News Kashmir Magazine

Delimitation Storm

In a surprising development,More than two years after the state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories in August 2019, and article 370 abrogated in a  recent move the Delimitation Commission proposal has suggested adding six new legislative seats for Jammu and just one for Kashmir. This has created much uproar especially in the valley of Kashmir with stiff reaction coming to the decision .
After the meeting of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) members in Jammu recently, the spokesperson of the body, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, said that the proposals of the Delimitation Commission are divisive and not in the interests of the people of J&K.
The meeting of PAGD came after the Delimitation Commission proposed one seat for Kashmir and six seats for the Jammu region. Following the meeting, Tarigam, who was flanked by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and other members of the PAGD, said that the proposals of the Delimitation Commission are not in the interests of the people of J&K and are divisive. 
“By keeping in view the 2011 census population, if the seats are to be increased, then there should be some benefit by it,” said Tarigami. He also questioned whether the constitution, rules and laws are still out of operation in J&K.
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party recently  held twin high level meetings at its offices in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and M2 Church Lane, Srinagar over the recent Delimitation Commission draft proposal. The meetings were presided by party President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari in Srinagar and Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir in Jammu. As per a party spokesman, the meetings primarily focused on the recent proposal of Delimitation Commission “that was outrightly rejected by the party while demanding the commission to revisit the draft”.
On the other hand , Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Sunday said that National Conference’s U-turn to participate in the delimitation commission’s meeting has legitimized the grossly unfair proposals.So what actually is delimitation.The Election Commission of India describes it as the “act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province (state or Union Territory) having a legislative body.” The process may also entail a change in the number of Lok Sabha seats allotted to different states, as well as in the number of Legislative Assembly seats for each state.According to reports, the commission has proposed the reservation of seven seats for Scheduled Castes and nine for Scheduled Tribes. It has also proposed the reservation of 24 seats for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).On ground zero , Regional parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC), have protested that the Delimitation Commission has not only “ignored the principle of population” while carving out the new constituencies, it has also “helped the BJP increase the Hindu footprint” in J&K. BJP leaders, however, deny these allegations.
The nutshell reality is that delimitation has created much uproar .

Apple vs Apple 

News Kashmir Exclusive

Kashmir Apple industry is the main bulwark of the economy of Kashmir.Jammu & Kashmir boasts of around 80% share of total apple produced in the country. Apple cultivation and its value chain is one of the main stays of rural economy with revenue of around Rs. 1500 crores.Since sometimes the entry of Iranian Apple is threatning the apple sector of Kashmir . With horticulture associated people of Kashmir expressing concern. The expert pulse is that Apple industry is the main source of income and employment for millions of souls in the Kashmir valley and every thing should be done to preserve it .Recently ,Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealer Union urged the government of India to ban illegal import of Iranian apple which is being imported under the garb of Afghan apples through Wagah Border.
Fruit growers have sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to safeguard the interests of local fruit growers.
As they say that illegal import of Iranian Apple is eating the share of Kashmiri apple and inflicting losses upon fruit growers.
President, Kashmir fruit growers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer said “Iranian Apple via Afghanistan is imported by various traders and its illegal sale thereof is made in our country, as there is zero import duty agreement between Indian government and Afghanistan which is severely hitting our business and causing huge losses to local fruit growers.On the otherhand, Iran has exported 74,900 tons of fresh apples to India during the 2020/21 apple season (August-July), increasing exports by three times, the East Fruit website reported.
Based on the report, India has registered the largest increase in fresh apple imports among other countries during the mentioned period.
The volume of apple exports to India during the said time span exceeded 400,000 tons, having doubled compared to the 2019/20 season.To the disappointment of Kashmir fruit growers, the world-famous Kashmiri apples and one of the mainstays of Kashmir’s economy have not fetched a good market price since 2012.  In fact, the rates have remained constant, and on some occasions, even declined.On the otherhand, Apple growers in Kashmir are incurring heavy losses due to “distress sale” of the fruit prompted by acute paucity of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, growers and officials said.
As per available data, Kashmir produces 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually. But with only 1.80 lakh metric tonnes of CA storage capacity, growers are compelled to sell their produce at a relatively lower price due to fear of the fruit getting perished.One hopes that the concerns of Kashmir Apple industry posed by Iranian Apple industry would be taken into consideration.

GI Tagging and Kashmir Economy 

News Kashmir Economic Bureau

One hopes in coming times more Kashmiri products would come under GI Tagging and the economy would be boosted .

Orphans For Sale 

News Kashmir Exclusive
When you lose a parent, you realize how vital they are to the foundation of your life. It’s impossible to understand what it means until that curtain is pulled. You’re an orphan. But then I think that life is kind of remarkable, and the thing that causes the biggest pain can also bring amazing energy —- Neneh Cherry
The brutal three decade old conflict has made Kashmir a land of orphans as thousands have lost their precious lives . In a recent shocking closure it is learnt that orphans of Kashmir are up for sale .According to prominent News Channel India Today investigate report, Asrar Amin ran an NGO in Kashmir called Global Welfare Charitable Trust, which claims to be working for children and family welfare.But when India Today’s SIT reporters probed him at a hotel in Delhi, he offered Covid orphans under his care for Rs 75,000 a child.
“We have so many orphans with us. But if one wants a Covid orphan, there’s no problem,” he said. “Kashmiri children are really beautiful, Mashallah!”Amin demanded Rs 1.50 lakh for a pair of Covid orphans.
“So two children can be adopted for Rs 1.50 lakh, right?” asked the reporter.
“Yes. I am not taking this money for myself. It’s for my trust,” the NGO head replied.
According to India Today Amin is willing to offer Covid orphans without paperwork.According to a 2014 study conducted by Save the Children, a London-based charity organisation, the estimated population of orphans in Jammu and Kashmir due to conflict and natural death of parents is around 215,000, 15 per cent of whom live in orphanage homes across the territory.
The report said that 37 per cent of the orphans lost one or both parents due to conflict while 55 per cent were orphaned due to the natural death of parents and remaining eight per cent due to other reasons.Masses are angry over this development of orphans of Kashmir being treated like commodities.Bilal Bashir Bhat, eminent young Journalist of Kashmir wrote on Facebook – ” Selling Kashmiri covid orphans is not possible without the help of gynecologists, which many news portals have already indicated. Meanwhile, the unholy nexus between diagnostic centres and most of the ‘prominent’ gynaecologists is an open secret in our society. A survey report of the year 2019 reads “80% medicos are in nexus with private diagnostic centres” Seems we Kashmiris are busy sucking the blood of each other, some in the name of treatment, some in the name of Tabaruk. Every time we can’t blame the bloody conflict.!!One hopes strict action is taken against such criminal orphanage.

Dark Winter 

News Kashmir Exclusive
The harsh winter of Kashmir is known for its chill and heavy snowfalls. This year the winter has knocked on the doors of the Kashmir valley very early.  The global predictions are that winters in this season throughout the world are going to be harsher .The presence of electricity is what makes life comfortable to a large extent during the winter months. Everything runs on electricity these days and from child to elder everyone requires electricity to spend life in a easy manner .Kashmir valley has seen the problem of electricity or power getting much worse as soon as the winter dawns. This year too from many years of the Kashmir valley we are coming to know about long power cuts, causing much distress to the masses. 
It is learnt that both metered and non-metered areas in Kashmir have started witnessing extended unscheduled power cuts, despite the fact that Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) announced a load shedding program of 1.5 hours in metered areas and 3 hours in non-metered areas.

Even in the urban hub of Srinagar there are multiple reports of power cuts from different areas and it is the need of the hour to look into this problem in a very serious way.  The authorities need to devise a plan and strategy so that people of Kashmir during this long and harsh winter see minimum power cuts. 

Although in an optimistic development, In order to ensure adequate electricity to the consumers, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has suspended all the maintenance works till next two months, thus simultaneously the frequent power shutdowns will no longer be witnessed till January 2022 end.

Gulzar Ahmad , a commoner states :” In this day and age we need electricity to carry out our life activities in a smooth manner. Without electricity we can’t afford a comfortable life as life without it especially in a harsh winter like Kashmir becomes hell.We need power to carry out our lives smoothly and are hopeful that those at helm of affairs would ensure round the clock electricity availablity.”
The need of the hour is that we ensure round the clock electricity availablity in Kashmir.

Right to Bury

News Kashmir Exclusive

Unfortunately, the valley of Kashmir is not coming back from the vicious cycle of violence gripping it since past three decades . Scores have lost their valuable lives in this painful conflict and humanity stands biggest victim of it . The heavy bloodshed has pained the atmosphere of Kashmir .The recent Hyderpora Encounter which resulted in four killings has run in all sorts of controversies, with relatives of slain alleging it to be fake encounter . They lead a successful protest in demand of return of dead bodies of their loved ones .The Government also woke up to their pain in some manner. Honorable Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha tweeted :” A magisterial inquiry by officer of ADM rank has been ordered in Hyderpora encounter.Govt will take suitable action as soon as report is submitted in a time-bound manner.JK admin reiterates commitment of protecting lives of innocent civilians&it will ensure there is no injustice.’On the other hand ,  amid huge  outcry and protests, the  authorities on Thursday, 18 November,2021 ,  exhumed bodies of two residents—Mohammad Altaf Bhat and Dr Mudassir Gul—from a graveyard at Wadder Zachaldara Handwara where they were buried along with two other persons who were killed in the ‘encounter’ at Hyderpora here on Monday. 
Official sources told that  bodies were exhumed under the supervision of Tehsildar Handwara in presence a team of doctors. They said the bodies are being sent to Srinagar for handing over same to the families.  Sources said that families had been asked to limit the funeral to few people only. Also restrictions have been imposed in the area to prevent “law and order”. 
The families of the duo contested police claims and had been demanding their bodies for “proper” burial.  

“I am thankful to LG for ordering an inquiry. I am thankful that my oppressed voice was heard by someone. I only have one request to the LG, I want the body of my brother returned to us and the killers of my innocent brother brought to justice,” stated victims brother.The hope on ground zero is that justice that had eluded Kashmir since long would be delivered and the victims of this painful get complete justice .People’s Conference Supermo Sajad lone stated : ” Finally two bodies have been returned. But what times we live in. Have seen such incidents in the past. But aloofness is distinctive. The eeriness says it all. Thanks to all those who made it possible for bodies to be returned. 
May I say. Please don’t mistake fear for consent.”All the dead cannot return back but their children and rest of the family should get a sense of closure and atleast a sense of what these innocent civilians were punished for “said Mohammad Yousuf  Tarigami, Senior leader of PAGD.

Srinagar City UNESCO Feat 

News Kashmir Exclusive 
The famed world body of UNESCO has included Srinagar in the prestigious list of Creative Cities Network in the category of ‘Folk Art and Culture and Craft’, city mayor Junaid Azim Mattu stated recently.
As a matter of fact , Launched in 2004, the Unesco Creative Cities Network aims at providing cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a major factor in their urban development.Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed jubilation over the move as he tweeted:Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
— Narendra Modi, Prime Minister , India  (@narendramodi) November 8, 2021.It is worth mentioning here that around 49 cities were added to the network of 246 cities following their designation by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in recognition of “their commitment to placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development and to sharing knowledge and good practices”.Mudasir Muran, the Owner of Paradise Wood House and Art Lover Stated : ” This is great feat for the historical city of Srinagar to become  one of the few cities worldwide to join the UNESCO Creative Cities list. It is a proud fact for us that Srinagar city is a part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With this, the UCCN is now an exclusive club of 295 cities from across 90 countries that invest in culture and creativity — crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music — to advance sustainable urban development. We hope that this development goes a long way in promoting art and crafts of the Srinagar city on global map . This development would also boost the overall image of Srinagar city . Expert pulse is there is already a huge demand for Kashmiri handcrafted products abroad, even as it is not benefiting the artisans directly. We hope this move benefits in big way our artisan community too .””A new urban model needs to be developed in every city, with its architects, town planners, landscapers and citizens,” said Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay.For the historical city of Srinagar achieving this feat is a feather to its cap without any doubt .It is worth pointing out here that Every year, UNESCO seeks applications for various cities across the globe for putting them under its UCCN project. The applications in India are routed through the Ministry of Culture. Srinagar going through it successfully is indeed an wonderful news to ears .

Beat the NEET

News Kashmir Analysis

The prestigious National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG), formerly the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), is an all India pre-medical entrance test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, etc.) courses in government and private institutions in India and also, for those intending to pursue primary medical qualification abroad.The exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), which provides the results to the Directorate General of Health Services under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and State Counselling Authorities for seat allocation.Jammu and Kashmir has shined in the latest NEET exam results.
Jammu boy Tanmay Gupta, scored  the All India first rank in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2021, he  said that continuing with his hobbies helped him focus on studies.Tanmay is one of the three students who scored 720 marks. The other two are Mrinal Kutteri and Karthika G Nair.It is really great that Eighteen-year-old Tanmay Gupta from Jammu has created history by becoming the first from Jammu and Kashmir to be the national topper of NEET 2021.Many boys and girls too from Kashmir valley shined with flying colours in the NEET results. Ansab Moonisa, a resident of Tral has secured 670 points and got 1586 AIR. 
Similarly, Maleeha Zahoor, a student from Kangan has secured 662 points. Another successful candidate, Suhail Ashraf from Kuzwera Chadoora in Budgam district has secured 615 points. While speaking to ANI in Jammu, Tanmay  said, “I started preparing in standard 11 and studied 4 to 5 hours a day. I continued my hobbies with my studies. If you continue your hobbies, you will have more interest in studies.”
The students from Jammu and Kashmir successfully crossing the NEET exams is a news to cherish for all of us .On the otherhand, Unlike many toppers who claim to have studied for 12-14 hours a day, NEET 2021 All India Rank 1 holder Mrinal Kutteri told News18.com in an exclusive interview that he could not follow a fixed routine and took breaks every 45 minutes. He claims to have binged sitcoms on Netflix and Amazon Prime during the 2.5 years he spent in NEET preparation. The TV shows, said the topper, kept him motivated during grim times.One hopes the students from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country make us proud by taking forward their NEET achievements to develop a positive society for one and all.

Weeding out Corruption Menace From JK

News Kashmir Analysis 

Corruption in Jammu and Kashmir has been a serious issue. In the erstwhile State it was no less than a moral pandemic . The Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has taken series of steps to weed out this menace of corruption from Jammu and Kashmir.The Anti Corruption Bureau is also showing much vigour in acting tough against menace of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir.
J-K government on Thursday terminated the services of eight of its employees including four JKAS officers and a doctor, against whom there were charges of corruption, as a part of the process to remove “deadwood” from the administration, officials sources said.
They said that the government dispensed the services of the eight employees under Article 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations.
Just recently, Anti Corruption Bureau received a written complaint alleging therein that employees of FCI Depot Srinagar are unnecessarily delaying to unload the Truck and issuance of challan thereof.

The complainant approached the ACB for taking legal action against Abdul Qayoom, Manager and other employees of the FCI (Food Corporation of India), Shaheed Gang Srinagar. It was revealed that more than 200 vehicles per month are unloaded at FCI Shaheed Gang Srinagar. Manager and other officials use delaying tactics for unloading of vehicles and demand bribe for issuance of challan.
The Anti Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday claimed to have arrested a Panchayat Secretary of Rural Development Department for accepting bribe.
In a statement issued  by Anti Corruption Bureau, it has been mentioned that a complaint was received in the office of the ACB PS Central, J&K, Jammu against Mohd Sharief son of Mishri resident of Draba Khatana of Tehsil Surankote of District Poonch, presently posted as Secretary (RDD Deptartment) of Panchayat Draba Khatana, Block Bafliaz alleging therein that the accused is demanding bribe of rupees 5000 per file for release of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(PMAY) 1st installment from the beneficiaries of the said scheme who are homeless poor villagers of Panchayat Halqa Draba Khatana through the complainant who happens to be the Sarpanch of that Panchayat.
In line with our zero-tolerance for corruption policy, we are weeding out corrupt officials after thorough inquiries,” a senior official in the J&K administration told NDTV.
The efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Government on weeding out Corruption isva setup in right direction .

Migration of Migrant Workers From Kashmir

News Kashmir Analysis 
The killing of Migrant Workers mostly from the eastern state of Bihar in Kashmir in recent days has send shock waves across the country .Panic has gripped migrant workers in  Kashmir after four of them were shot dead in two days, as  militants  threaten more such attacks, forcing thousands to flee the region.Hundreds  of non-local workers have left Kashmir since South Kashmir attacks either through cabs, buses or trains. They started leaving after the fresh attack on a group of non-locals at Wanpoh in Kulgam district on Sunday night. The attack left two dead and another injured.
On the otherhand People from Bihar working in Jammu & Kashmir as labourers have started reaching back home after the militants started targeting and killing non-locals in the Union territory. At least five persons from Bihar have been killed by militants  in the J&K in the last 15 days.
According to Times of India,Md Anamul Haq from Forbesganj block in Araria district thanked the Almighty after safely alighting from Jammu Tawi-Rajendra Nagar Archana Express at Patna Junction late Monday night. He was accompanied by his wife Rubiya and daughters Sabina and Ayesha. Anamul left Kashmir on Saturday, soon after he came to know about the killing of Arvind Kumar Sah from Banka in Lal Bazaar on October 13.The targeting of minorities and outsiders in the Kashmir valley came up during the National Security Strategy Conference (NSSC) meeting chaired by the Union home minister on Monday. During the meeting, attended by police chiefs of all the states and UTs as well as directors general of central paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies, Shah asked the security officials to deal with the targeted violence in Jammu & Kashmir with a firm hand, an official familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity.The migration of labourers is bound to impact adversely Kashmir in Many ways. The image of Kashmir is badly hurt and the economy too would be badly hurt .The agricultural is likely to take a hit due to this migration .Farmers are in much  pain  about the leaving of non-local labourers. This is apple and rice harvesting season in Kashmir. Generally, non-local labourers work in the agriculture and horticulture fields and in their absence the agriculturists and horticulturists are facing lot of  difficulties in getting their routine works done.The expert pulse is that 80 % semi-skilled, skilled work force in Kashmir is non-locals. Thus, the migration of labourers from Kashmir is a big blow.