppressed people in the world. She is critical about the American foreign policy and regime change plots. Marzieh is against the police brutalities towards black people in the US and she is also against the US–backed wars all across the world.

 

 

 

Marzieh Hashemi was born in an African-American Christian family as Melanie Franklin on December 21, 1959 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. During her journalism studies in Louisiana State University, the 1979 Islamic Revolution happened in Iran. She took interest in the events occurring in Iran at the time and researched about the Islamic Revolution and the life of Imam Khomeini (R.A.).  She was very inspired and finally converted to Islam in 1982 at the age of 22. She changed her name from Melanie Franklin to Marzieh Hashemi and married an Iranian. Marzieh worked with a number of Islamic magazines and newspapers. She was an activist in number of community organisations working for social justice and was confronting Islamophobia menace in the US.

 

 

 

In 2008 Marzieh moved to Iran and began hosting programs on Press TV. She has worked on numerous documentaries depicting the miserable and repressed condition of underprivileged people across the world. A strong proponent of the Palestinian cause, Marzieh also supports other oppressed people of the world. This is the main reason she is being harassed by the US authorities when she visits her relatives there. There is no doubt that it is her activism that has led to her unfair arrest. If Marzieh was like other government-fearing journalists she would be enjoying her freedom right now. If she wasn’t such a strong advocate for Palestine she would be considered harmless. Perhaps if she didn’t work for Press TV none of this would have happened. Her arrest, subsequent harassment by authorities, removal of her hijab. All of this would never have happened if Marzieh remained silent. Only those who speak the truth are targeted. That is a fact.

 

 

 

On 13thJanuary 2019 Marzieh was arrested by FBI agents in America when she was about to board a flight from St. Louis Lambert International Airport for Denver, to visit her ailing brother who is suffering from cancer. She was then transferred to Washington DC where she was handcuffed and shackled in an FBI detention center. Her Hijab (veil) was forcibly removed against her will and she was mistreated. Marzieh was given a short-sleeved T-Shirt in which her mug-shot was taken without her headscarf. After two days of her arrest, she was finally allowed to call her daughter. This was when she revealed the inhuman treatment meted out to her. Marzieh was given pork instead of Halal food which she refused to consume and has only eaten pretzels and bread. She is being held under custody without any crime or charges and is being treated as a criminal. Her family members and friends are very concerned about her health condition and they have demanded her immediate release.

 

 

 

US authorities have violated the religious and human rights of Marzieh Hashemi. They have also violated international laws and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which advocates freedom of opinion and expression. Marzieh Hashemi is being humiliated and tortured as she is the voice of the oppressed. Now it’s the moral obligation of each one of us to raise our voice against the tyrannical and wicked regime of America, that has illegally detained a 59-year-old veteran journalist who is also a mother and a grandmother. She is being intimidated as she has challenged the hegemony of imperialistic powers. It doesn’t matter that Marzieh is an American citizen, what matters is that she is against the system. And that is an unpardonable offense.

 

 

 

Let’s all join our hands and start a massive campaign on social media and press for her release. Already some journalists and human rights activists have started an online hashtag campaign such as #FreeMarziehHashemi and #Pray4MarziehHashemi. Journalists, writers, activists, intellectuals and other professionals should use their energy and platform and urge the International community to pressurize the US authorities, so that they release Marzieh Hashemi from this illegal imprisonment immediately.

 

 

 

May Allah Almighty keep Marzieh Hashemi in good health. Ameen

 

 

Shady NGO Business

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News Kashmir Exclusive

THE role of nongovernmental organizations in social work and philanthropic efforts are known to one and all. In the present world of fast globalization, technological and social advancements, the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a significant role in pushing for sustainable development at the National, local and international level.

Pertinently, Campaigning groups have been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the help towards human causes from regulation of hazardous wastes to a global ban on land mines and the elimination of slavery.

But NGOs in conflict and tragedy ridden Kashmir have just grown in numbers not doing any effective work.

Especially after the break out of violent conflict some three decades back, the Valley of Kashmir has also witnessed mushroom growth of NGOS, but the unambiguous grassroot pulse is that  these Ngos have failed miserably to perform their functions in a proper and positive way.

As a matter of fact, it is learnt that some time back we had  four thousand NGOS are registered in the State of Jammu& Kashmir, which is quiet an abnormal figure. To make the matters more worse it is learnt that Out of thousands registered NGO’s in state only about a handful percentage  are working on the ground in real spirit others are just on papers and minting money. According to expert voices no part on the planet earth except our state has such a high number of Ngos.

Many a voices are making it clear that time has come to trim the number of NGOs. Qurat-ul-Ain Masoodi., an eminent social activist , while talking to the News Kashmir stated : “ Yes the abnormal number of Non Governmental Organizations has been cause of concern and it has harmed the name of overall social works sector. One should not form NGO or join Social works sector just to mint money but with passion to serve people. Now slowly and steadily the government is on path since sometime to deregister the non performing NGOs which is a step in right direction.   NGO Sector should be properly regulated and governed and it is important need of our times.”

On the other hand of spectrum,  Ngos rose up in the name of rendering helping hand to thousands of orphan Childs of the Kashmir, as conflict rendered tens and thousands of children in Kashmir with the tag of orphans. There is also strangely a mushrooming growth of non government organizations in the last one and a half decade. But unfortunately, not even a fraction of the staggering figure of 50,000 to 80,000 orphans is being provided some kind of support.

The reality urges all  stakeholders to ensure NGO Sector in kashmir works honestly and efficiently.

 

The actual aim social work is to touch human lives and make a positive difference : Qurat-ul-Ain Masoodi

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Qurat-ul-Ain Masoodi  is a young and  dynamic social worker of Kashmir who has worked extensively on orphans and was brain behind the much appreciated recent mass weddings initiative. She is founder of AASH Hope of Kashmir NGO/Trust

In an exclusive interview, Qurat-ul-Ain Masoodi talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

What prompted you to give practical shape to your recent  mass marriage initiative in Kashmir?

I read a report in daily English daily that more than Ten thousand girls have passed marriageable age  in Kashmir and I decided to do something on it, and I used to get calls from age 50 and more years  women facing same issue .The conflict has hit us hard especially a daily wage class and this has resulted in this tragedy of girls of these families passing marriageable age. Nuclear families are in fashion and the compassion of that joint family is missing with poor girls thus  being at receiving end. .Plus our marriages being a costly affair and females discriminated already  , and thus getting them married was a weapon  of empowerment.

I consider myself as connection between upper and lower economy class and there are the people who trusted my organization and wanted to donate for the same purpose.

A bit about your journey?

We started in the year 2011  AASH Hope of Kashmir  and late Shujaat Bukhari mentored me lot and advised me to remain focused despite what people talk  .I started from orphanage as orphans have always been  close to my heart since   my parents had separated when I was just eight month old  . I have never seen my father. I believe  you either could translate your hatred  or vacuum in life towards destructive or constructive and I chanellized this energy towards positivity.

Although I never faced  financial crisis but faced emotional pain. Missionary school education helped a lot in imbibing social work values in me .I was the first person who got orphanage closed down for abuse, although some people had advised me to just close eyes but I fought till success  .

Have you  faced as a prominent Social activist the tagging culture that is common in our part of the world?

Yes unfortunately there is a good section of people here believing in tagging, as a matter of great misfortune we are judgmental people and make immediate judgments without base. That section says the agency would be behind mass marriages or any other noble work. Why will any secret agency do philanthropic work or marriages of needy section. I keep on telling people social work is amazing and I admire and love when people join me for same  .I come from a quite high profile background – my father has been academician at  Harvard, mother teacher, Uncle justice at court and cousin politician. I choose social work by my passion as serving others is my goal.

Would you agree that social work is disorganized sector in Kashmir ?

We definitely have a disorganized social work sector as our tragedy is that those who study social work are after degrees and want to be in just academics not social work. I am currently studying social work and completed masters. I have seen even some government employees joining social work and other well settled not to help needy but to making careers and minting money out of it , for me social work is close to my heart as it is my passion to serve humanity especially those in need.

It  is great tragedy that some people  ask you what you do beyond social work for bread and butter not knowing this is 24 into 7  job and you do not have even time to take breathe .Our organization  does not have enough money to get even my salary so I work as consultant for many organizations.

Are  we society of more talks less actions and more active on social media than ground zero?

When we do facebooking or campaigns on facebook they are in no means real social work, we talk lofty things and use high-class English on facebook but do not do much on ground. The actual aim social work is to touch human lives and make a positive difference. I worked with a gangrape victim in year 2015 who was raped by a neighbor and gave her meaning to live and fought for her justice, it was unfortunately no news for media and journalists probably due to lack of sensation.

Are we careless as nation when it comes to donating ?

 

Yes the problem in this regard is we either give donation without credibility or make a baseless remark that everyone is thief. Now for a good section of people the trend is changing and they are coming to me and other credible organizations to donate with credibility. I would reaffirm neither easily trust neither totally resort to lack of trust adopt a wisdom based approach according to your own verifications, knowledge.

Whom would you credit the success of your mass marriage initiative ?

I have been able to involve students as students are my hope and these volunteers have been great help to me in making mass marriages event successful.

NGO’S  have a wrong image here, your take ?

Someone had told me that NGO’s have a bad name and I replied that I have joined to change same . I did a sting operation and brought rot in open about an orphanage run by NGO open .

 

 

What changes would you like to see in social work sector in Kashmir ?

Accept social workers as social workers .Don’t be judgmental immediately. When you start organizations for purpose of social work do social work don’t look for your own benefits that then harms name of entire sector .

What is your message to those youth who want to go to social work?

I would like to say join social work sector only when you are passionate and don’t be in this sector just to mint money or achieve cheap limelight . I for long stayed away from media and if you get addicted to limelight your passion towards social work is lost .

I AM READY TO TREAD A LONG PATH : Dr. Shah Faesal

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I AM READY TO TREAD A LONG PATH : Dr. Shah Faesal

 

 

 

Dr. Shah Faesal born 17 May 1983  is a former  civil servant from Jammu and Kashmir. He has a very dynamic caliber .In 2009, he became the first Kashmiri to top the Indian Civil Services Examination and the first candidate from Kashmir in several years to be selected to the Indian Administrative Service through open merit. He resigned from IAS on 9th January 2019 citing unabated killings in Kashmir.

 

As a matter of fact, He was the first Kashmiri to top the Indian Civil Services Examination in 2009. He holds an MBBS degree from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences’SKIMS, Srinagar.

 

In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

 

 

 

 

You have stated that your resigning was result of unabated killings and bloodshed in Kashmir, when you topped IAS and became officer in 2009 at that time too killings were happening why not resignation then but now ?

 

First of all when you enter the system you entered it to deliver, and to understand and learn things. One does not enter system for resignation. The situation post 2013-14 especially  the new wave of eruption in 2016 pained me , and then I started rethinking that should I continue or not in service and speak about the things around and finally as you know resignation happens once in life not every time .

 

After your resignations the speculations are ripe that you are likely joining the National conference ?

 

I have not had the belief to choose easy paths in life. If choosing easy paths in life was my priority then I would not have resigned from job and secondly joined some established party to enjoy good post as per speculations in social media . I have made it clear that I am not joining any existing political party which has laid all speculations to rest .

 

What is your next step there is lot of curiosity about that ?

 

I have made it clear and requested masses  that I was out of country for some years and also in civil services some years and accordingly it is a must for me to know the ground sentiment. After my resignation a sea of people  especially the youth of Kashmir want to associate with me and to come out of this situation is not easy and had I been  just after power you would have seen me in campaigning for some Party .It is heartening that youth who has never interacted with system is coming to me and I want to engage with my people and youth . I am not after  MP or MLA position but I have made it clear I with my youth want to see if we can occupy the democratic space which is mostly currently held by corrupt lot . I am not after power grabbing but a long view to take careful decisions and get clean mandate not get such people elected who harm more our nation . The initiative which I envisage is long term and it can take even five or ten years but taking my peoples aspirations into count is must.

 

Politics is sometimes also about making your own decisions would you  entirely depend of feedback from people ?

 

My decisions are my decisions. Basically I am not the tradition politician who have degraded politics to crooked nature as I respect my people views and sentiments and cannot overlook them and take their feedback very serious. Ultimately I agree leader has to make his decisions as well .

 

Wouldn’t your leaving civil services leave the notion that civil services are  powerless  in nature  ?

 

No not at all civil services would not lose sheen. I have made it clear that I am  leaving civil services under constrains and there are burning problems which need immediate solutions that is why I have entered politics .

 

How would you balance between pro boycott youth and pro election ?

 

I agree it is a tough task and my thrust is to negotiate in between this space.  I would not take any step that disregards my peoples sentiments , I won’t show eagerness to immediately join electoral politics and take such steps that is seen as dishonoring the sacrifices and emotions of my people . I am ready to tread a long path .

 

You have talked of Imran Khan and Kejriwal but they have succeeded in free societies but ours is conflict ridden, don’t you think it is wrong analogy to compare them with Kashmir ?

 

We are not society or culture of slaves. When I talk about Imran khan and Arvind kejriwal I mean we too can create successful public movements .I appreciate their three methodologies , firstly they sacrificed a lot and secondly failed a lot and thirdly struggled a lot . It does not matter to me where did they achieve these things but methodologies matter to me.

 

Your resignations has lead to wave of resignations by other officer in favour of joining politics  How do you see it ?

 

I see it as a very positive development We have seen politics as a dirty thing and if good people want to join it then it is great development.

 

Your message to people ?

 

We have to learn trusting people despite having seen series of debacles  and betrayals. We cannot be at standstill and stagnant position which will offer no solution to huge bloodshed .We have to give new and honest voices a chance .

 

How do you see issue of youth killing in Kashmir ?

 

Youth annihilation is issue of entire Kashmir..The central government has to shun rigidity and I have tried to bring to their notice to this burning issue. We will have to talk with Government of India and have to make them sensitive about raging fires in Kashmir .

 

Many suggested  you to join hurriyat , your take ?

 

Joining Hurriyat is not easy task and you are imprisoned immediately . It is not in everyone’s mental strength to join Hurriyat and I agree I have taken a easier route as opposed to it .

 

 

Gulmarg Ski Academy organizes impressive Skiing training programme for kids

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News Kashmir Exclusive

Gulmarg  SKI Academy organized a training programme  for  5 to 15 year old kids at world famous Hill resort of Gulmarg Kashmir  for both local and non local children. The programme was held on 7 January .

Pertinently, the scores of Children who attended the Skiing training camp lauded the efforts of their trainers .  On the occasion, many kids who spoke to the media stated : “ We love the experience as we dream to achieve big in Skiing  sports . The Skiing trainers who are well versed like Afzal sir and Faizal sir made us aware about different crucial dimensions of the Skiing Sport . Playing the Skiing under the guard of dynamic  world class trainers has been a sound experience for all of us and we hope the skills we acquired here would enable us to achieve big in the world of skiing sports. We laud the efforts put in by Gulmarg Ski Academy to train us in this enthralling and beautiful sport of Skiing .”

Maria Samuels Director Gulmarg Ski Academy stated : “ We are determined to provide our budding kids all the necessary skills in the Skiing sports. We want our children to shine not just on national level in the Skiing sport but also on the international level. We have got the best training experts and infrastructure to train the kids and youth in all the dimensions of Skiing sports .”

Educationist GN Var also applauded the programme and termed it  important for children in multidimensional way . “ Today education involves holistic development of all aspects be it mental , physical development or the career development and such well designed programmes involving acquiring skills in  important and adventurous sports like Skiing help in all aspects .”

Asphyxiation deaths in Kashmir

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Kashmir is known for its harsh climate and people try to brace themselves with different gadgets so that to warm themselves .

People dying due to asphyxiation, a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing, is rampant across the Kashmir valley, claiming the largest chunk of the total deaths and it mostly occurs due to careless use of gas heaters Life in Kashmir during harsh winters is painful due to intense cold , this year too the main  water bodies like the Dal Lake go into a freeze, water taps in the homes and the main supply lines also get blocked as the water running in them turns into ice.

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In a heartrending incident, On Friday night, a heart wrenching incident happened at Bemina Srinagar due to suffocation caused by gas heater, claiming death of five family members including a child which is the most traumatic.

 

In one more incident in Burran village of Pattan in North Kashmir’s Baramullah district, a 13-year-old boy died and three others were hospitalised due to asphyxiation.

 

According to the medical advisers, the excessive use of heaters often leads to nausea or even death. Children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, older people, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease are at increased risk.

The need of the hour is to aware people about how to carefully use warming gadgets especially the gas heaters .

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Kashmir: Youth at Crossroads

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Youth are termed season of hope but in Kashmir this youth has suffered most due to ongoing conflict and violence that continues unabated since past three decades.

The unresolved Kashmir conflict has taken a worst toll on the youth of Kashmir. In last few years a renewed trend has been witnessed among the youth of Kashmir with reference to adopting the Armed path of resistance and thus losing their precious lives.

With the resignation of Dr. Shah Faesal from the IAS, who had shot to limelight by topping the famed IAS exams few years back proved this crossroads point behind doubt. The Prime speculation is that he will join politics.

Heightened violence in the year 2018 claimed most the lives of youth .

 

Renowned Social activist and researcher Muzamil Maqbool stated :”The youth of Kashmir are at crossroads. There is an environment of disappointment among youth as scores of youth have lost their life in violent conflict and youth are confused among different political narratives. The debate is on whether to join the electoral politics is a good move or not and youth are thinking about it. Need of an hour is to create a platform for everyone especially for youth where they can have their say. Where they can share their thoughts and ideas with each and get heard but unfortunately time and again policy makers and leaders everywhere have failed to address the ground realities. In these  tough times all we can hope is to have a peaceful and better future for everyone. Otherwise we are leaving nothing for the generations to come.”

On the other hand the political buzz has also heated up.

 

 

Reiterating that everyone should respect the decision of IAS topper Shah Faesal AIP president Er. Rasheed has appealed Shah Faesal not to let people down and prove his words. While addressing a press conference in Srinagar , Er. Rasheed said Shah Faesal’s resignation from the services has proved that sincere people can’t serve under corrupt political dispensation and is authentication of the fact that Kashmiris are being denied their rights and are facing worst state Terrorism. Er. Rasheed said “what so ever reasons Shah Faesal has cited for his resignation, it yet again reveals and confirms that New Delhi is treating J&K as a colony and the Kashmiri officers especially hailing from majority community are facing discrimination and alienation within the system, Otherwise an IAS topper would never have been compelled to leave the job as he could have served more as a top class bureaucrats than as politician. Shah Faesal is absolute right in saying that Kashmiris get killed, tortured, humiliated and are being deprived of their fundamental rights. It is for Shah Faesal to decide how he can achieve his goal or fight for the rights of Kashmiris.” Er. Rasheed said that while taking next step is Shah Faesal’s own choice but his joining any party not with good track record will lead to confusions and the intentions of Shah Faesal will come under question mark.

 

The pulse of ground zero is that youth in Kashmir are definitely on crossroads and need a balm to their wounds.

 

Jamia Desecrated: Sanctity Soiled

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

In a dramatic development, a group of youngsters, carrying ISIS flags, forcibly entered the historic Jamia Masjid here and created a ruckus on the eve of Friday prayers on 28 December, 2018. The video of the incident went viral on the social media on Saturday.

 

This act of them resulted in evoking widespread condemnation from the mosque’s management committee and the profreedom leadership .

The incident occurred after the congregational Friday prayers when most of the people had left the mosque, officials said, adding that the youngsters were later chased away by those present there.

Pertinently, The officials said  Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivered the Friday sermon at the mosque, had also left before the incident took place.

“A group of youngsters, wearing masks, forced their entry into the mosque and rushed to the pulpit where the Mirwaiz delivers the sermon. One of them stood atop the pulpit and shouted slogans. They were carrying ISIS flags,” said an official.

On the otherhand , Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly protest the ‘desecration’ of Jamia Masjid by masked youth supporting ISIS. Mirwaiz, who is also the head priest of the grand mosque said that such hooliganism will not be tolerated..

All the voices of sanity are aghast over the act, Sofi Mushtaq, Youth President Awami Action committee, while talking to the News Kashmir  stated : This was totally hooligan act, you go in a vulgar manner in the sacred pulpit of Jamia Mosque is unacceptable . These type of acts deserve utmost condemnation as the violate sanctity of mosque. We hope good sense prevail on these misguided youth and they do not repeat such evil acts in future. Jamia Mosque represents our emotions and is a very sacred place for faithful. All the voices of sanity in unison have condemned this bad act..”

On the otherhand of the spectrum, Asserting that the footprints of global terror outfit ISIS were not large in Kashmir valley, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh, however, said that the fact that a section of the youth were being radicalized on those lines can’t be denied.

The DGP said an illusion is being created by some elements that ISIS has a very large presence in the valley by waving their flags publically, but that is not true.

“But the fact that people are being radicalized on those lines can’t be denied,” he warned.

Without a doubt all the concerned voices are expressing deep anguish over the desecration of Jamia by goon elements.

 

The voice of the downtrodden & marginalized communities in national politics has become weak : Pramod Kureel

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Pramod Kureel (Ex MP-Rajya Sabha) is an eminent Bahujan politician , writer of India .He is National Convener  of National Campaign to Save Bahujan Movement (NCSBM) and National Convener  National Bahujan Alliance (NBA).

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Pramod Kureel talks to Rameez Makhdoomi .

 

 

 

Rameez Makhdoomi : Your Roadmap for 2019 General Elections ?

 

Pramod Kureel : To mobilize & crystallize various “Bahujan minded” Political, Social organizations from across the country, we have launched “National Bahujan Alliance” (NBA) in August 2017 in New Delhi to give an effective and formidable challenge to two main (Brahminical) alliances viz. the BJP led NDA & the Congress led UPA. Because of the wrong policies and selfish approach of Ms Mayawati (BSP President), the voice of the downtrodden & marginalized communities in national politics has become weak. As a result, there is great deal of frustration and resentment amongst, not just the cadres & supporters of BSP, but also amongst the larger SC/STs, Backward Castes and Religious Minorities who have been subjected to a drastic increase in the number of atrocities against them. The last four & a half years of BJP/RSS rule in the country has really made the situation really frightening for them. As the BJP & Congress are nothing but two sides of the same coin has never been a secret, Kanshi Ram ji formed this party (BSP) around 35 years back with its stated aim of “Social Transformation & Economic Emancipation of the Bahujan Samaj”. But Mayawati’s planned (successive) deviation/dilution/distortion & destruction of the “Bahujan Ideology” in the past one & a half decade has resulted in the big downfall of the BSP. Yet the missionary cadres, supporters, and well wishers of BSP are eagerly looking for an “Ideologically & Politically correct” national alternative.

 

National Bahujan Alliance (NBA) is a logical and timely step in that direction. We have plans to contest 250 (or more) seats in the coming parliamentary elections across the country. Talks are on with many like-minded political/social organizations in various states.

 

 

Rameez Makhdoomi : How far will Bahujan Movement succeed in election?

Pramod Kureel : Success or, for that matter, failure of any political party or Movement (in elections) depends upon many factors. Though, because of Mayawati’s ‘sarvjan’ misadventure in the past one decade has certainly caused a major setback to the Bahujan Movement across India, it can be said that the worst is over now. People have started understanding the nefarious ‘sarvjan’ game plan of Mayawati, supported by brahminical co-conspirators within BSP and even outside of it. With the Mayawati game getting almost fully exposed now, I can visualize new openings for the Bahujan Movement to grow nationally in the coming times. As far as, the answer to your question in the context of 2019 General elections is concerned, I would just say (at this juncture) that I see a “bright light at the end of the dark tunnel”.

 

Rameez Makhdoomi : Your memories from Rajya Sabha?

Pramod Kureel : It has been quite an interesting (& certainly, educating) experience in the Rajya Sabha, though my tenure was a rather short one (just 20 months or so). Even in such a short tenure, I got a chance to participate in many debates on a number of important issues. My first speech (maiden speech) in Rajya Sabha was on Nalanda University Bill in which I spoke for around 25 minutes. Even my last speech was 45 minutes long on which I touched upon many issues pertaining to the interests of poor, downtrodden people of our country. More than anything else, I was a great learning experience which (I believe) helped me in growing as a person/political activist.

On the flip side also, I learnt as to what are the shortcomings in our democratic/parliamentary system. There are many issues that certainly need to be addressed for our democratic polity to grow & become stronger. But then, yes, we are all in an evolutionary process….!

 

Rameez Makhdoomi : Reasons to rebel with Mayawati…?

Pramod Kureel : There are many, but none of them are personal in nature. I joined this great (Bahujan) Movement more than 2 decades back even though I had no inclination to join politics as such. Having completed my Masters in Architecture from a prestigious Institution in Delhi, I was more inclined (at that time) to pursue my professional career. But the, A chance meeting (in 1996) with our great leader Kanshi Ram ji changed the course of my life. I entered this Movement (BSP) not as a career option but as a “mission” to do my bit for the society in which I was born (i.e. Dalit Community). Since I have always had a strong inclination as well as a natural flair for writing (in Hindi as well English), I chose to work for the small media wing of the party. During this time, I must have written more that 350-400 Articles/News items etc on various socio-political issues in our party’s journal (Bahujan Sangthak, with Kanshi Ram ji himself as Editor). I even used to travel a lot across the country to cover Kanshi Ram ji’s political rallies and other important programmes. It was really a very satisfying feeling to work for such a great movement under the dynamic and honest leadership of Kanshi Ram ji.

But with Mayawati ascension (It’s a long story as to what, how & why it happened), “Misssion” soon got converted into “Commission” and “Leadership” got changed into “Dealership”. BSP was reduced to just a private limited company with Mayawati and her CLOSE ‘associates’ (especially Pandit Satish Chandra Mishra, besides her own family members) acting as partners in this ‘company’. Besides that, the matter of (suspicious) death of Kanshi Ram ji in 2006 was the final blow to this Movement and the BSP. I have openly said time and again (with ample proofs) that it was Mayawati who KILLED Kanshi Ram ji (in collusion with brahminical forces). Now, totally she is in the grip of the same (brahminical) forces who used her to get rid of Kanshi Ram ji. But then, life has come full circle for Mayawati, undoubtedly. She is in the tight clutches of those brahminical forces who used her, exploiting her greedy & over ambitious mentality. She can’t escape now. The people of Bahujan Samaj, who were earlier trusting her blindly, have finally started seeing the reality and looking for a suitable political alternative (within the Bahujan fold). We are trying to give that alternative.

It would be pertinent to underline here that I am still very much a part of BSP-neither have I been expelled nor have I resigned. We are running this national level campaign “within” the BSP i.e. National Campaign to Save Bahujan Movement and our “slogan” is – Remove Mayawati-Save BSP.

 

Rameez Makhdoomi : Has Bahujan Movement been hijacked…?

Pramod Kureel : Mayawati, who has been playing in the hands of brahminical forces was trying to do just that i.e. hijack BSP and use it as her personal fiefdom. For some time (& to some extent) she did succeed in ‘hijacking’ the BSP but now her conspiratorial game is out in the open. She stands exposed totally and now, sooner or later, she & her brahminical accomplices shall need to run away. A time is coming when the BSP shall again be in the hands of the honest & committed missionary cadres of Kanshi Ram ji. Mayawati and her “gang of thugs” have no future now. 2019 (elections) would certainly prove to be the proverbial “last nail in the coffin” of Mayawati.

Rameez Makhdoomi : What are your predictions for 2019 general elections..?

Pramod Kureel : A fast sinking BJP is opening up newer avenues of possibilities in the national politics. Congress is trying to come up after its hiatus but still has a long way to go. Even though people are very angry with Modi govt. and its many “misadventures” in the past 5 years, they have yet to forget the numerous black deeds of Congress party’s govt. It’s common refrain amongst the masses at the grassroots that BJP & Congress are nothing but two sides of the same (brahminical) coin. Both have been tested time and again and both stand exposed today. People are seeking a new alternative. Situation is still very fluid so I would desist from giving any definite prediction about 2019 at this juncture.

Rameez Makhdoomi : How strong is Kanshi Ram thought on grassroots…?

Pramod Kureel : Kanshi Ram ji’s thought is not just very strong at the grass roots at this juncture, I would say that it is getting more relevant and acceptable amongst the common people (especially Dalits, OBCs and Muslims) now. The logic behind this is quite simple –BJP today stands discredited; Congress is already a discredited party. Mayawati betrayal with Ambedkarite ideology and “Kanshi Ram Thought” has left a big vacuum in the political scenario at the national level. She is now largely seen by the majority of common Bahujans, not as an “asset’ but a “liability”. If one surfs through the social media, one can clearly see that there is a strong anti-brahminism/anti-BJP/anti-Congress & even anti-Mayawati undercurrent across the country. In my opinion, the ONLY hope people now have is in the revival of the “Kanshi Ram thought” in this country. In my humble view, only this “Kanshi Ram Thought” can emerge as the proverbial “silver lining” in this dark & dingy (political) scenario that envelops India’s socio-political firmament today.  I am very hopeful of its revival; rather I see it coming.

Rameez Makhdoomi : How has social engineering affected struggle of oppressed  like Dalits…?

Pramod Kureel : First of all, let me say it emphatically that there was, in first place, nothing like any so called ‘social engineering’ in reality; it was just a hogwash created by brahminical elements (especially brahminical media) to infiltrate and hijack BSP. A corrupt, pliable, too ambitious and somewhat idiotic Mayawati came handy in this game plan. The success of BSP in 2007 UP Assembly elections was largely on account of anger against earlier SP govt……. AND on account of big sympathy wave towards Kanshi Ram ji who had ‘died’ just 6 months before the elections (8th Oct. 2006). This infiltration of the brahminical elements into BSP has certainly weakened the BSP, damaged its credibility in the eyes of its core support base, especially Dalits. Because of this weakening of BSP, it’s not just Dalits (SC/STs) whose condition has become more precarious but OBCs and Religious Minorities also, especially Muslims for whom BSP had earlier emerged as a big hope.