Missing Children

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Missing Children 

News kashmir Exclusive 
The number of missing children in Jammu and Kashmir, and in almost all the parts of country call for an immediate action against heinous network of human trafficking. The missing of a child destroys entire family and means life long pain . The recent missing of child from Awoora Kupwara has caused tremendous pain to his family and society .Recently,  Former Rajya Sabha member and senior leader, Mir Mohammad Fayaz  announced an additional reward of Rs 2 lacs for those who give any information about missing child from Awoora area of Kupwara district.
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Mir Fayaz wrote, “I feel & share the pain of this missing child. In this time of distress, apart from District Police Kupwara reward, I, hereby, announce an additional amount of Rs 2 lacs from my side, if anyone gives information about his whereabouts.”
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Imam Din also  visited the home of an 8-year-old boy. He was accompanied by SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; concerned DDC Member and BDC Chairperson, besides, officers.On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner expressed sympathy with the family of the missing child and said that the administration is standing shoulder to shoulder with them in tracing out their child. He appealed to the people to support the police and administration in finding the child.The data on missing children in Jammu and Kashmir is worrisome to say the least .National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data has revealed that 627 children have gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir by 2020. They include 350 boys and 277 girls. In 2020 alone, 230 children including 167 girls and 63 boys went missing in Jammu and Kashmir.The NCRB data suggested that the recovery rate of the missing children in Jammu and Kashmir is a mere 29.2 percent.We have many heart rending examples in this regard. Mehran from Srinagar , three-and-a-half-year-old boy who went missing outside his home 13 years ago and remains untraceable, causing much trauma to his family and parents .
The country level data of missing children is also painful. Every eight minutes, a child goes missing in India. According to the annual National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) “Crime in India” 2019 report, a total of 73,138 children were reported missing last year. The report also states that the number of missing children has increased by 8.9% in 2019.
The need of the hour is that in the entire country a strong mechanism is brought into place that crushes evil forces behind missing of our children.  Missing of a child is a worst catastrophe for family.

Children

Hijab Row

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Hijab Row

News kashmir  Monitoring  Desk 


The issue of Hijab Ban  that erupted the southern state of Karnataka  is now a much serious and divisive issue .

In the beginning of January 2022, a dispute erupted in the  state of Karnataka, when Muslim students wearing hijab in a junior college were denied entry to classes.Over the following weeks, it spread to several other schools and colleges across the state. On 5 February 2022, the Karnataka government issued an order stating that uniforms must be worn compulsorily where policies exist and no exception can be made for the wearing of hijab. Several schools cited this order and denied entry to Muslim girls wearing the hijab.Following this, petitions with regard to this issue were filed in the Karnataka High Court. The High Court issued an interim order restraining all students from wearing any form of religious attire. On 8 February 2022, the Government of Karnataka announced the closure of high schools and colleges for three days after protests and disputes over the wearing of hijab intensified. When the schools reopened on 14 February 2022, the High Court order was implemented in all schools and colleges of Karnataka, asking the students to remove hijabs at the school gates.On the other hand, 
India had another run-in with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) few days back  after the latter expressed “deep concerns” over the ongoing hijab controversy and “continued attacks targeting Muslims and their places of worship”. In its response, India accused the OIC of working with a communal mindset and said the organisation continues to be hijacked by vested interests to further their nefarious propaganda against India.Difference between hijab and burqa
The hijab is a headscarf that covers the hair, neck, and sometimes a woman’s shoulders. The burqa, on the other hand, is a one-piece veil that covers the face and body, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through.further hardening of the stand, the Karnataka government also recently  issued a circular which says that wearing ofhijabis not permitted in minority institutions run under the state government.Secretary for Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf Department Major P. Manivannan stated that, the interim order of the full bench of the High Court also applies to residential schools run under the Minority Welfare Department and Moulana Azad Model Schools (English medium).The banning of Hijab in the Karnataka educational  institutions is giving rise to many controversies .

Stray Terror

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Stray Terror News Kashmir  Concern 

Stray Dog menace is hitting very badly Kashmir. The heart of Kashmir Capital  City Srinagar  seems to be worst hit along with North Kashmir  district of Baramulla .Few days back in a heart rending episode on 6 February,  2022 A 10-year old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district The incident resulted in  strong protest by the locals who said that the stray dog population in the area has increased manifold as garbage was being dumped in the area by different Municipal Council authorities.Only few months back , 33-year-old man from Sangrampora area of Sopore, who was grievously injured in a canine attack 12 days ago succumbed at home .Last month only , six-year-old boy was injured after he was attacked by a group of stray dogs at Malpora village of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla District .To curb this stray dog menace the sterilization of dogs is the need of the hour  .Except for Srinagar, there are no dog sterilisation programmes in any other district of Kashmir, including Baramulla that is hit hard by dog menace. As a matter of fact , Canine sterilization is a set of commonly undertaken procedures designed to render a dog or bitch (male or female canine) incapable of reproduction. These procedures made their way into the veterinary lexicon after the issue of canine overpopulation.On the other hand of the spectrum,  From historic area of Lakchowk to Naseem Bagh , Baghat to Buchpora stray dog seem to be causing big issues for masses .
The need of the hour is also that masses respect environment  and dogs are provided food and nice habitats so that they don’t turn as killer dogs .It is quite visible on ground zero that residents of Srinagar are not impressive about  SMC’s ambitious dog sterilisation programme which is yet to take off in big manner  while the increasing population of dogs is posing threat to human beings.Dog bites are causing much havoc in Kashmir . As per a report by the department of Community Medicines, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, around 58,869 persons were bitten by the dogs in the last ten years in Kashmir.In the last five years, 30,000 dog bite cases have been reported in Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS) alone. While topping the list in 2020 more than 2,800 cases of dog bites were reported in Srinagar only.Precious human lives too are being lost by stray dog bites . All these grim realities  call upon the authorities  to ensure  a wide ranging of measures to tackle the menace of stray dog bites .

Acid Horror

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Farzana Mumtaz /Rameez Makhdoomi 
Acid attack is the most heinous crime against humanity.  Acid attacks have been often committed against women to oppress them. Srinagar acid attack recently rattled the whole Kashmir Valley. A 24-year-old girl sustained burn injuries in her face and eyes following an acid attack in Srinagar on 1 February 2022 Tuesday evening. Police sources said a group of persons attacked the girl with acid outside her business unit at Osmania Colony at around 6 pm. The girl, who hails from Eidgah area of downtown Srinagar, was rushed to SMHS hospital. 

In a move widely appreciated, The Jammu and Kashmir police said they had arrested three accused and sealed a shop for the illegal sale of acid. After the preliminary investigation and technical analysis, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Superintendent of Police Raja Zuhaib said the victim, who is from Srinagar’s Eidgah area, had rejected the engagement proposal of the accused who started stalking her. “The accused [also from Srinagar] used to work in a medical shop. The swift action by Jammu and Kashmir police against culprits was widely lauded. The attack has once again brought to the fore the open sale of acid in the market. According to the Supreme Court guidelines, the seller and purchaser must have a license, and shops selling acid are mandatorily required to maintain a record of sale and purchase.

The SC also made it compulsory for the shopkeepers to record the reasons for purchase. The court has also banned the selling of acid in any case to a person who is below 18 years. The social and civil circles are saying and demanding that those behind the heinous crime should be given stringent punishment so that such incidents are put to an end. The expert pulse is that acid attacks are a form of violence, in which acid or another corrosive substance is thrown at a person – usually a woman or a girl – with the intention of maiming, torturing, or killing them.
Acid attacks perpetrated against women and girls are used as a means to permanently scar the survivor – they are an extreme form of violence against women and girls. They are used because so much bearing is placed on the physical appearance of women and girls.
It is painful to note that with deep burns and condition worsening by every hour, a team of doctors is struggling to salvage the eyesight of the Srinagar acid attack victim. An uncertain outlook and a long journey – is their description of her present condition.

Rising Fire Incidents in Kashmir

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News Kashmir Exclusive

Since past few years fire incidents are on rise in the valley of Kashmir. The fire incidents especially increase in the winter months , when often incidents involving Kangri and blowers adds to the grim reality.  Due to more burden on electric circuits short circuit too in winter is a common thing. Just on 27 January a massive fire broke out in a building at Posh area of Rajbagh area of Srinagar . The upper portion of the building was heavily damaged due to fire.

Around four fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse off the flames.Many commercial offices were gutted in the fire incidents.It is a worrying fact that facts and figures with reference to fire incidents are worrying in Kashmir. According to the Fire and Emergency Services, there were 2,342 fire incidents in the year 2021, including 341 fires in the month of December 2021, in which property worth Rs. 70 crore was damaged.as per official figures, across Kashmir Division, the Fire & Emergency Department received 2242 fire calls from January to December 2021, during which 75 people lost their lives.

In the fire incidents reported in Kashmir, over 1700 structures have been damaged in one year and the total damage suffered has been recorded as over 70 crore rupees. As per figures, during the period, 448 fire calls were received from district Srinagar which also included 11 false calls.In the fire incidents in one year, 5 lives were lost in the district while 12 were injured and over 350 structures were damaged. As per the officials, in Srinagar, the property worth over 26 crore rupees was also damaged.

During the year 2021, Budgam received a total of 179 fire calls, and over 100 structures were damaged in the incidents of the blaze while the property worth 4.5 crore rupees was damaged.The need of the hour is to raise awareness among masses to stop rising fire incidents especially during winters in Kashmir.We need to widen the horizon of fire stations in the Kashmir valley and provide them with all the latest technology and infrastructure to stop fires immediately  . The fireman in Kashmir have displayed immense courage while putting their lives at risk during fire episodes .The damages these fire incidents in Kashmir cause in terms of financial loss and sometimes tragic human loss is matter of great concern.

OYINDRILA RAY GHOSH – Top Celebrity Fashion Stylist

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By Rameez Makhdoomi

Celebrity stylist, Oyindrila Ray Ghosh talks to Rameez Makhdoomi on finding success in the fashion industry. 

A trailblazer in the field of fashion, Oyindrila Ray Ghosh is an award winning fashion designer, celebrity stylist, creative director, model, influencer, columnist, marketing and branding expert. A two time TEDx speaker with over a decade of styling experience, Oyindrila has styled A-list Bollywood celebrities, ad campaigns for some of the biggest brands, TV and web series, and India’s top CEOs and entrepreneurs. 

Coming from humble beginnings, Oyindrila’s career and success is an inspiration to millions of youngsters who dream of making it big in the fashion industry. Talking about her childhood, Oyindrila was an academically meritorious student who was expected to follow a traditional career path to become an engineer or a doctor. Instead, she chose to follow her passion and pursued a career in fashion. 
“I have always been quite drawn towards fashion from an early age. I would fill countless notebooks with garment sketches, binge on trend reports, fashion magazines and fashion shows. By the age of 14, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in fashion.”
“As a high school student with limited access to information, and no one in the family even remotely associated with the fashion industry, the only way I knew of working in fashion was to become a fashion designer. I didn’t even know that there was a role of fashion stylist that existed back then. So in 10th grade I decided to pursue fashion design, and secured a seat at India’s top fashion institute, National Institute of Fashion Technology. While I was in NIFT, I was continuously approached by photographers and designers and I won several pageants like Chennai Times Fresh Face and Cadbury Radio Mirchi Miss Fresher which lead to modelling. While I was on these shoots,seeing my fashion acumen,  some of the photographers asked me to style their shoots as well. That is how I started styling. As time progressed and my work got noticed, I kept getting more projects. By the time I finished college, I had already styled fashion calendars, runway shows, editorials and ad campaigns. 
Although my first full time job post college was for the role of a designer, I was heavily involved in styling the campaigns and lookbooks. I also kept getting offered styling jobs alongside. Eventually when I decided  to quit my full  time design role and start my own venture, I already had a vast body of work in styling.” Oyindrila got her first opportunity to style Bollywood actress, Mouni Roy came barely a couple of  months into going solo and that  put her on the map. But coming from a typical middle class Indian family with no connections in the fashion industry or Bollywood, Oyindrila’s journey in the fashion industry has been one full of challenges and lessons. The fashion industry is known to be cut throat, elitist and not very welcoming to outsiders. Oyindrila has carved a niche for herself in this highly competitive industry in the past decade and continues to thrive. “Grit, determination and persistence in the face of adversity”, says Oyindrila. She has an enviable client list ranging from Bollywood actors and actresses, international brands, TV shows and webseries,  and India’s top entrepreneurs and CEOs. 

The fashionista’s success comes from loving her craft and wanting to make an impact. “I love that I can transform not only their wardrobes and style but also their personality, confidence, and lives through my work. It is this ability to make this monumental impact in a person’s life that makes me love what I do.”

A  piece of advice that Oyindrila Ray Ghosh has for budding fashion stylists. “ Master the basics. Educate yourself on the basics of a garment- fabrics, trims, sewing, brands, designers etc. Also, gain as much experience as possible- work under a professional stylist to learn the ropes of the trade. It not only trains you, but also opens numerous doors. And most importantly, understand your client and their needs.”As much as Oyindrila Ray Ghosh is known for styling celebrities, she is also a fashion icon and trendsetter herself. Her edgy and bold style has a massive fan following on social media. “Fashion and style is a form of personal expression. My personal style is a reflection  of who I am “, says the celebrity stylist, model and fashion influencer. 
She shares some style secrets that everyone can follow to look stylish instantly. “Firstly, find your signature style, and own it. Your signature style gives someone a sneak peak into your personality. It’s about knowing who you are, what looks good on you and aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations. Second, no matter what your style, make sure your clothes fit well. The right undergarments to go with your outfit and a good tailor who can customise the fit of the garment to suit your body, can instantly elevate any look. And lastly, confidence is key.”

Lockdown Returns

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Lockdown Returns

News Kashmir Exclusive

The global pandemic of Coronavirus ragging the world since past two years is not at all receding . Millions have died and crores infected due to pandemic . The economies of almost all the countries have suffered utmost havoc . The fear is that if pandemic continues any further world will witness doom .In Jammu and Kashmir the Coronavirus pandemic has had its hard impacts . Thousands have died and lacs infected.  The fear of lockdown returning in a full fledged way is in offing . The reviving tourism industry has received big jolts. The tourists who had planned their visits have cancelled their bookings.  The Government in order to grapple with rising cases has ordered a weekend curfew known as Corona Curfew .Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday 20 January, 2022  recorded the highest single-day spike of 5992 new COVID-19 cases- 4,072 in Kashmir and 1920 in Jammu-even as five new deaths were reported in Jammu division and two in Kashmir in the last 24 hours.
The case tally till that date  had  risen to 3,78,661 while the death toll jumped to 4,586-2,349 in Kashmir and 2,237 in Jammu, officials said.Taking cognisance of the rising COVID-19 cases in the union territory, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta on Thursday impressed upon all departments to permit a suitable percentage of the workforce to work from home.Mehta gave this direction during a meeting of the COVID task force to review the rising coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir. He directed the strict implementation of the CAB and set protocols to break the chain of transmission.On the other hand , Jammu and Kashmir government started on Monday (January 10) started administering the booster dose of the COVID vaccine to its eligible population, which includes healthcare and frontline workers, and the immune-compromised senior citizens.In a bright development, Deaths as against active cases have been significantly lower in the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic than the previous one, the government said on recently underlining the current surge is not witnessing increase in severe illness or death following high vaccination uptake.A new study in two states that compares coronavirus protection from prior infection and vaccination concludes getting the shots is still the safest way to prevent COVID-19.The study examined infections in New York and California last summer and fall and found people who were both vaccinated and had survived a prior bout of COVID-19 had the most protection.One hopes that Jammu and Kashmir sees through this third Covid wave with minimum damage and the devestating lockdown hampering the livelihood of masses does not happen .

Covid Uptick

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Covid Uptick 

News Kashmir Exclusive
With the global and national coronavirus cases once again getting out of hand , we are undoubtedly in third wave of pandemic in India. The cases of Coronavirus are definitely on rise in Jammu and Kashmir too .We are undoubtedly witnessing a steep rise in the cases of Coronavirus both in Jammu and Kashmir as well .On January 13, 2022, 1966 new positive cases of COVID, 889 from Jammu division and 1077 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 35016. Also, 05 Covid deaths have been reported; 02 from Jammu Division and 03 from Kashmir Division.
Delhi saw the biggest-ever daily spike in Covid infectionsThursday with 28,867 new Covid cases as the positivity rate surged to 29 per cent, indicating that for every three tests conducted, one person is testing positive.Experts are urging masses to adhere to masks and sanitizers once again .With the detection of few cases of Omicron in Kashmir valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday advised people to take precautions to protect themselves from the new variant of Covid-19.
“Simple precautions would help prevent the spread of the variant,” said DAK President and Influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
. 
“Masks act as barrier, trapping and filtering out virus particles from the air we breathe,” he said.
“If the infected person wears a mask, that reduces the risk of infection to those around them. If the uninfected person wears a mask, that reduces the risk of infection to them from the infected person,” he added.
The DAK President said people are advised to avoid crowding and gatherings. 
“Crowding puts you at higher risk of getting Omicron and it increases the chances for the virus to spread in the community,” he said.
“If you are down with respiratory symptoms, self isolate and get tested,” said Dr Nisar. 
“If your test turns positive, report to the health authorities for tracing your contacts,” he said adding contact tracing is an important tool to prevent the virus from spreading in the community.
General Secretary DAK Dr Arshad Ali said vaccine remains the single best tool against Covid-19 and its variants including Omicron. 
“Fully vaccinated people have significant protection against Omicron infection, serious illness and death,” he said.
“Those who are unvaccinated should go and get it now. People who are eligible for boosters should take them as soon as possible to protect themselves, their families, loved ones and the community,” he added.
Spokesperson DAK Dr Riyaz Ahmad Dagga said Omicron is more contagious than delta which devastated us in the second wave. We don’t know how Omicron will impact our senior citizens and immunocompromised.
“Even though Omicron causes less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm our hospitals,” One hopes that we in Jammu and Kashmir are awake about the rising number of Coronavirus cases once again in Jammu and Kashmir .

Weather Vagaries

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Weather Vagaries

News Kashmir Exclusive
The heavy snowfall is seeming to make a come back in the valley of Kashmir since last few winters . At one time the winters of Kashmir had gone total dry .Now , again this year due to snowfall and weather upheaval the masses are facing problems . The traditional road links are getting closed . The airport too has witnessed many cancelled flights .After witnessing two days of disruption, with as many as 79 flight cancellations, 35 out of 45 scheduled flights arrived at the Srinagar International Airport on Thursday 6 January, 2021 as Kashmir saw a significant improvement in weather conditions.The prices of essential commodities get increased which causes much hardships to the masses of Kashmir .In a bright development though , The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the winter preparedness, supply, and stocking of essential commodities across the Kashmir Division and snowbound districts of Jammu province including Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch, and Rajouri.One hopes that meetings are implemented on ground zero with action so as that masses get relief . The power crisis is a big issue for people of Kashmir and this winter too many areas are facing the problem of power shutdowns .Often in winters, The need of the hour is to strengthen the roots of Administration further so that we meet such heavy snowfalls with better preparedness.As heavy snowfall blocks roads in Kashmir, local youth are often seen lifting snow on their own .Sentiment on ground is the year 2022 some are hoping for better preperation to deal with any heavy snowfall .  Some areas witness quality power supply despite heavy snowfall while on the other hand some areas have not seen impressive power supply and this reality needs to change . Drinking water supply was also hit hard in many areas during last winter and the reality needs to be changed towards betterment this winter season .. The phenomenon of frozen taps has emerged as biggest challenge of this winter and previous winters .One hopes administration would take holistic view of these serious issuesIt is quite clear that due to lack of facilities the winter in Kashmir is not much enjoyable experience .

Hopes 22

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Hopes 22

News Kashmir Analysis
Year 2022 has dawned with full bloom , giving humanity hope of better world .The present Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar both recognise January 1 as the first day of a year. People decorate their homes, throw parties and cook for their families and friends to make a joyful entry in the new year. The world welcomes the new year with much zeal and jubilation. People also make fresh resolutions and plan their goals for the following year. Begin this New Year by wishing your loved ones in advance using these wishes and greetings.People are hoping that in the year 2022 world would be able to end the pandemic of Coronavirus which has wrecked havoc across countries and continents . People are also hoping that world would be a better place to live with an end to conflicts and resolution of burning issues. 2022 (MMXXII) will be a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2022nd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 22nd year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 3rd year of the 2020s decade.On the other hand , The United Nations has declared the new year as the international year of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, but truly 2022 should be celebrated as the year of hope, after two years of Covid-induced travails.
The year 2021 was a horrible year for whole world on account of ragging pandemic Coronavirus . Throughout globe millions died and crores got infected due to Coronavirus . In Kashmir too hundreds died due to pandemic and thousands got infected . Besides inflicting huge emotional wounds the pandemic Coronavirus destroyed almost all economies .In Kashmir too many jobs and ventures were lost to pandemic . Tourism industry has though shown signs of revival .
The conflict bloodshed also marred Kashmir in 2021 with hundreds of Humanbeings across political divide getting killed . Now in the year 2022 masses are hoping that peace and prosperity makes a comeback in Kashmir.The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are hoping that high unemployment rate of Jammu and Kashmir is brought to an end and youth provided with the meaningful employment opportunities .On global level hopes are that after successful launch of vaccines against pandemic in year 2021 more effective vaccines come up .