News Kashmir Magazine

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.

The economy of Kashmir is crumbling at a fast pace . The ragging pandemic of Coronavirus has wrecked havoc on global economies and the Economy of the Kashmir has been especially hit hard .
The financial doom is evident in Jammu and Kashmir . The rising number of suicide cases and growing frustration and drug abuse are direct consequence of the financial doom .Recently, the representative of as many as 35 associations related to business and industry attended the meeting. It was agreed by one and all those businesses in J&K need relief and revival financial packages immediately to keep the wheel of the overall economy in the UT moving.

The present scenario in terms of losses and showdowns of business units and establishments were thoroughly discussed in the meeting in which stakeholders shared facts about the ground situation. They said that the pandemic has created havoc on all kinds of businesses in J&K. Former Chief Minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Monday said the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is on the “brink of collapse” as every sector in the union territory has suffered losses in the last two years. Addressing a meeting of the party’s constituency in-charges of north Kashmir’s Baramulla District at party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha here, Abdullah expressed concern over “the soaring unemployment” in Jammu and Kashmir and the alleged rising incidents of suicide among the youth.

Man Vs Wild 

News Kashmir Exclusive
Due to rapid loss of habitats owing to cruel phenomenon of rampant Deforestation in Kashmir the human beings and wildlife conflict in Kashmir is on rise .
Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) refers to the negative interactions between human and wild animals, with undesirable consequences for both people and their resources and wildlife and their habitats (IUCN 2020). HWC, caused by competition for shared natural resources between human and wildlife, influences human food security and the well-being of both human and animals. In many regions these conflicts have intensified over recent decades as a result of human population growth and the transformation of land use.In a heart rending incident recently , A four-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Adha Shakil went missing from the lawn of her house in Ompora Housing Colony on during evening time and remains of her body were found in a nearby forest area during a search operation on in morning.
Deputy Commissioner Shahbaz Mirza called a meeting with senior police officers and officials of the forest and wildlife departments to decide on a slew of measures to prevent such incidents in the future.We need to remember that in recent times several animals have also lost their precious lives in these human animal conflicts and also number of them have been caught .
After it , A leopard was also  captured alive by officials of the Wildlife Department in Humpora Loolipora area of Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
 Wildlife official reported that the leopard was spotted in the area by locals and was captured alive by Wildlife department officials this evening who were informed about it.
The official said that the department has asked its men to remain alert at every hotspot to trap other leopards roaming in the district.The Jammu and Kashmir wildlife department on late Tuesday evening  captured another  leopard from Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Official said that It was the second leopard caught by the wildlife department Range Office Khrew on two consecutive days.On the other hand, Several villages of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district feel threatened by wild animals, which have taken shelter in a dense nursery of the area, said locals.
The locals of the villages — Dangerpora, Laridora, Reshmuqam, Taripora, Wathuran, Nowgam and others, said that there are apprehensions of attacks to happen in the future because of the roaming of a bear and other animals in the area.One hopes that corrective measures are taken both by the masses and the Government so that Man Vs Wild conflict comes to an end in Kashmir.

Cover Story 31 May, 2021 Issue .

Corona Martyrs
News kashmir Exclusive
Doctor’s read soo many books just save others life.” – UnknownThe job of doctors is among the holiest in the world . Doctors serve entire humanity without any bias.Doctors save lives, but their importance goes far beyond that. Doctors also make a difference by helping patients minimize pain, recover from a disease faster or learn to live with a disabling injury. A patient’s ability to enjoy life, even if they can’t be cured, makes a huge difference to them and to their families. If they can go back to work after an illness, that benefits their employer, too. And, that’s only part of what makes doctors important to society.In the pandemic of Coronavirus millions have died and crores infected across the world . In India the second wave of Coronavirus has been more brutal and cruel . The scores of doctors have died while serving other patients due to the Coronavirus.In India hundreds of doctors have died due to Covid .
A total of 513 doctors have died while fighting to Covid19 in India during its second wave, among whom three doctors are from the Union Territory of J&K, as per the Indian Medical Association (IMA).IMA said that the highest number of doctors who succumbed to Covid19 second wave in India are from Delhi. It said that 103 doctors from Delhi, followed by 96 in Bihar, lost their lives to the perilous virus.   As per IMA, the actual number of fatalities may be higher as it keeps only the registry of only 3.5 lakh members.It is is pertinent to mention that 748 doctors, as per IMA, have already died in India during the first wave of Covid19.Doctors in India are being overburdened beyond measure by Coronavirus . Even before the pandemic hit India, its health sector was ranked 110 out of 141 countries, behind Bangladesh, Indonesia and Chile, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2019 found. The South Asian nation’s rural towns and villages, home to nearly 70% of India’s 1.4 billion population, have only a skeletal health infrastructure.
The number of doctors for every 10,000 people in India has fallen to around nine in 2019 from 12 in 1991, according to data on World Health Organization’s website, while the country’s health expenditure was just 3.54% of GDP, lower than countries including China, Iraq , Kenya ,  Egypt and Afghanistan.One hopes great sacrifices rendered by the Doctors would be valued and health sector upgraded .