News Kashmir Magazine

News Kashmir Exclusive
Syed Ali Shah Geelani , the most popular Separatist leader of Jammu and Kashmir passed away on 1 September ,2021 . He was born in 1929 in the month of September. Geelani was a veteran politician of Jammu and Kashmir in many respects and with his death we can undoubtedly say an era of Jammu and Kashmir politics has come to an end .He was a well known writer and firebrand orator as well. Geelani was also in the mainstream politics of Jammu and Kashmir for several years.Soon after his death , Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in and around Srinagar, especially the roads leading to Geelani’s residence. Geelani had a varied and dynamic profile as he  was born on 29 September 1929 in Zurimanz village in north Kashmir’s Sopore town of Baramulla district.
He started his career in 1949 as a government primary school teacher. He was elected as MLA from Sopore constituency of north Kashmir in 1972, 1977 and 1987.Condolences poured in from wide quarters on demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah wrote on his facebook handle: “My condolences go out to the family, friends and admirers of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. May Allah grant him the Highest Mukaam in Jannat-Ul-Firdous. Thoughts and Prayers with family.”
Reacting to the news, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences over Geelani’s  demise .Geelani had authored many books with last one  being Vullar kināre : āp bītī, 2012. It was his  Autobiography. His early work include Rūdād-i qafas, 1993. Author’s memoirs of his imprisonment.He was initially mentored by Maulana Mohammad Sayyid Masoodi, a pro-independence Kashmiri leader who was assassinated, aged 87 years, by insurgents in December 1990.Geelani befriended top political leaders and backchannel players of both India and Pakistan but refused to show any flexibility when the conversations revolved around shunning the United Nations Resolutions passed on Kashmir and accepting “realistic” solutions. His adversaries did not approve  his politics stand but admired his resolute stand.
But in the early 1950s, he discovered the writings of Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, the Jamaat-i-Islami’s founder, and that set the course for the rest of his life, as narrated in his autobiography Wular Kinaray (From the Wular’s Shore, a reference to his native village by the Wular Lake in the northern Kashmir Valley).Undoubtedly with death of Geelani a prominent chapter of Kashmir politics has come to end .
As mentioned recently in renowned publication the Daily Hindu recently  : The history Geelani witnessed may be chequered but his ideology, accession to Pakistan, remained linear, single-point and unwavering, to the chagrin of many dispensations in both India and Pakistan.

Water Tariff Hike in JK
News Kashmir Exclusive
Water is life .Jammu and Kashmir region is known for rich fresh water resources especially the Kashmir valley. Despite that Water Charges are going up .Recently it was learnt that Water usage charges have been increased by 10 percent in Jammu and Kashmir.As a matter of fact , The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (J&KWRRA) in its order has revised the water tariff for consumers in domestic as well as commercial segments with effect from April 2021.
“In terms of section 128 and in terms of section 145(2) of the J&K Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act 2010, the Authority has decided to fix the water usage charges/tariff for different categories of water for the year 2021-22 effective from 01-04-2021. The order shall remain valid till 31-04-2022,” reads the order.
For households in urban areas, water tariff of Rs 1500 and Rs 2850 half yearly has been fixed for connection size of ½ and 1/3 inches respectively. The user charges have been increased by Rs 300 per year in this category.
As per the order, in the domestic connection category, the tariff for consumers with a connection size of ½ inch in rural areas is fixed at Rs 500 per six months; Rs 800 per half year has been fixed for connection size of ¾ inch.
In the commercial category, water tariff of Rs 5000 per half year has been fixed by the authority for connection size ½ inches.
The water tariff for connection size ¾, 1 and beyond 1 inch has been fixed at Rs 15400, Rs 46220 and Rs 77000 respectively per half year.
A senior Jal Shakti department official said that “water usage charges have been increased by over 10 percent. It is a routine exercise. However, there are huge number of households who still have not registered their water connections with the department which is hampering the revenue collection of the department.”Political voices and masses are critical of the move.Meanwhile , the Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Thursday expressed his deep resentment over an arbitrary hike in water tariff across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, Mir said the exponential increase in the water bills remains incongruous and uncalled-for at this juncture as it will further aggravate the sufferings of the people at large.One is hopeful that considering the manner in which the pandemic of Coronavirus has wrecked Havoc on pocket of common man this decision of water Tariff Hike in JK.

Karbala message 

News Kashmir Exclusive
The message of Karbala is unprecedented and history . The martyrdom of Imam Hussain ( as) and his companions in Karbala has casted ever eternal impression on the humanity and chapters of history .
The word Karbala is not just a name of place 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).The message of Karbala is vivid and clear. The battle of Karbala was not meant to grab a patch of land, rather it was intended to secure and uphold core human values. It was a battle between good and evil, right and wrong and justice and oppression.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.”
Mahatma Gandhi stated – “My admiration for the noble sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) as a martyr abounds, because he accepted death and the torture of thirst for himself, for his sons, and for his whole family, but did not submit to unjust authorities.” “I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”As writer Kiran Sidique wrote few years back that : Karbala does no meant mere for mourning but it’s a message of truth and deterrence against the heavy odds. It’s a mission to never surrender and keep oneself spirited till the last drop of blood in the body.
It’s a spirit of never giving up before the wrong and keep stick to Right. No matter you are 72 encountering 30,000 forces. It’s out of mind if I imagine the impetus that kept only 72 heavier on thousands.On the otherhand, Many state Every year, we certainly commemorate the tragedy of Karbala but, unfortunately, overlook the valued message of the matchless martyr, Imam Hussain (AS). The battle of Karbala signifies the collision of the good versus the evil, the vice versus the virtue. Imam Hussain (AS) taught us all as to how to stand up against oppression and resist tyranny.
Nothing can match the beauty and value of the great messages given by Karbala .

India @ 75

News Kashmir Exclusive
India has marked it’s 75th Independence Day with fervour and zest on 15 August , 2021 .
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, a leading Indian diaspora organisation in the US hoisted the biggest tricolour unfurled at the iconic Times Square in New York on August 15.On its 75th Birthday India has achieved great sucess as nation in all the major fields like Agriculture, Information Technology , Defence , Science ,Health etc . India during its journey of 75 years has marched from heights to heights becoming a global power to recon with. 
The beauty of India has been it’s functional democracy and it’s alive nature .India was under British rule from 1858 to 1947, prior to which the East Indian Company controlled India from 1757 to 1857. The first struggle for independence took place in 1857 which is famously called the Sepoy Mutiny or the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
 Federation of Indian Associations – New York, New Jersey and Connecticut hosted day-long celebrations on August 15, starting with the unfurling of the tricolour at Times Square.Union Minister of Commerce & industry Piyush Goyal today virtually addressed the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Annual Summit’s special session on ‘Synergy between the Government and Business for sustainable  growth’. The Theme of this year Annual Meeting is ‘ India@75: Government and Business Working Together for Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
While delivering the keynote address,  Piyush Goyal said that 75 years ago we worked to get freedom, now we must work in mission mode to become Aatmanirbhar. We have a never-before opportunity to take the country to the sphere of fast-track growth, development and prosperity. At 75, it is about looking at how far we  have come and the journey ahead.India has a rich history and legacy as a country .
According to Google research, Tamil is the oldest language in the world. Sanskrit is the second oldest.
2. According to Forbes magazine, Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software.
3. Chess was invented in India.
4. Sushruta is the father of surgery. Photos of over 125 surgical equipments that were used in ancient India can be accessed on the internet.
5. The world’s first international university was established in Taxshila 700 B.C. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects.
6. The University of Nalanda in Bihar built in the 4th century B.C. was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.There are some major issues as well confronted by the Country since it’s birth .Poverty is still a big challenge to India , in addition to turbulence in few sides . The growing inequality among rich and poor too needs to be addressed .
India as a nation on its 75 th Independence day has definitely become a global powerhouse wanting to achieve more heights .

Heroin Destroying Kashmir 

Rameez Makhdoomi
Drug addiction is one of the biggest issue confronted by the humanity in present times . The Jammu and Kashmir region is also facing the severe problem of drug addiction since past few years .The use of Heroin Drug is assuming a monstrous challenge in the Kashmir valley as it is runing our children ,youth and elders.According to the basic facts the Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine and diamorphine among other names,is an opioid used as a recreational drug for its euphoric effects. WhileasIt is typically injected, usually into a vein, but it can also be smoked, snorted, or inhaled. In a clinical context the route of administration is most commonly intravenous injection; it may also be given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, as well as orally in the form of tablets.The onset of effects is usually rapid and lasts for a few hours
Common side effects include respiratory depression (decreased breathing), dry mouth, drowsiness, impaired mental function, constipation, and addiction. Side effects of use by injection can include abscesses, infected heart valves, blood-borne infections, and pneumonia. After a history of long-term use, opioid withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last use.When given by injection into a vein, heroin has two to three times the effect of a similar dose of morphine. It typically appears in the form of a white or brown powder.As a matter of fact , Treatment of heroin addiction often includes behavioral therapy and medications.The use of Heroin Drug in Kashmir has been on constant rise since past few years . Statistics are worrying to say the least .
The population of Jammu and Kashmir state is 12.5 million, while Punjab’s is 28.9 million. While the entire state of Punjab has 70,000 heroin addicts, there are 16,389 opioid users, most of whom use heroin, in just two districts, Srinagar and Anantnag, of Jammu and Kashmir, according to a recent survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHANS).   On the other hand of the spectrum, The first recorded case of heroin addiction in Kashmir dates to the early 1980s. The phenomenon was so rare that doctors flagged it to the Chief Minister’s office, which is the highest governing post in the state. In what can be described as much much shocking incident recently the  doctors in Kashmir  examined  a 10-year-old boy from north Kashmir at the drug de-addiction Center of SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, they were shocked to know that he was a heroin abuser.One hopes that the authorities on ground zero crack a whip on growing use of Heroin and destroy the supply and demand chain completely . It is a duty of Jammu and Kashmir administration to see to it Heroin and all drugs are destroyed to core .a

Mental health collapsing in Kashmir

News Kashmir Analysis

Tourism Revival Hopes in Kashmir

News Kashmir Exclusive

Tourism is an important sector of economy as it  boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. The number of jobs created by tourism in many different areas is significant.Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir  is one of the most important sectors of economy. Being the largest service industry, tourism is a significant contributor to the JK  GDP, foreign exchange for the country, provides wide spread employment, yields tax revenue .Recently the Jammu and Kashmir Leituant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasis on broad based improvement in tourism has raised hopes of revival as he Called for preparing a comprehensive future plan for promoting tourism sector in J&K, and identify new, unexplored tourist spots.
The LG Directed tourism functionaries for developing various tourist circuits across the UT, laying special focus on adventure tourism, trekking activities, pilgrimage sites, water sports, and other popular ventures.
Stressed on ensuring easy access to the tourists at all tourist places, with proper mobile connectivity, ATM facilities, and other utilities for a hassle-free and memorable experience of the visiting tourists.
Also directed for proper maintenance of tourism properties so that they remain in impeccable condition throughout the year.
Pay special attention to cleanliness at tourist places; ensure sustainable development without disturbing the ecological balance.
Directed officials to launch special drive to promote Jammu tourism circuit; organize 3-months long festival in Jammu to popularize various tourist destinations.
Cruise boat in Dal Lake to be launched soon by JKTDC. Helicopter Safari services, Capacity building of stakeholders,  Basic Life Skills training for adventure activities, and many opportunities for starters under Mission Youth in the pipeline.
Mudasir Muran , head Paradise WoodHouse and an important tourism Stakeholder while talking to the News Kashmir stated ” The Pandemic of Coronavirus came as last nail in the coffin of all important tourism sector of Kashmir as upheavals before that had already broken the back tourism sector of Kashmir . The tourism sector of Kashmir is world famous and huge number of masses depend on tourism sector for their livelihood. Now with second wave of Coronavirus receding and fast pace of the vaccination we are hopeful that tourism sector of Kashmir makes a big stride forward. There are lot of hopes that we as tourism stakeholders recover some lost ground , the Government should do it’s utmost to promote tourism of Jammu and Kashmir.”

No More Darbar
News Kashmir Exclusive 
The historic 149 year old practise of Darbar move has been ended by the Jammu and Kashmir Government . The practise of Darbar move was unique to the Jammu and Kashmir region and had long heritage.
As a matter of fact,  Darbar move was  the  Dogra imperial tradition in which  huge official paraphernalia is  put on wheels to shift the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government to Srinagar during summers and to Jammu During winters.Yes, it is the Darbar move time in Srinagar. At least Forty one government departments also in the erstwhile State including those under the direct charge of the Chief Minister and forty five departments used to  move  to Srinagar in full and in camp respectively for Summer Season. In winter season the Darbar move moved to Jammu, the winter capital of the state.It is worth mentioning here that the L-G had on June 20 announced that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ”darbar move”.
“Now both the Jammu and Srinagar secretariats can function normally for 12 months. This will save the government Rs 200 crore per year, which will be used for the welfare of the deprived sections,” he had said.
Now an order issued by Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department, M Raju said sanction had been accorded to the cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers and officials in Srinagar and Jammu.
Employees from Jammu had been allotted residential accommodation in Srinagar and those from Srinagar in Jammu.
The order said the officers and officials would vacate their government-allotted residential accommodation in the twin capital cities within 21 days.
As part of the ”darbar move”, the Raj Bhavan, the civil secretariat – seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government – along with many other offices used to shift between Jammu and Srinagar twice a year.
The practise of Darbar move had historical legacy as it’s supporters state that it used to bring Jammu and Kashmir regions together and increase the flow of people from one region to another while as its critics say it was a white elephant that took a heavy toll on the Economy of the Jammu and Kashmir region.
According to ground facts ,The practice, under which the administration used to function in Jammu during the six months of winter and in Srinagar during the summer, was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872.People in Kashmir overall seem to be happy over the end of Darbar move practise .

Dil Se Dilli Tak
 Hope flows in Kashmir

The hopes of dialogue and peace in Kashmir  have risen after the recent All Party Meet at Delhi .
In the first gigantic political exercise after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the regional political party leaders raised the issue of restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.
Fourteen Jammu and Kashmir’s mainstream political leaders attended the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 June 2021.While talking to the media, Indian National Congress’s Ghulam Nabi Azad said that from their side, 5 demands were put forth in-front of PM Modi.
The Major five demands raised by the Congress were statehood should be restored soon, assembly elections should be conducted quickly, the Centre should guarantee lands and jobs for the people of J&K, Kashmiri Pandits living outside the Union Territory should be rehabilitated soon and the political prisoners, who have been detained prior and post August 5 decision should be released immediately.
Peoples Democratic Party’s Leader and Former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue of restoring Article 370 in the meeting and emphasised that the people of J&K will struggle constitutionally and legally to fight for the Article.Peoples Conference’s Sajad Lone told the media that emotional bonding prevailed during the meeting.
He further did not reveal the particular discussions that took place inside the residence of the Prime Minister.
However, PC’s Muzafar Beig confirmed that the majority of the regional party leaders demanded restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
He further said that it hurt how Article 370 was abrogated but now the case is in Supreme Court of India.
Apni Party leader, Altaf Bukhari said that a positive atmosphere prevailed during the meeting.On the otherhand, Former Home Minister P. Chidambaram on his part  slammed the Modi-led government for insisting on elections in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood.
Chidambaram said in a tweet, “Congress and other J&K parties and leaders want Statehood first and Elections afterward, Government’s response is Elections first and Statehood later.
“The horse pulls the cart. A state must conduct elections. Only such elections under a State Election Commission will be free and fair. Why does the government want the cart in front and the horse behind? It is bizarre,” he added.NC was also vocal on its vision.We told PM that we don’t stand with what was done on 5th Aug 2019. We’re not ready to accept it. But we won’t take law into hands. We’ll fight this in court. We also told PM that there’s been breach of trust b/w State & Centre. It’s Centre’s duty to restore it: Omar Abdullah, NC.

The hopes of peaceful Kashmir have been reignited with this recent all party meet.