News Kashmir Magazine

India Pakistan tensions
News Kashmir Exclusive
India and Pakistan tensions are still in escalation mode, With India targeting terror camps and Pakistan capturing Indian pilot during downing of Indian aircraft the tensions between these two important countries touched heights. With Pakistan Prime Minister declaring that Indian pilot would be released as a gesture of peace the tensions eased a bit .
But on the holistic paradigm, the India Pakistan relations have touched a new dangerous lows and situation looks heading from bad to worse. The powerful nations of the world from USA to China, Saudi Arabia to France are in top gear efforts trying to mediate the worsening situation and urging both nations for restraint.
Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander, an eminent political analyst stated :

“India and Pakistan bear the burden of British and subsequent partition legacy in the form of Kashmir Dispute. Both the countries never had the strong political will to resolve the dispute. Kashmir is the victim of apathy of these two nations. It continues to bleed both of them. The current escalation of tensions among the two countries is again a manifestation of the fact that Kashmir dispute has the potential to flare a war between the two sovereign nations. We as Kashmiris have always been opposing the violence and war, as we are aware and experience the tragedies of violence in our daily lives through a low intensity war that has been imposed on us. We shoulder coffins of our youth daily, our mothers mourn the loss of their sons daily and our families bear the brunt of state and non state violence regularly. We as Kashmiris will never intend that India and Pakistan witness the same loss of lives, property, dignity and honor in case of a war. In the contemporary world there are no winners or Heroes of War. Let pragmatism and peace prevail with the resolution of Kashmir Dispute. “
On the otherhand, Three service representatives of the nation gathered at the heart of Delhi on Thursday evening to spell out the armed forces’ position on the escalation of tension with Pakistan and yesterday’s dogfight with its Air Force. Pakistan, they said, had escalated matters by targeting military installations in response to the Indian Air Force strike on a terror camp.
The officers had come with evidence — wreckage of missiles the Pakistani F-16s had used against the IAF jets that confronted them. The jagged, bent piece of metal, they said, was the casing of a missile that had gone wide and fell in the east of Rajouri.
Undoubtedly the India and Pakistan tensions are on sky high and saner voices need to prevail to ease the situation and achieve long lasting peace.

Hounded Kashmiris
News Kashmir Exclusive

Kashmiris all across India from North to South ,East to West are feeling threatened as the threats and attacks against them have risen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawan .
The political temperatures are running hot with Indo Pak relationship on verge of collapse . The Kashmir based parties are aghast over ill treatment meted to kashmiris . Former Chief Minister and NC Leader Omar Abdullah appealed for better central leadership on Thursday as he decried the targeting of Kashmiris across India in the wake of last week’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said it appeared that those targeting Kashmiris had the blessings of the establishment, pointing out that one state governor had called for a boycott of the community.
Neither the prime minister nor the minister for home affairs spoke of tough action against the perpetrators, Abdullah said, adding that even the leading opposition party — the Congress — was silent on the issue.
Former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister and PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti also cautioned that mischievous elements must not be allowed to use the Pulwama terror attack as “an excuse to persecute or harass people” from the state, saying the pain of the killings of CRPF personnel must not fuel “such diabolical plans”.

“Understand the pain & (and) anguish. But we musnt (must not) allow such mischievous elements to use this as an excuse to persecute / harass people from J&K. Why should they suffer for somebody else’s action? We need to be united instead of letting people exploit our fears,” Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.
An estimated 4000 Kashmiri students, businessmen and labroures from Jammu, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Delhi and other outer states had reached back home safely in the wake of threats made to them after the Pulwama attack.
On the otherhand, AIP members led by Engineer Rashid holding banners and placards that read “Stop targeting Kashmiri people living in India”, “Give protection to Kashmiri people in Jammu”, “Solve Kashmir issue by self-determination”, “Don’t celebrate killings” and raised slogans against Jammu police and its administration for not preventing attacks on Kashmiris.
While talking to media, Engineer Rasheed appealed the administration of Jammu to discharge its duties towards the masses and take stern action against those who are involved in arsenic and violence against Kashmiri community and damaging their property.
Pertinently, the role played by the Sikh community in undertaking relief and rescue measures for the grief struck Kashmiris have been praised by one and all.

On ground many eminent Kashmiri voices like Editor in Chief News Kashmir Farzana Mumtaz and Journalist Nasir Khuehami played wonderful role in ensuring the safe return of hounded kashmiri community .

Awantipora Mayhem
News Kashmir Exclusive

In an unprecedented violent and militant attack in the three decade violence hit history of Kashmir more than 40 CRPF men lost their lives in what has been described as suicide attack at Awantipora.
It seems mayhem has reached new levels in Kashmir .Suicide bombing after two decades is huge surprise.

Police in its press release stated that in police district Awantipora today attended a gruesome terror crime spot at Ladhu Mode Lethpora at about 1515 hours following an explosion by terrorists targeting a security forces’ convoy travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. One vehicle which was part of the convoy carrying CRPF Personnel bore the brunt of the blast resulting in multiple casualties. Exact number of casualties is being ascertained, sofar 33 fatal causalities have been confirmed. Injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.

Police has registered a case in the matter. Officers investigating this terror crime are at work to establish the full circumstances which led to the blast.
The press release further stated :

We condemn this gruesome terror attack and stand by the families of martyred and injured jawans at this critical juncture.
The man who carried out Thursday’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama that left 40 CRPF jawans dead has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar.
Condemnations poured in from everyone.
Governor Satya Pal Malik too has strongly condemned the attack on a CRPF convoy at Pulwama in which many CRPF personnel lost their lives.

He conveyed his grief and sincere sympathy to the families of the brave soldiers who had lost their lives in this attack and prayed for early recovery of all those injured in this gruesome attack.

Expressing serious concern about the terrorist attack on security forces Governor observed that the Forces responsible for insurgency in J&K are desperate and frustrated and they just want to prove their presence. Visibly it seems to be guided from across the Border as Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed the responsibility.
What important personalities stated on huge attack in Pulwama

Today’s dastardly attack on crpf in Pulwama (J&K) is extremely painful and disturbing. I bow to each and every CRPF jawan who has sacrificed his life in service to the nation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured: HM Shri Rajnathsingh
Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly : PM Narendra Modi

“We won’t be discussing politics today because of the Pulwama attack. We shall now maintain two minutes of silence for the martyrs, Priyanka Gandhi said.
Condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in today’s attack. Conflict has consumed immense number of lives. It is time for all the parties to initiate serious dialogue. #Time4Dialogue : Mehbooba Mufti, ex Chief Minister and PDP head
I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved: Former JammuAndKashmir former CM , NC head Omar Abdullah on Pulwama attack.
This is unprecdented attack in thirty years of violence of Kashmir conflict.

Undoubtedly the violence has touched new dangerous levels in Kashmir.

Kashmir: Uncontrolled Prices
News Kashmir Exclusive

The phenomenon of ever-increasing prices is badly impacting the life of general masses in the state of Jammu and Kashmir especially kashmir valley . Weather vagary this winter has compounded the price rise problem in Kashmir.
As a matter of fact, the monster of inflation is since long badly impacting every sphere of life in our state . Pertinently, Inflation means paying extra for goods than what you were paying previously. Off late, not only necessary goods have seen a price hike, non-essential items have also seen this hike. In other words inflation is making a big dent in the pocket of common man of our valley. One needs to bear in mind that Inflation doesn’t have an effect on everything evenly. Gas prices can double while your home may loses value
The worrying fact is that rising food prices have far outshined the growth rate and overall income rise of masses. Basic vegetables like Tomatoes, Potatoes, onions, eggs and many types of pulses are costing twice as costly as they were about a year or two years ago.
This winter Kashmir has seen inflation problem often due to closed Jammu – Srinagar Highway .

The often closures of Jammu Srinagar Highway has compounded the inflation menace . It is the only prominent road link connecting the valley of Kashmir with rest of country. As a matter of fact, All essentials of life are routed into the landlocked Kashmir Valley through this highway. To add to woes of masses in Kashmir the Hoarders and profiteers hike prices of essentials by creating artificial scarcity each time the highway remains closed for a longer period.
This year too owing to heavy snowfall in all winter, the highway in the most of times especially in the month of January has remained closed giving rise to multiple issues . Despite the promises made that rail link from Srinagar to Jammu would be operational soon the dream has remained so far elusive and will that remain functional during heavy snowfall also remains to be soon. Despite tunnels built the Jammu Srinagar highway has remained a weak point with landslides, blockades wrecking havoc every winter. All this has resulted in goods being scarce in kashmir and consequently food prices hitting.

Expert opinion is that this manic inflation in India has hit the common man the most. Kashmirs logistical handicap has another reverse effect – its exports lose their competitiveness due to the relatively high transportation costs.

Naveed Ahmed, a student states : “ Inflation is a very serious issue in our state especially in landlocked areas like Kashmir and Ladakh. inflation always hurts basic standard of living and worst hit is the man on street. This winter highway closures due to snowfall has resulted in increased prices. Rising prices means you have to pay more for the same goods and services. If your income increases at a slower rate as compared to inflation, your standard of living declines even if you are making more and the same has been clearly seen in kashmir . The departments checking the price rise and hoarding should work in more effective coordination so as to check the evil of inflation.”

. The need of the hour is that the concerned authorities wake up more seriously to the challenges posed by the inflation and draft a farsighted mechanism to tackle this evil of inflation as soon as possible.

 

News Kashmir Exclusive

Jammu Srinagar National Highway is a part of NH 44 (former name NH 1A before renumbering of all national highways) system and connects Srinagar (Kashmir Valley) with Jammu City. The distance between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar was 295 km and was reduced by about 30 km after commissioning of Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, new Banihal road tunnel and other small tunnels.

It is the only prominent road link connecting the valley of Kashmir with rest of country. As a matter of fact, All essentials of life are routed into the landlocked Kashmir Valley through this highway. To add to woes of masses in Kashmir the Hoarders and profiteers hike prices of essentials by creating artificial scarcity each time the highway remains closed for a longer period.

This year too owing to heavy snowfall in all winter, the highway in the most of times especially in the month of January has remained closed giving rise to multiple issues . Despite the promises made that rail link from Srinagar to Jammu would be operational soon the dream has remained so far elusive and will that remain functional during heavy snowfall also remains to be soon. Despite tunnels built the Jammu Srinagar highway has remained a weak point with landslides, blockades wrecking havoc every winter.

Also, the prices of air tickets  soar once highway get blocked.

We have also seen Hundreds of Kashmir-bound passengers stranded in Jammu for weeks this year due to highway closure and staged a massive demonstration, urging the government to take immediate steps to clear the road or airlift them to Kashmir. The passengers have often assembled at General Bus Stand Jammu urging authorities to be serious about their problems.

The high prices are a norm due to highway closures, and not having the enough quality cold storages and other mechanism remains an issue .

Malla Jameel Ahmed , a knowledgeable voice states : “In Kashmir valley, the storage of food is a big problem. The vegetable, fruit and cereal growers does not possess the knowledge regarding the storage of food and various means to increase the shelf life. Resultantly, lot of vegetable & fruit markets can be seen piled up with the waste of vegetable & fruit waste which get decomposed/putrefied due to improper storage. The cereal mainly rice which is distributed in government run fixed price shops are engulfed with rodents and other insects making it highly susceptible for human consumption. Thus we immediately see problems a road closes ”

 

 

 

 

News Kashmir Exclusive

THE role of nongovernmental organizations in social work and philanthropic efforts are known to one and all. In the present world of fast globalization, technological and social advancements, the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a significant role in pushing for sustainable development at the National, local and international level.

Pertinently, Campaigning groups have been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the help towards human causes from regulation of hazardous wastes to a global ban on land mines and the elimination of slavery.

But NGOs in conflict and tragedy ridden Kashmir have just grown in numbers not doing any effective work.

Especially after the break out of violent conflict some three decades back, the Valley of Kashmir has also witnessed mushroom growth of NGOS, but the unambiguous grassroot pulse is that  these Ngos have failed miserably to perform their functions in a proper and positive way.

As a matter of fact, it is learnt that some time back we had  four thousand NGOS are registered in the State of Jammu& Kashmir, which is quiet an abnormal figure. To make the matters more worse it is learnt that Out of thousands registered NGO’s in state only about a handful percentage  are working on the ground in real spirit others are just on papers and minting money. According to expert voices no part on the planet earth except our state has such a high number of Ngos.

Many a voices are making it clear that time has come to trim the number of NGOs. Qurat-ul-Ain Masoodi., an eminent social activist , while talking to the News Kashmir stated : “ Yes the abnormal number of Non Governmental Organizations has been cause of concern and it has harmed the name of overall social works sector. One should not form NGO or join Social works sector just to mint money but with passion to serve people. Now slowly and steadily the government is on path since sometime to deregister the non performing NGOs which is a step in right direction.   NGO Sector should be properly regulated and governed and it is important need of our times.”

On the other hand of spectrum,  Ngos rose up in the name of rendering helping hand to thousands of orphan Childs of the Kashmir, as conflict rendered tens and thousands of children in Kashmir with the tag of orphans. There is also strangely a mushrooming growth of non government organizations in the last one and a half decade. But unfortunately, not even a fraction of the staggering figure of 50,000 to 80,000 orphans is being provided some kind of support.

The reality urges all  stakeholders to ensure NGO Sector in kashmir works honestly and efficiently.

 

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Youth are termed season of hope but in Kashmir this youth has suffered most due to ongoing conflict and violence that continues unabated since past three decades.

The unresolved Kashmir conflict has taken a worst toll on the youth of Kashmir. In last few years a renewed trend has been witnessed among the youth of Kashmir with reference to adopting the Armed path of resistance and thus losing their precious lives.

With the resignation of Dr. Shah Faesal from the IAS, who had shot to limelight by topping the famed IAS exams few years back proved this crossroads point behind doubt. The Prime speculation is that he will join politics.

Heightened violence in the year 2018 claimed most the lives of youth .

 

Renowned Social activist and researcher Muzamil Maqbool stated :”The youth of Kashmir are at crossroads. There is an environment of disappointment among youth as scores of youth have lost their life in violent conflict and youth are confused among different political narratives. The debate is on whether to join the electoral politics is a good move or not and youth are thinking about it. Need of an hour is to create a platform for everyone especially for youth where they can have their say. Where they can share their thoughts and ideas with each and get heard but unfortunately time and again policy makers and leaders everywhere have failed to address the ground realities. In these  tough times all we can hope is to have a peaceful and better future for everyone. Otherwise we are leaving nothing for the generations to come.”

On the other hand the political buzz has also heated up.

 

 

Reiterating that everyone should respect the decision of IAS topper Shah Faesal AIP president Er. Rasheed has appealed Shah Faesal not to let people down and prove his words. While addressing a press conference in Srinagar , Er. Rasheed said Shah Faesal’s resignation from the services has proved that sincere people can’t serve under corrupt political dispensation and is authentication of the fact that Kashmiris are being denied their rights and are facing worst state Terrorism. Er. Rasheed said “what so ever reasons Shah Faesal has cited for his resignation, it yet again reveals and confirms that New Delhi is treating J&K as a colony and the Kashmiri officers especially hailing from majority community are facing discrimination and alienation within the system, Otherwise an IAS topper would never have been compelled to leave the job as he could have served more as a top class bureaucrats than as politician. Shah Faesal is absolute right in saying that Kashmiris get killed, tortured, humiliated and are being deprived of their fundamental rights. It is for Shah Faesal to decide how he can achieve his goal or fight for the rights of Kashmiris.” Er. Rasheed said that while taking next step is Shah Faesal’s own choice but his joining any party not with good track record will lead to confusions and the intentions of Shah Faesal will come under question mark.

 

The pulse of ground zero is that youth in Kashmir are definitely on crossroads and need a balm to their wounds.

 

 

 

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

In a dramatic development, a group of youngsters, carrying ISIS flags, forcibly entered the historic Jamia Masjid here and created a ruckus on the eve of Friday prayers on 28 December, 2018. The video of the incident went viral on the social media on Saturday.

 

This act of them resulted in evoking widespread condemnation from the mosque’s management committee and the profreedom leadership .

The incident occurred after the congregational Friday prayers when most of the people had left the mosque, officials said, adding that the youngsters were later chased away by those present there.

Pertinently, The officials said  Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivered the Friday sermon at the mosque, had also left before the incident took place.

“A group of youngsters, wearing masks, forced their entry into the mosque and rushed to the pulpit where the Mirwaiz delivers the sermon. One of them stood atop the pulpit and shouted slogans. They were carrying ISIS flags,” said an official.

On the otherhand , Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly protest the ‘desecration’ of Jamia Masjid by masked youth supporting ISIS. Mirwaiz, who is also the head priest of the grand mosque said that such hooliganism will not be tolerated..

All the voices of sanity are aghast over the act, Sofi Mushtaq, Youth President Awami Action committee, while talking to the News Kashmir  stated : This was totally hooligan act, you go in a vulgar manner in the sacred pulpit of Jamia Mosque is unacceptable . These type of acts deserve utmost condemnation as the violate sanctity of mosque. We hope good sense prevail on these misguided youth and they do not repeat such evil acts in future. Jamia Mosque represents our emotions and is a very sacred place for faithful. All the voices of sanity in unison have condemned this bad act..”

On the otherhand of the spectrum, Asserting that the footprints of global terror outfit ISIS were not large in Kashmir valley, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh, however, said that the fact that a section of the youth were being radicalized on those lines can’t be denied.

The DGP said an illusion is being created by some elements that ISIS has a very large presence in the valley by waving their flags publically, but that is not true.

“But the fact that people are being radicalized on those lines can’t be denied,” he warned.

Without a doubt all the concerned voices are expressing deep anguish over the desecration of Jamia by goon elements.

 

Rameez Makhdoomi

 

2018 Year is ending and it has been one of the bloody years in the 30 year history of Kashmir conflict . 2018 (MMXVIII) which was  the current year, and is a common year which started   on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2018th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 18th year of the 3rd millennium, the 18th year of the 21st century, and the 9th year of the 2010s decade.

Bloodshed seemed written all over the year 2018 with kashmiris being among the majority of the casualties suffered and more than 90 percent of coffins of the conflict affecting the households of Kashmir. There were 587 incidents of violence during 2018 compared to 329 last year. Official figures say 240 militants were killed during the year against 200 last year.

Casualties among civilians and the security forces have also been comparatively higher. Thirty-seven civilians and 86 security men were killed in 2018 against 36 civilians and 74 security personnel killed last year.

People across the spectrum are dismayed over the blood soaked 2018 .

 

Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikandar, a prominent writer and activist of Kashmir, while talking to the News Kashmir stated :”2018 was unfortunately one of the years that witnessed most violence  in the recent turbulent history of conflict hit Kashmir. Militants, poilcemen, army men, civilians, informers, political activists, journalists were killed during this year with majority of the victims being Kashmiris themselves. The nature of this ugly bloodshed calls for a meaningful dialogue with the angry youth of Kashmir and also dialogue between India and Pakistan. We hope against hope that coming year 2019 brings some relief in our lives to end this disaster once for all  .2018 overall gave us a nostalgia of bad memories of death and destruction. ”

On the other side of the spectrum, the hope is that year 2019 would bring some good news for Kashmir eluding peace .

Bilal Bashir Bhat, editor in Chief Daily Jung, while talking to the News Kashmir stated :”2018 was the year of unprecedented death and destruction, this year was among the most violence hit years of Kashmir with large number of civilians and local militants dying in the conflict. We need to touch the cause of this which lies in the unresolved political issue of Kashmir for which meaningful dialogue should be held between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. But on important terms 2018 gave us tears and blood. We hope for better 2019 .

NEWS KASHMIR EXCLUSIVE

 

 

Education System has been positively reformed   all over the globe. The reality on ground is that our response in Kashmir in reforming  education system in right direction has been going on at snail pace thus  the education system of ours is facing several inherent problems.

Be it elementary education, high school to college and University level education system of ours in Kashmir is craving for reforms. Our education system is stated to encourage rote learning which thus kills creativity . The public education system is in doldrums since long with poor results often the case.

Rote learning which is widely used in the mastery of foundational knowledge. Examples include phonics in reading, the periodic table in chemistry, multiplication tables in mathematics, anatomy in medicine, cases or statutes in law, basic formulas in any science, etc. Rote learning, eats up  comprehension and creativity, and consequently, it is an ineffective tool in mastering any complex subject at an advanced level.

 

On the other  side of the spectrum, there is no fixed criterion for payment in private schools but general trend is  that the teachers  in private schools are paid very less as compared to their counterparts in government or government-aided schools. While as the students are forced to pay heavy fees and donations and the departments who are supposed to regulate our education system seem to have no control over them. In our part of the world, Private schools are working like imperialistic empires without any check and balance system.

Well known academic expert Sheikh Sameer, while talking to News Kashmir  states :

“It should be the among the top priorities of state government to reform education sector as statistical data has shown dismal position of education sector in Jammu and Kashmir . Drop out rate has gone up to 10.2% from 6.9% and has shown increasing trend over the years .Reason for this is lack of academic infrastructure, poor coordination ,failed implementation strategy, conventional teaching modus operandi ,lack of political will and bureaucratic interventions in policy making which should be the domain of academics from colleges and universities.

Initiatives have been taken to introduce various schemes even NGOs have been involved  to train teachers and to implement them but no substantial results have been yielded.

From the academic point of view, you will see there has been content crises as text books are not in consonance with  teaching skills .Content is parrot fashioned, mechanical and quasi conventional. There is no scope for affective_ cognitive approach of teaching learning process .Shared learning is not encouraged. Teachers have to prepare according to prescribed syllabus. No educational tours, no community involvement and inter school debates ,seminars symposia at intermediate level keeping in view changing academic landscape.”

Undoubtedly from all pros and cons our education system is in need of reforms

Honorable Guv should create board of academic advisors. It should have 10 member body headed by VC retired or existing, experts from relevant fields. Sec. education and director to be nominated as ex officio members. This body should be empowered to discuss academic issues only.”