Choking Channels

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

In a development that has disappointed many the Jammu and Kashmir government has asked cable television operators in Srinagar, the state’s summer capital, to stop airing 30 channels broadcasting programmes based on news and religion. It said the move was necessary for the “maintenance of peace and tranquillity” in the region. As a matter of fact , Most of the channels are based in Pakistan, Iran,   and Saudi Arabia. J&K has been under Governor’s Rule since June 20 following the resignation of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who quit after her People’s Democratic Party-led government collapsed after losing  the support of its alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party

“It has become necessary and expedient in the larger interest of public and maintenance of peace and tranquility to prohibit you from transmitting non-permitted TV channels (which are not permitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India),” Srinagar’s additional district magistrate said in an order passed on July 12 in response to a communication from the state’s home department.

On the otherhand,  magistrate issued notices to cable networks SEN Digital Network and K9, quoting the department as saying that they were telecasting “unpermitted or banned” private satellite channels within the jurisdiction of the district.

Cable Tv operators haveen asked to close around 30 channels including Geo, ARY, QTV, Hadi TV, Karbala, Paigam, Peace TV Urdu, Noor, Sehar, Madani, Saudi Quran, Saudi Sunah and many other religious channels.

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Cable TV operators and masses have criticized the decision and termed it as a move aimed at choking them.“More than business loss, this ban will curb viewers’ choice. People will question our credibility once the Islamic channels go off-air especially since Hajj  is approaching fast. On one side we face the government directive and on other hand  strong public demand for these channels puts us in a catch-22 situation” said Amjad Noor, president of Cable operators association adding that thousands of people are associated with the cable TV business in the Valley.

Pertinently, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference also criticized   government for imposing a ban on the transmission of 30 channels operating through cable saying this diktat to cable operators is nothing but a move to block information and keep people of Kashmir away from the day to day happenings across the globe.

“It is surprising to see that even religious and sports channels have been banned and one would ask as to how such channels can pose a ‘threat to peace’ in Kashmir,” a spokesperson of the amalgam said in a statement.

He said in the present times of globalisation and the age of technology and social media, such gags and bans to block information are bound to fail and only reflects the “myopic and dictatorial” approach of authorities.

Definitely the decision to ban these channels is evoking criticism and negative reactions from several quarters.

Worrying Statistics

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The figures with reference to unabated bloodshed in the valley of Kashmr are simply worrying with 30 year old deadly conflict showing no signs of solution or easing down. Incessant bloodshed has pained humane hearts in Kashmir and every voice of sanity .

As a matter of fact, Hundred militants and 43 security personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of this year, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said on Wednesday.

Ahir, the minister of state for home, said 16 civilians were also killed during this period, which saw 256 incidents of violence. He was replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha.

On the otherhand, n 2017, 342 incidents of “violence” were reported in the state, in which 213 militants were killed. A total of 80 security personnel and 40 civilians were killed last year, Ahir said.

As many as 82 security personnel, 15 civilians and 150 militants were killed in the state in 2016, which witnessed 322 cases of “violence”, he said.Meanwhile, Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha that the Army has lost 106 personnel, including eight officers, in battle casualties in 2017.There were 155 non-fatal battle casualties last year, he said in a written response.

One hopes all the concerned stakeholders engage in effective brainstorming and put an end to this ugly cycle of violence as soon as possible so that last peace is established and no more families are rattled.

Desensitizing Death

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Life is a very very valuable endowment given to a living thing by god and all the sane voices have from time to time have stated that we need to value life. The overall contours of human life is to ensure that it creates a better world for all , and in a creative,  fearless manner think, exist and contribute .

 

Unfortunately over the past three decades of violent turmoil In Jammu and Kashmir especially in the Kashmir Valley, the life has simply lost its meaning. Deaths, killings, arrests, injuries, blinding have become ugly realities of life in the valley.  One cycle of death has been followed with other cycle of death . Fear has completely taken over the logic and reasoning.

In the year 2018 too we witnessed that the growing insurgency and mayhem  in violence –ravaged  Jammu and Kashmir state is exhibiting the ugliness and shrill  as of 90s decade when spilling of human blood was order of the day. Now every day we hear series of tragic news updates .

The level of destruction that we are in can be gauged from the  data published by a local English daily ‘Rising Kashmir’ on its 30th June issue which reads, “in first half of 2018, at least 192 people including civilians, militants, policemen and army men were killed in violence in the Valley.”

 

 

 

Jaffar Ahmad Allie , an educationist states – “ It is a grave tragedy that life is losing its meaning and essence in Kashmir to huge bouts of violence . History bear testimony to the basic reality that violent conflict wherever takes roots in the world it brings with it mayhem and destruction and frequently results in the loss of precious human lives.

Enough is enough and we all need to brainstorm how to restore back the value of life despite all odds .In the current times we need to formulate an effective strategy for saving the precious human lives and ensure eyes are saved  from blinding. Every sane human in pain hit Kashmir wants to live   a life of dignity and we plead, urge with utmost great concern to all the stakeholders of the conflict to ensure speedy peaceful conflict resolution.”

Undoubtedly it is high time that bloodshed is put to an end in Kashmir and value of human life not just restored in Kashmir but respected as tragically currently the urge and phenomenon of death is ruling roost over urge to live.

Women Self help groups

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An empowered women signifies an empowered society. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, recently  interacted with the members of Self Help Groups from across the country and beneficiaries of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, through video bridge. The interaction covered over one crore women representing various Self Help Groups.  This is the ninth interaction in the series by the Prime Minister through video conference with the beneficiaries of various Government schemes.

Expressing happiness in interacting with women from Self Help Groups of various states, Prime Minister said that each member is an inspiring example of resolution, collective efforts and entrepreneurship.  He said that women are enterprising, have enormous inner strength for self-reliance during odd circumstances, and they need only opportunities to perform. He added that it is impossible to imagine many sectors especially agriculture and diary, without the contribution of women. This is the true spirit of women empowerment all over the country.

Narendra Modi during the interaction said that Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission has been started in all states. He added that the aim of the scheme is to reach crores of poor households in 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and provide them sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also congratulated all States and Officials in the successful implementation of the scheme.

Talking about Self Help Groups (SHGs), Prime Minister said that Self Help Groups play a very important role in the economic and social advancement of poor, especially for women from rural strata of society.Through Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna, training has been given to over 33 lakh women farmers. At present there are 45 lakh Self Help Groups with active participation of around five crore women all over rural India.

We definitely need to give more impetus and encouragement to women self help groups.

Kashmir Working Journalist Association and Kashmir Journalist Association have taken strong note of the summoning of a Srinagar based journalist by National Investigative Agency for questioning to New Delhi

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*’Stop harassing Kashmiri Journalists’*
Srinagar: Kashmir Working Journalist Association and Kashmir Journalist Association have taken strong note of the summoning of a Srinagar based journalist by National Investigative Agency for questioning to New Delhi, terming it as intimidation and harassment of Kashmiri journalist.
Aqib Javed Hakim, an accredited journalist working with daily Kashmir Observer has been summoned to New Delhi by NIA, apparently for what appears to be a story he reported.
A joint statement from the associations, condemning the move, said the summoning reflects highhanded approach of the federal agency to ascribe motive to journalists’ professional work, and summon them like criminals.
It is also highly regrettable that Aqib has been summoned, out of station, at a very short notice, without giving a damn to how he manages to do it.
The NIA’s ham-handed approach towards journalism has earlier also been exposed in its detention of the Kashmiri journalist Kamran Yousuf, last year, in whose case, the NIA even tried to define journalism by its own skewed standards.
Like in India, journalists in Kashmir are coming under unwarranted threats and scrutiny, from both state and non state players. It is no surprise that India has dipped on the press freedom index, prompting global watchdog, RSF, to issue incident report on India. It would be in the national interest for the federal authorities, as well as J&K, to improve their record for press freedom, rather than resort to authoritative measures, that further malign the image of the country.
We also realize that the latest summon seems to part of a larger conspiracy to muzzle press freedom in Kashmir and terrorise its journalist fraternity.
The journalist fraternity in Kashmir cannot take the act lying down, and is watching the developments keenly.
We would also appeal the Governor J&K, N N Vohra to intervene in the matter, and ensure an end to harassment and intimidation of Kashmiri journalists by the policing agencies, failing which the journalists would be forced to stop working en-masse in protest.
*__By Spokespersons of KWJA and KJA*

Cracks in PDP

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

 

 

Cracks in the prominent political party of the Jammu and Kashmir state especially the Kashmir valley the People’s Democratic Party are with every passing moment getting more bigger and entire party looks in utter disarray.

From one top leader to the other we are now coming across frequent statements from the PDP leaders expressing displeasure over the manner party was being run and also expressing anger towards former  Chief Minister and Party head  Mehbooba Mufti.

 

 

‘The storm was kicked by senior leader and former minister Imran Raza Ansari who has almost  existed  the party.

“I have been telling Mehbooba Mufti for a while that I feel suffocated in this party. From the time she has joined PDP, she keeps thinking about benefits of her relatives. Nepotism has destroyed this party and the entire Kashmir,” Former minister and PDP leader Imran Raza Ansari told media here.

“I told Mehbooba Mufti some time ago that ‘humne aapko khuda-hafiz kar diya hai’. We are stuck for now as we are MLAs, but we are ready for elections. We want to work for public even if we have to change 50 parties for this purpose,” Imran Raza added.

 

His thoughts were echoed by People’s Democratic Party MLA Gulmarg Muhammad Abbas who  said on Monday he would follow in the footsteps of his party colleague Imran Raza Ansari who has openly criticisedMehbooba Mufti and her policies.

Abbas told a local news agency that he endorsed Ansari’s statement against the party leadership and blamed “a few” for hijacking the party.

Nasir Khuehami,  a young journalist reflecting on the issue of Cracks in PDP,  while talking to the News Kashmir stated :” We are certainly and surely seeing many cracks in the People’s Democratic Party which was just few weeks back the ruling party. Many are saying that nobody wants to be part of the sinking ship as we live in day and age when political opportunism rules the roost. It looks divisions and cracks in coming days will get widened and the rebellious elements from PDP might come handy to BJP in its dream of forming the government on its own .The biggest loser at this juncture of time seems to be PDP which seems to be with every day shrinking with its top leaders clearly expressing the dissent and dismay. Next few weeks would be thus also crucial to know as to whether we are heading for another unique government formation or we are heading for the elections. How far will the anti defection related things come into play would also be an interesting point to note,  but one thing is clear that cracks in PDP are now clearly far and wide. ”

Several other senior leaders too have joined the rebellious tone and definitely PDP looks a house totally out of order.

Water Crisis

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Water scarcity is one of the burning issues faced by world currently and this is expected to get worse with time. The scarcity  of fresh water throughout globe  is in future going to be number one concern . The conflicts and tensions over water, widespread deaths due to polluted water is now not an exception  and possibilities of an imminent war over water not being ruled out. Wisdomful  voices have  stated that water might be the main cause of future wars.

We in Jammu and Kashmir should also learn to preserve and conserve water otherwise we are doomed .

The worrying statistics  speak out for themselves. According to the 2001 Census, only 68.2 per cent of households in the country had access to safe drinking water. Experts say, as of now, 50 per cent of the villages have no source of protected drinking water. In a list of 122 countries rated on the quality of potable drinking water, India ranked a lowly 120. With 1.2 billion people to feed, it is estimated that by 2020, India will become an even more water-stressed nation. The availability of water per person per annum has been reduced from 6500 cubic meters to 2500 cubic meters. On the otherhand,  India’s supply of water is rapidly dwindling due primarily to mismanagement of water resources. India’s water crisis is predominantly a man-made problem. India’s climate is not particularly dry, nor is it lacking in rivers and groundwater.According to expert analysis,  extremely poor management, unclear laws, government corruption, and industrial and human waste have caused this water supply crunch and rendered what water is available practically useless due to the huge quantity of pollution.

We need to gather our acts together and start saving the resources of water with utmost urgency.

Making Cancer Treatment Affordable

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Cancer is one of the deadliest disease facing humanity with its advanced stages virtually still having no effective treatment available despite strides in medical technology. The need to make the treatment of cancer disease affordable is burning one indeed.

In a related development, Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has asked policy makers to put in efforts to make cancer treatment affordable. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the new State Cancer Institute Block at Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru in Karnataka , he expressed concern over the rising cost of cancer treatment. Governor of Karnataka, Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy and other dignitaries were present at the venue.

Vice President called for strengthening of preventive, curative and palliative care programmes at national and regional levels to combat the rising incidence of cancer.

No doubt, huge investments are needed for trained man power and equipment necessary for offering optimal treatment, but the government should explore various policy alternatives that would make cancer treatment affordable, he said.

The Vice President asked doctors to establish a regular communication with the patients, especially in a dreaded disease like cancer. Patients and their families need comfort. They need palliative care and more importantly kind words that make the pain bearable, he said.

Empathy and patience, care and compassion are qualities that can infuse hope in the hearts of patients and calm the troubled minds of the families, he said.

The Vice President stressed on the need to create greater awareness on the dangers of pollution, obesity, harmful use of tobacco, betel nuts and alcohol, leading sedentary lifestyle, eating junk and other foods linked to cancer. It is also equally important to take up periodic screening of people, especially those at risk of developing cancer.

 

Ground pulse is that we need to establish cancer units for early detection, diagnosis, treatment and to provide palliative care in rural areas where about 70 per cent of our population resides.

UNHRC Report Impact

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

 

On June 14, the Office of the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights released a first of its kind report documenting alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.

The 49-page report has strongly recommended UN-supervised inquiry commission to probe into the alleged atrocities against civilians by both Indian armed personnel and the militants.

 

 

 

Eminent Human Rights Activist Mir Imran, while talking to the News Kashmir stated : “The Indian state  is in denial about the civilians it’s killing in Kashmir. Civilians have been killed on a horrific scale. The report of UNHRC sheds light on how Indian security forces are responding to demonstrations that started in July 2016. It says, “Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries. Civil society estimates are that 130 to 145 civilians were killed by security forces between mid-July 2016 and end of March 2018, and 16 to 20 civilians were killed by armed groups in the same period. One of most dangerous weapons used against protesters during the unrest in 2016 was the pellet-firing shotgun.” Under international law, States must investigate and prosecute gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law. People in Kashmir are made to suffer and hope ‘UNHRC’ will use its good office and influence to persuade all the parties of the conflict to solve Kashmir issue once for all. The welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir should be overriding interest and all the parties of the conflict should respect the views and opinions of the people.

 

The political dimension of Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan has long been at the centre stage, but this is not a conflict frozen in time, Commissioner of the United Nations’ Human Rights Zaid Ra’ad Zedi Al Hassan told a press briefing in Geneva after the launch of UNHRC’s first-ever report on politico-military situation in both parts of Kashmir administered by India and Pakistan.

Recalling recent incidents of protests crushed under security jeeps, Zaid said, “Given all that we have learned, the current serious tensions including those stemming from a series of recent incidents in Srinagar, I urge the  security forces to exercise maximum restraint, and strictly abide by international standards governing the use of force, when dealing with the future protests.”

Sensational Development

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This week was quite sensational for the Jammu and Kashmir State .Nobody had thought that PDP BJP Government would end in such jiffy. ON 19 JUNE 2018,  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to pull out of the alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Described by the political pundits as  The ‘unholy’ alliance was formed on 1st March 2015 led by Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. On January 2016, following the demise of Mufti her daughter Mehbooba Mufti took charge of the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav made the surprise announcement after the party high command summoned its Jammu and Kashmir ministers for emergency consultations in New Delhi. A few hours later, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti submitted her resignation to Governor N N Vohra amid a swirl of political activity in Srinagar and New Delhi. Consequently Governor Rule was imposed in the state.

 

The December 2014 assembly election, which recorded one of the highest voter turnouts in Jammu and Kashmir, led to PDP emerging as the single largest party with 28 seats, BJP 25, National Conference 15 and Congress 12.

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“I am not shocked. We didn’t do this alliance for power. This alliance had a bigger motive- unilateral ceasefire, PM’s visit to Pakistan, withdrawal of cases against 11,000 youth are some of the objectives we achieved,” said Mehbooba Mufti while addressing a presser here at his residence.

Earlier, immediately after the press conference of Ram Madhav, Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said here that the BJP had committed a “Himalayan blunder” by forming a government with the PDP..

Certainly on political paradigms we witnessed no less than a shocker in the state.