Voices in Kashmir calling to follow Ramadan’s Message of peace and humanity

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The holy month of Ramadan has started in the entire Islamic world. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims desist from eating, drinking and sexual needs  from dawn until sunset.

As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about ten days each year depending on the moon. Pertinently, Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

With the recent ceasefire announcement by the Government during month of Ramadan the masses are hopeful that this Ramadan passes on peacefully and becomes a foundation for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Kashmir.

As a matter of fact, the Valley of Kashmir being predominantly a “Muslim” dominated area, so this holy month has special significance for the masses of Kashmir. The people of Kashmir are hopeful that peace and prosperity would return to Kashmir as virtue of this holy month.

We at the Kashmir News Bureau talked to diverse eminent, common voices to understand the basic crux of message of Ramadhan for global peace and humanity .

Eminent Scholar Professor .(Dr.)Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, Senior Faculty Member at Kashmir University’s Islamic Study Department , while talking to the Kashmir News Bureau stated – “Holy month of Ramadan is the month of blessing . The essence of fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality and is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of Allah. Every good deed in this life has its roots in the self control and Ramadhan teaches in best way us the self control. Self control is the best way to learn patience, develop abhorrence towards violent behavior and have control over greed. Ramadan Message via self control for us the humans is to develop the passion towards harbingering global peace and humanity . Values of mercy, self control , tolerance learned via fasting should be followed throughout the year so that we strengthen the roots of global peace and humanity . Ramadan fast should enrich our self control, tolerance towards opposite world views , the passion towards following right path in life and if right lessons are learnt Ramadhan would for sure be a significant path builder in promoting global peace and humanity.”

Moulana Khurshid Ahmad Qunango, eminent religious scholar stated – “Ramadan teaches us to have control over bodily desires and I am of firm belief that if we transmit the very ideals into reality we would via message of Ramadhan usher global peace and harmony throughout the world. Holy Quran was revealed in Ramadhan and its teachings are clear and apt : Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32. ) . The world of ours including Kashmir which is full of bloodshed and misfortunes can move towards a better times if we really follow the message of tolerance, human brotherhood and humanity learnt in Ramadan. In our part of world,  it is not just health, wealth and luxury for which the Muslims in Kashmir would toil during Ramadan, dignified peace is also at the top of their prayers . “

Irshad Ahmad, a commoner stated – “Ramadan is the holiest month of year for the Muslims throughout the world. We need to bear in mind that the essence of fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality and is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. If we take the overall teachings of Ramadan in real perspective then it should help us in becoming better human beings and believe in leading a life of peace and compassion. It should also makes us tolerant towards others religions and make us real humanity lover. I hope that our younger generation entangled in so many troubles would take correct lessons and usher in a peaceful way of life via teachings of Ramadan.”

The pulse from expert voices to masses is that the great message of Peace, Humanity should be followed in letter and spirit by the Muslims of Kashmir and Muslims of entire world.  With Ramadan ceasefire in effect the hopes and optimism of seeing a peaceful and prosperous Kashmir remain all time high. (KNB)

 

LOC: Line of Carnage

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

The tense situation on India- Pakistan borders is giving much cause to worry as situation on borders and line of control continues to remain grim. Borders and line of control between India and Pakistan have been volatile since long affecting adversely thousands of inhabitants in both the countries . Almost now on daily basis the innocent civilians have to pay heavy price of belligerent attitude of both countries as death count and injuries of civilians are high from both sides. The soldiers also lose their  precious lives due to these violent skirmishes on borders.

Due to continuous border shelling and firing traded by armies of two countries several heartrending incidents have occurred this year alone. On March 18, five members of a family were killed and two others injured when a mortar shell fired from across the LoC by Pakistan army hit a residential house in Balakote sector of Poonch district.  An army  porter was killed on 16 April  in cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Khursheed Ahmad (37) son of Mohammad Shareif of Nawa Runda who was working as a porter with army 4 madras unit, received a bullet injury in the neck and some grenade splinters in both legs near Chaukas fired by the Pakistani army.

In the just recent days, Five civilians were killed and nine others injured today in heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistani troops at Indian villages and border outposts along the International Border in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. For over a week, there has been continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Few months back Chief Miister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti had reminded Pakistan about the promise its former president Pervez Musharraf had made to former prime minister AB Vajpayee to maintain peace along the borders and sought its help in ending the bloodshed in the state.

 

She had also appealed to India to give up confrontation with Pakistan, saying it was the people of the state who were suffering due to the animosity between the two nations.

 

“We have to restart the reconciliation process with Pakistan and you (India) have a bigger role in the process in Jammu and Kashmir,”  Mehbooba Mufti had stated .

Mir Imran, Human Rights Defender, while talking to the News Kashmir  stated – “ The heartrending incidents occurring daily on borders and at line of control resulting in loss of precious human lives should end. Both India and Pakistan should address their burning issues via dialogue and for the sake of innocently civilians on both sides obey the border ceasefire. Escalation, violence and bloodshed will destroy both countries. War is not solution but talks and dialogue is the only way ahead.”

Undoubtedly, the increasing hostility at borders of India and Pakistan is in no way going to benefit anyone but only create havoc .

BLOODSHED PAINING KASHMIR

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The escalating bloodshed in the valley has rapidly become the center of attention for news headlines and analysis throughout the world. Bloodshed and violence has destroyed mental peace of common Kashmiris and also destroyed him or her on emotional levels, as loss of near and dear one means life-long trauma.

It is known to one and all Peace is a product of a positive mental attitude, while violence is the result of negative thinking. Peace is the natural state of society; violence is an unnatural state. Peace is as much in accordance with nature’s plan as violence is against it.

 

The pulse on the ground zero in Kashmir is that steps have to be taken to stem the monstrous cycle of never ending bloodshed in Kashmir. We talk to cross section of the society to understand the disastrous impacts of the continued bloodshed in the valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawyer and Political activist, Advocate Nazir Ahmad Malik, while talking to the Kashmir News Bureau on this serious issue stated – “Bloodshed has disastrous impacts on every Society. The loss of near and dear ones impacts the whole eco system of the society. India and Pakistan should initiate meaningful talks to end this ugly cycle of bloodshed. The whole fabric of Kashmiri society is disturbed as educated and highly professional youth are getting consumed.

 

As the former CM Omar Abdullah held the current govt responsible largely for pushing youth to wall and I agree with his assertions. The government should introspect and brainstorm with civil society to end this bloodshed. Both as a parent and lawyer, activist my heart bleeds due to this bloodshed.”

 

Many are also hopeful that if North and South Korea can have peace achieved why not in Kashmir.

 

Affan Yesvi, prominent Youth activist and columnist from Kashmir states – “Killing innocents in the name of different political or religious ideologies is wrong. When North Korea and South Korea can settle their decades old bilateral dispute and choose peace and mutual economic growth as the way forward, why can’t our region follow suit to end tragedies inflicted by violence.

 

Guns and bloodshed have never yielded positive, meaningful outcomes. Uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue is the only way stakeholders can resolve disputes, by coming to the table. One hopes that day comes soon for our region, before more bloodshed, before more loss of young, blossoming lives.”

 

On April 6, 2018 the State Chief Minister stressed the need to end the bloodshed. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti appealed to the country’s political leadership, cutting across party lines, to listen to the voices of pain from Jammu and Kashmir and help the people of the state get out of the vicious cycle of killings.

Syed Ilyas , social activist from Ganderbal district stated – “Bloodshed has an enormous impact on all the walks and streams of life . Younger generation when it becomes resistant to bloodshed becomes hardcore and overall pain caused due to it creates havoc. Its impacts on education field to all other fields are disastrous. Younger generation should be given direction through proper, calmer thoughts and vision .Stakeholders should take all the needed steps to ensure end to this bloodshed, as this is not solution to any problem. Muslim societies have suffered especially worst in past few decades due to bloodshed; dialogue and pen are way forward to ensure peace in societies. A common Kashmiri on ground zero feels disturbed due to this huge bloodshed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The voices of sanity in unison are stressing the need to end the gory scale of bloodshed in the Kashmir valley so that happiness once again returns on sad faces. (courtesy: KNB)

Police on Khanyar episode

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Today at 1100 Hrs, Police Station Khanyar received a call from Hotel Grand Mamta that an altercation has taken place at the hotel.
Accordingly a police party was deputed to the hotel, and it surfaced that a one woman (name withheld) and person namely Sameer Ahmed of Budgam had come to see some person. But the hotel receptions did not allow  them to meet the person .Meanwhile police party reached the spot and got all the persons to the police Station.
Subsequently it was learn the that the woman had come to meet an army officer. The identity and particulars of the army officer has been collected by the police as well.The officials were handed over to their unit after due recording their statements. The statement of woman is also being recorded for probing the matter.

Major Gogoi arrested

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Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi, who triggered controversy for using a Kashmiri man as ‘human shield’, during election day protests has reportedly been arrested by the police.

Senior Journalist Nazir Masoodi tweeted : Locals caught an Army major along with a girl in a Srinagar hotel, handed them over to police station Khanyar.Police say legal proceedings have been initiated. Major is posted at Beerwah area of Budgam district.

Another Journalist Aasif Suhaf tweeted : Army Major Gogoi (who had tied a person with jeep in april 2017 during by-elections) has been caught by locals & than handed over to police along with another person & a local girl from a local Hotel at Khanyar in Srinagar, Police initiated proceedings in the case .. top sources.

Nipah Virus Explained

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Q : What is Nipah Virus ?

 

A : Nipah virus was initially discovered when it caused an outbreak of brain fever among pig farmers in Malaysia.

 

 

Q : Should I be worried ?

 

A :  A little. As it is transmitted from person to person and there is no effective antiviral therapy for this infection .

 

Q : Who is at high risk ? How is it transmitted ?

 

A : 1. People working with pigs and consuming pigs.

 

  1. Farmers who come in contact with bats.

 

  1. Consuming Fruits which are already bitten by bat.

 

  1. Contact with people who already have Nipah virus infection.

 

 

Q : What are the early symptoms  ?

 

A : The initial presentation is non-specific, characterized by the sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain , nausea and vomiting. Neck rigidity and photophobia are also  seen.

The disease rapidly progresses, with deterioration in consciousness leading to coma within five to seven days.

 

Q :How is it diagnosed ?

 

A : The rdiagnosis is by ELISA which is currently  done at National institute of Virology, Pune.

 

Q : How is it treated ?

 

A : Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment and infected patients may require intensive care monitoring.

THERE IS NO APPROVED  SPECIFIC THERAPY FOR THIS INFECTION . So prevention is the only cure !

 

Q : How do i prevent it ?

 

A : 1. Avoid contact with pigs and pig handlers  .

 

  1. Maintain personal hygeine and intensive hand washing practices

 

  1. *Avoid consuming raw fruits,* Consume only well cooked, clean, home made food till the outbreak settles down.

 

  1. Preferably use N95 mask while travelling or working in public places to avoid person to person transmission.

 

  1. Be aware of the symptoms and report to the doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

 

 

  • Dr.Arjun.M.B, MD

Dr.R.M.L Hospital, New Delhi.

(National Nodal Centre for Control of yellow fever and other communicable diseases)

 

Historic Ordinance

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A historic ordinance to tackle sexual crimes against children has been approved by the Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra that will go long way in crushing brutal crimes.  Few days back, Governor N. N. Vohra has promulgated the Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 and the Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Children from Sexual Violence Ordinance, 2018.It comes in backdrop of  rise   in violence against women in general and sexual violence in particular in various parts of the country, including the State of J&K, need was felt to carry out certain amendments in the Criminal Laws (the Ranbir Penal Code, Samvat, 1989; the Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat, 1989; and the Evidence Act, Samvat, 1977) on the analogy of   the amendments made in the Central Criminal Law in 2018, said an official spokesman.

The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 seeks to amend: (i) the Ranbir Penal Code, Samvat, 1989; (ii) the Code of Criminal Procedure Samvat 1989; and (iii) the Evidence Act, Samvat, 1977.

The ordinance is being seen as path breaker and is generating positive vibes .

The salient features of the aforesaid Ordinance include:

Committing rape on a woman under sixteen years of age has been made punishable with rigorous imprisonment for twenty years and may extend to life sentence, which shall mean remainder of that person’s natural life. Committing rape on a woman under twelve years of age has been made punishable with death sentence.

Gang Rape on a woman under sixteen years of age has been made punishable with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life

Gang Rape on woman under twelve years of age has been made punishable with death sentence .Investigation in such cases is to be completed within a period of two months

Trial to be completed within six months and reasons for any delay shall need to be communicated to the High Court.It has been provided that no Bail shall be granted without hearing the Public Prosecutor.

In Nutshell, in curbing the heinous crimes against children especially girls this legislation is seen as a historic measure by all voices of sanity in unison.

Ramadan Truce: Waiting For Peace

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Farzana Mumtaz

In a big step forward the government of India announcing Ramadan ceasefire on the beginning of this holy  month of fasting the pain hit  people of Kashmir have expressed hope that the move of central government will bring calm, peace and prosperity in region.

 

Pertinently, the central government on Wednesday asked  security  forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. “The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observes Ramzan in a peaceful environment. HM Shri @rajnathsingh has informed the Chief Minister, J&K of Centre’s decision,” Tweeted Home Ministry of India, however, made it clear security Forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people

Majority of the voices in unison are applauding the move and hoping that ugly cycle of bloodshed and violence that has badly impacted Kashmir will come top end.

While applauding the ceasefire move of Centre the PDP senior leader Sartaj Madni has appreciated the move as historic and called on all parties to honour.

While talking to the News Kashmir, he stated -” Holy month of Ramadan is month of blessings and mercy. We hope for constructive progress achieved via this historic annoucement. We have seen enough of bloodshed and destruction and this is welcome breather for all of us. ”

Sartaj Madni hoped that this ceasefire will set a constructive precdence and be a good omen for one and all.

He stated that such steps prove conducive for peace building.

Inam un Nabi, Political analyst while talking to the News Kashmir started – “On Face value the offer of truce and ceasefire looks quite good and will offer some reprieve from bloodshed but we needed to have a far better ground work in order to have more far reaching and positive impacts and effects out of ceasefire, the absence of same Is making many say that this is half hearted and cosmetic measure. We all pray for peace and end to bloodshed but for that to happen effective ground work and series of confidence building measures to address the political issue of Kashmir need to be taken not just token measures.”

On the otherhand, the decision is also seen as an important victory of efforts of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. CM Tweeted “I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire & would like to thank @narendramodi ji & @rajnathsingh ji for their personal intervention. My gratitude also to the leaders & parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement.”

With fingers crossed all rational voices are hoping that ceasefire holds and becomes harbinger of peace and prosperity in troubled Kashmir valley.

Preserve Green Gold

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Forests which are also known as the Green Gold of any concerned region are vital to our existence. The decreasing forest cover due to human greed and development projects carved is making world pay a big price in form of rising temperatures and ecological imbalance.

Kashmir is famous  world over for its natural beauty. It is often called paradise on earth. Kashmir has unique gift of nature in form of its great gorgeous forests, which are throughout the year lush green and add dazzling dimensions to the natural beauty of Kashmir . But for quiet long time now, the green gold of Kashmir has been vandalized and the situation continues to remain bleak.

 

 

 

Famous for its lush green forests, the Kashmir valley is slowly losing its green cover as there is no stopping the haphazard and illegal cutting of trees and timber smuggling. Several reports from ground zero indicate that the green gold in Kashmir is openly being plundered by vested interests and the authorities seem to have turned a blind eye to the forests.

 

 

 

On account of ruthless cutting of forests, “Global warming” appears to have taken a toll on the climate patterns in Kashmir valley which has been experiencing a decline in snowfall and rise in temperature, a reality which even weather scientists have found.

 

On the other side of the spectrum , the last 3-4 decades have see massive  devastation of forests in almost every country, apart from for a few exceptions, mainly in the continent of Europe. Now, there are two kinds of countries: one, that have reversed the trend of deforestation, and, second, that be in this world with the sorry reality of declining forest cover. Sadly, we belong to the second category. The impact of deforestation is visibly destructive for us.

The need of the hour is for all the stakeholders to brainstorm in a collective manner and save the fragile forest cover of Kashmir from further destruction

Peace for Ramadhan

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News Kashmir Exclusive

Killings . killings and killings are haunting the valley of Kashmir since long time.  Six  Civilians died and scored got injured just a week back after five militants were killed in Shopian encounter, including an Assistant Professor of the Kashmir University.

To discuss the volatile situation and especially the escalating violence, A meeting of all parties in Jammu and Kashmir was convened by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti . It  has recommended that the centre announce a ceasefire with militants during the holy month of Ramadhan and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

 

As a matter of fact, Representatives of all parties in the state will also seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she added. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the state very soon.

“Young kids are telling their mothers — we are going for an encounter. I want to ask, how can we improve the situation? As a government, we need to find solutions to improve the lives of the next generation, of the youth in colleges and universities,” Ms Mufti told the meeting.

 

Importantly, Home ministry officials are worried about the recent spurt in encounters in the valley, particularly those in the past week. According to reports. This year, as many as 45 young men from Kashmir have joined the militant  ranks.

Since the holy Islamic month of Fasting Ramadhan is about to arrive many are hoping that it returns some sort of peace to the bruised and violence hit valley of Kashmir.

While talking to the News Kashmir, Muzamil Maqbool, a young peace activist stated – “ I think government of India must start the peace process with Pakistan on Kashmir as soon as possible. (Operation all out) won’t serve any purpose. With every youth getting killed in Kashmir, we are annihilating the issue more with people in tremendous grief sorrow and agony. All the stake holders must join their hands together to form a peace treaty not only for the month of Ramadhan but beyond and forever. Integral part aka atoot ang is burning. Those who claim it must wake up before it is too late.”

Pertinently, In November 2000, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajaypee had declared a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir for the holy month of Ramadhan. The ceasefire was extended for five more months by the before ending it on May 23, 2001.

That ceasefire announcement had followed a unilateral ceasefire by militant group Hizb-ul- Mujahideen in July 2000 that resulted in failed talks with then  Union Home Secretary Kamal Pande at Nehru Guest House Srinagar .The militant outfit withdrew its truce within two weeks after Government of India refused to accept its demand, mainly the inclusion of Pakistan in talks on Kashmir.

Hope is that Ramadhan 2018 becomes harbinger of peace and solace to pain hit Kashmir.