Editor Shan-e- Kashmir bereaved

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Four member team of Jammu and Kashmir Editors Forum today visited Soibugh residence of Khalid Wani Editor in Chief Shan-e- Kashmir a  bonofied member of JKEF to condole on accidental death of his niece  who left heavenly abode on Tuesday .

 

Team members expresses   solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved family and stands with deceased  family at this hour grief and prayed for  eternal  peace to departed soul.

 

The Team members which include Rashid Rahil (Asian Mail) Farooq Wani (Brighter Kashmir)  Nisar Peerzada (Kashmir Traveller)

#MeToo movement empowering women to share their stories

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Me Too movement is proving to be great boon in making women worldwide to speak against the injustice they have faced at the hands of men.  The Me Too movement (or #MeToo movement), with many local and international alternatives, is a movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault  #MeToo spread virally in October 2017 as a hashtag used on social media in an attempt to demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace.[ It followed soon after the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Tarana Burke, an American social activist and community organizer, began using the phrase “Me Too” as early as 2006, and the phrase was later popularized by American actress Alyssa Milano, on Twitter in 2017. Milano encouraged victims of sexual harassment to tweet about it and “give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem”. This was met with success that included but was not limited to high-profile posts from several American celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd,Jennifer Lawrence,and Uma Thurman.

 

The Bollywood actor who helped trigger the #MeToo movement in India challenging sexual harassment and abuse sees it as part of her religious education after an experience 10 years ago she said effectively ended her career. “I feel God used me to start something which had to happen,” Tanushree Dutta told Reuters. “All these women had this buried deep in their hearts out of shame.”

Dutta, who said she was inspired by Christianity, Buddhism, yoga and the #MeToo movement in the United States, said last month that prominent actor Nana Patekar had sexually harassed her on the set of a movie in 2008. Patekar has denied wrongdoing.

The loud voice of justice raised by women via me too is paying dividends.

 

MJ Akbar, who faces multiple charges of sexual harassment, on Wednesday resigned as Union minister of state for external affairs.

 

“Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity, (sic)” he said in a statement.

 

“I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of minister of state for external affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country,” he added.

Senior journalist and The owner and Editor –in-Chief News Kashmir Farzana Mumtaz too recently gave a passionate outlook on the injustices faced by women in kashmir .Free Press Kashmir  described  her  struggle as –  A typical example of what Kashmiri women journalists go through while working on the field would be the life of Farzana Mumtaz. From family struggles to societal stigmas to professional challenges, she has faced it all and yet continues to grow and inspire many young journalists.

 

 

Scholarly Sacrifice!

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Research Scholar turned militant Mannan Wani, one of the top men of Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir Valley, was killed in an encounter with forces in Kupwara on Thursday . Clashes broke out in some pockets of the valley  after the news spread.

Pertinently, taking a cue from the aftermath of Burhan Wani’s killing, internet service has been snapped and all the educational institutions have been closed in the Kupwara district as precautionary measure.

 

The encounter at Langate — roughly 80 km from state capital Srinagar. Once a research scholar of the Aligarh Muslim University, Mannan Wani had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen earlier this year. He had gone missing from the Uttar Pradesh university, where he had been studying Applied Geology. A few days later, his photograph, holding what appeared to be a AK assault rifle, appeared on social media.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti  tweeted : Today a PhD scholar chose death over life & was killed in an encounter. His death is entirely our loss as we are losing young educated boys everyday.

On the otherhand of spectrum, as Kashmir lost in Handwara Gunbattle wonderful scholar DR. Mannan Wani PHD from world famous Aligarh Muslim University the serenity is filled with mourning and sense of loss.

It is a great loss for a small nation like Kashmir to lose scholars at this pace. He could have contributed immensely to field of knowledge in strife hit Kashmir had life and situation been kind.

We need to think, introspect, strategize where we as nation stand.

Relatedly, senior profreedom leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq tweeted :

Alas! heard the tragic news of #MananWani’s Martyrdom and of his associates! Deeply pained that we lost a budding intellectual and writer like him, fighting for the of cause of self-determination.JRL appeals to people to observe a complete #Shutdown tomorrow to pay homage to him.

Whole valley has burst into sadness, gloom after hearing the news of death of Scholar Mannan wani. Taking to Social Media outlet Facebook Research Scholar Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander wrote :” Death has knocked again at my door. Rest in Peace my friend Manaan Wani. I failed to convince you to return back from violent path. You have left me with nothing but tears and separation. We will inshallah meet in Jannah. Love you moon and back.”

Undoubtedly the loss of young scholars in Kashmir to gun is seen as biggest jolt to the knowledge pool of Kashmir and both India and Pakistan should take steps to see an end to this mayhem.

Jawaharnagar arm Loot Fallout

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In dramatic turn of events few days back, SPO, Adil Bashir, ran away with seven rifles and a pistol from the official residence of a PDP MLA , Aijaz Mir, from Jawahar Nagar area. This episode has created ripples in the security apparatus and goes on to prove how grave the nature of the overall situation in Kashmir is.

It has had its own repercussions. “Henceforth no unit/district SSP shall deploy any SPO for personal security officer (PSO) duties,” the order, issued by additional director general of police (ADGP) Munir Khan, said. Besides, Range DIGs have been asked to furnish list of all SPOs to the headquarters by October 5. “In case any SPO does not report back, honorarium may not be released and nominal roll of such SPOs be furnished to this headquarters so that their disengagement orders are issued,” reads the order,

On the otherhand, Khan said there were two reasons behind the move: to prevent accidental fire by these SPOs as they are not trained to shoot and to prevent any untoward incident like the one that occurred at Jawhar Nagar. On their part, the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team with superintendent of police South Srinagar as its head to investigate Jawahar Nagar case.

The SIT will investigate how the plan to loot weapons from the official residence of a legislator in Srinagar was executed by Adil Bashir, a resident of Zainapora Shopian, who has since joined Hizbul Mujahideen. Without a doubt the Arm loot at Jawahar Nagar by SPO proves the gravity of the situation .

ELECTION OR SELECTION?

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News Kashmir Exclusive

These are unprecedented  times  in the electoral history of Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to take control of, at least, seven municipal committees in Kashmir Valley unopposed in the elections.

Pertinently, This surprising and out of box development comes after the two main regional parties — National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party — decided to boycott the urban local body polls in protest against the Centre’s plan to scrap the special status of the state especially fiddling with the article 35 a.

All this has made election process look an affair of selection rather than election and heavily dented its credibility . It is worth noting that at least 60 candidates of the BJP have won their seats unopposed, and a majority of them fall in the volatile region of south Kashmir where, out of 20 municipalities in five districts, only four are likely to go to polls. The municipalities which are likely to be headed by BJP candidates are Devsar, Qazigund, Pahalgam, and Ashmuqam in south Kashmir, and Shopian and Sopore towns of north Kashmir.

“We have 350 candidates contesting in 600 municipal wards spread across 10 districts of the Valley. Our 60 candidates have won without fighting the elections. Out of them, six are Kashmiri Pandits,” Altaf Thakur, the BJP’s spokesperson in Srinagar, said on Tuesday at his office.

“After the first phase of nominations for elections was over, the rush of the candidates increased. We had to select among dozens of candidates. People have reposed faith in democracy and we will live up to their expectations,” Thakur said.

As a matter of fact, the 624 wards in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to go for the four-phase polls from 8 to 16 October. With elections lacking participation the main popular party touch experts and commoners are voicing concerns.

Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander, A PROMINENT political analyst stated : “ Local bodies elections are essential for a vibrant democracy. But in Kashmir the process has always been disrupted. With the intervention of the BJP  led center in J&K the space for regional parties has been curtailed. BJP joined the coalition government only to deceive and marginalise the regional parties. Now when both National conference and people’s democratic party have boycotted the elections BJP is adamant to go ahead with the process in which most seats would be won unopposed. Some of its members particularly the pandits in Jammu have filed nominations for Kashmir who in no way are representative of the wards or constituencies. The BJP  again is trying to choke the space and marginalise the regional parties, that will have disastrous ramifications for the future. This election in most cases has no representative character.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gandhi is so relevant …..

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Rameez Makhdoomi

Gandhi born on 2 october 1869 has remained a towering personality of human history. He not only lead the Indian freedom struggle to success but has had his positive influence all over humanity. Gandhism is a body of ideas that describes the inspiration, vision and the life work of Mohandas Gandhi. It is particularly associated with his contributions to the idea of nonviolent resistance, sometimes also called civil resistance. The two pillars of Gandhism are truth and non-violence.

A bullet from fascist silenced Gandhi in 1948 but it could not silence his great vision and positive  influence. Today when world is witness to hate between countries across continents , growing hate between societies, communal bigotry, ever rising crimes against women and minorities the ever refreshing  vision of  Gandhi that revenge, hate has only destruction as its product and only love, ethics  can heal are proving so correct .

In the Law of Our Species Gandhi writes these great words “ I am not a visionary. I claim to be a practical idealist. The religion of nonviolence is not meant merely for the rishis and saints. It is meant for the common people as well. Nonviolence is the law of our species as violence is the law of the brute. The spirit lies dormant in the brute and he knows no law but that of physical might. The dignity of man requires obedience to a higher law-to the strength of the spirit.

The rishis who discovered the law of nonviolence in the midst of violence were greater geniuses than Newton. They were themselves known the use of arms, they realized their uselessness, and taught a weary world that its salvation lay not through violence but through nonviolence.

Today humanity finds itself trapped in million issues of violent discourse , saga of hate, extremism  violence and thus echo the words of Gandhi “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.

When world currently is witnessing ugly conflicts between India and Pakistan, North and Soutrh Korea, USA and Russia , Iran and Saudi Arabia thus destroying humanity with violence from Kashmir, Syria, Iraq to Yemen , Libya , Congo etc . Airstrikes. Militia wars  and mighty weapons are only consuming innocents in hundreds thus proving Gandhi ever so right that eye for eye and vision of hate is self destructive monster for us .

As a student who has studied Gandhi I am of firm opinion that Gandhi would have never approved the route of nationalism by barrel of gun being imposed by Indian state in Kashmir. India and Indians don’t have to be after west and its ideals they have Gandhi to set the things right.

Gandhi would rightly point out that we need to change ourselves to bring positive change but the way modern humans are trying to be demigods and seeing not their inner faults but just of others it is destroying world. Thus Gandhi would aptly state : “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world; but to change ourselves”

The vision of Gandhi that power that speaks through barrel of gun will never win hearts is proving right , the argument that violence will only destroy us is proved so right by raised to ground cities and cultures in Middle East, South Asia and Africa . The power of Gandhian argument that hate, arrogance, lack of self introspection will lead us astray is always a righteous path .

Let us on the this Gandhijyanti pledge to shun hate . Gandhi Inspired and will continue to inspire while his killer Godse expired and vision vise too will always remain expired .

To conclude in the words of great man I appeal to larger humanity that It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings and when we leave this tendency to win a argument rather a person’s heart world will be gorgeous place to exist .

(The writer is a freelance Journalist and can be contacted at rameezh3@gmail.com. The article will appear in multiple outlets.)

 

Hopeless Youth: Waiting for Allah

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Youth is the season of hope and optimism  but   in Kashmir over the past three decades of never ending bloodshed , violence and unresolved issues Youth have bore the worst brunt of  all the bleak situations. Killings, protests, agitations , curfews, blinding, uncertainties, strikes have made youth of Kashmir to be always feel at  receiving end.

Everyday young educated minds getting killed in gunbattles and encounters is causing much worry to voices of sanity in Kashmir.

Democracy is the pulse  for our political system and Youth are its integral dimension . The  gross human rights violations faced by the youth of Kashmir coupled with absence of concrete political space in Kashmir is stated by many experts to be among the prominent reasons of youth being pushed to wall as youth neither find any respectable jobs nor any good  space in mainstream nor separatist polity.

Youth of Kashmir continue to remain disgruntled and get thus easily motivated by the violent path and have worryingly enough developed love towards death and hate towards life.

Young people are not given opportunities to prove themselves claiming that they are not equipped with experience to participate actively in the governance of the state.

Dynasty politics and its upper hand in mainstream polity of the state is a matter of great concern and a contributing factor in pushing youth to wall, according to ground zero voices.

Lateef ahmed , a youthful voice states “ We are aware about the importance of the young people in nation building  but we are losing our youth to never ending bloodshed and mayhem. Lack of political space is making matters worse for our youth. No doubt political parties in the mainstream and separatist polity need to show more generous approach while inducting youth into the polity and party fold but on the other hand youth too need to come forward and be patient while choosing politics as it demands lot of strength of mind. We also as society elders need to teach the youth of the Kashmir value of life .”

On the otherhand of the spectrum, steadily ban on student politics should be lifted in the state.

Many great minds are product of the student politics and have learnt lot through t and experts are of  firm belief that time has come to lift ban on the student politics in our part of the world. With time we should lift ban at student politics in top universities and regulate it in an effective way so that youth anger gets less. Jobs too need to be provided to youth at good pace to kill their alienation and also given more freedom from fear.

 

Encouraging Women Entrepreneurs

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Encouraging women entrepreneurs is the need of the hour in current times and same is being felt in India as women related issues have dominated the limelight in Indian discourse of late. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, (PMEGP), aimed at generating employment in rural and urban areas of the country, has helped women entrepreneurs set up 30,437 projects during 2016-17 and 2017-18 with financial assistance of over Rs. 85,305 lakh.  Pertinently, This was stated by the Minister of State (I/C) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) Giriraj Singh in a written reply in theLok Sabha today. Women entrepreneurs from the micro, small and medium sectors from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Odisha and Gujarat have been beneficiaries of the PMEGP. Under the scheme, the women entrepreneurs are provided 25% and 35% subsidies for the project set up in urban and rural areas respectively. For women beneficiaries, their contribution is 5% of the project cost while for general category it is 10%.The maximum cost of the project under PMEGP scheme is Rs.25.00 lakh for manufacturing sector units and Rs.10.00 lakh for units under service sector.

All round steps are needed and some are taken to encourage women in business.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) is also imparting training for skill development through 38 departmental and non-departmental training centresunder various disciplines.  During 2017-18, a total of 35955 women candidates were trained. The Minister further informed that the entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, can sell their products through 8058 sales outlets run by Khadi Institutions including 7 departmental outlets of KVIC located at Mumbai, Kolkata, Ernakulum, Bhopal, Goa, Patna and Delhi.

Giriraj Singh said that under domestic fairs and exhibition component of Marketing Assistance and Technology Upgradation (MATU) scheme, 100% of the space rent is paid for SC/ST/Women/ NER/PH category MSE units limited to Rs.20,000. In the case of technology trade fairs and exhibitions the limit is Rs.50,000. Under international trade fairs and exhibitionscomponent of MATU scheme, 100% of the space rent is paid for SC/ST/Women/NER MSE units subject to maximum Rs.1.00 lakh.

Inspirations from Karbala Battle

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The word Karbala is not just a name of place or any simple concept  but a concept that fills our heart, mind with million emotions and eyes with billion tears , The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) in the Karbala has inspired entire humanity and world renowned  thinkers and leaders have taken this tragedy as an inspiration in their respective struggles of justice. The tragedy of Karbala took place some 49 years after the death of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] in 61 Hijri (AD 680). Karbala and unprecedented heroic battle of Imam Hussain as finds no parallel in history and has inspired one and all. James Corne (Author of History of China) wrote –

“Hussain and his companions faced eight kinds of enemies. On the four sides the army of Yezid was their enemy which was ceaselessly raining arrows; the fifth foe was the sun of Arabia that was scorching the bodies; the sixth foe was the desert of Karbala the sands of which were scorching like a heated furnace; the seventh and eighth foes were the overpowering hunger and the unbearable thirst. Thus on those who fought with thousands of infidels in such conditions has ended bravado; on such a people no gallant (hero) can ever have pre-eminence.

 

 

African noted peace icon and leader Nelson Mandela wrote –“ I(Nelson Mandela) has spent more than 20 years in prison, then on one night I decided to surrender by signing all the terms and conditions of government. BUT suddenly I thought about Imam Hussain and Karbala movement and Imam Hussain give me strength to stand for right of freedom and liberation and I did.”

Battle of Karbala has inspired one and all.

 

Ashura teaches us essence of Salat!

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By Javeed Ali

 

Today is the Ashura of Muharram-ul-Haram 1440 AH. Each one of us is commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions which they gave for the revival of the Islamic principles in the battlefield of Karbala in Iraq. The event which happened in the year 61 of the lunar calendar gave impetus to Islam and laid the foundation of effective movement against the falsehood, immorality, arrogance, injustice, tyranny and oppression happening across time and space.
To all the tribulations and brutalities which were inflicted on Imam Hussain (A.S) and his loyalists, they faced them bravely and courageously and set exemplary lessons for all of us. Every Islamic and moral task was beautifully illustrated in Karbala by the martyrs due their steadfastness and commitment to their cause. These lessons of Karbala have created a treasure of sublime ethics and values for the whole humanity. There are many lessons which we can imbibe from Karbala, one such lesson is the importance of Salat (Namaz).
There is no doubt that Yazid and his soldiers crossed all limits in unleashing oppression and tyranny on Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his companions and brutally massacred them but couldn’t succeed in breaking their resolve and faith. Karbala martyrs stood firm to their noble cause and never deviated from their righteous path.
A day before Ashura (10th Muharram), Imam Hussain (A.S) pleaded for one night so that he and his companions could spend the last night in the worship and supplication. They spent the whole night in prayers, reciting Holy Quran and remembrance of Allah Almighty. Even the enemies acknowledged that the voices from the tent of Imam Hussain (A.S) on the night of Ashura were like the murmur of bees in the beehive.
Soon after morning prayers were offered, the enemy attacked and the battle started. All the atrocities and barbarism were thrown upon on Karbala martyrs. Despite all the cruelty and savagery of the enemies of Islam, Imam Hussain (A.S) set up for the Zuhar prayers with his nears and dears soaked in blood. Two of his companions shielded Imam Hussain (A.S) from the arrows and spears while he offered Salat. This is the clear indication that Salat is so important that two loyal followers of Imam Hussain (A.S) attained martyrdom while defending it.
There is a famous saying that friend of friend is a friend so if we claim that we love Imam Hussain (A.S) then we should love and follow everything whatever he loved and followed. Imam Hussain (A.S) loved Salat and the remembrance of Allah Almighty. If we assert that we love Imam Hussain (A.S) then how can we remain careless about performing our Salat. The honorable Imam even prostrated for the Asr prayers on Ashura with his body riddled with arrows, daggers and spears so how can we neglect Salat on the pretext of petty issues. A true follower and lover of Imam Hussain (A.S) whether he is Shia or Sunni will never abandon Salat whatever athe circumstances. As is being said anything beloved to a lover is to be venerated and idolized. Salat was very close to the heart of Imam Hussain (A.S) so it should also be close to our heart.
Commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (A.S) should renew our faith and belief. Participating in Muharram processions and congregations should rekindle our soul and it should make us more pious and devout. As Salat is of higher rank among the various acts of worship, therefore it should not be missed. Salat is a pillar of Islam and its being considered as the ascent (Meraj) of a believer.
Whatever deeds we perform for Islam and humanity will only be accepted in the court of Allah Almighty if our Salat gets acceptance. So, our remembrance and mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions in the battlefields of Karbala will only be rewarded if we offer our daily Salat punctually and religiously. Karbala occurred for the revival of Islam , so it should revive our faith and belief; if not then we have not yet understood the true significance of Karbala.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Taha, Surah No. 20, Verse No. 132:
“And enjoin prayer upon your family and adhere thou steadily unto it”
This verse clearly reveals that we should be punctual in our Salat and also we should persuade others for it.(Al Quran)
Let’s make a firm resolution this Muharam-ul-Haram that we will not skip any of our obligatory prayers and we will influence others to do the same. Inshallah!

 

-The author is a freelance writer and can be reached at javeedaliofkashmir@gmail.com