Our greatest weakness lies in giving up: Aamir Rafiq Peerzada

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Aamir Rafiq Peerzada is an eminent media professional of Kashmir.  From North Kashmir district of Bandipora  and an enthusiastic Documentary Filmmaker ,television producer 30 year old  Aamir Rafiq Peerzada  has won prestigious RedInk award twice . Pertinently  filmed a documentary on Mount Everest dung the disastrous 2016 Nepal earthquake .

He is currently working with BBC having previously worked with NDTV.

In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, Aamir Rafiq Peerzada talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

1 How was academic life like ?

 

My academic life was more like a military schooling because I did my schooling  from a boarding ,Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Baramulla, Those are the memorable years of my life,I Spent seven years of my life at this school, Where you have no idea of what’s going on in the outside world, How are your family members, We were so far and shielded from the realities of life in Kashmir that we knew nothing about human sufferings, Injustice, Politics we were naive, innocents and living in our own fairy tale world where everything was so disciplined and perfect.  This campus was our world, everyone has their dreams, ambitions and crushes.

 

2 Were you inclined towards media industry since beginning ?

 

I was Born in 90s in Kashmir, When Kashmir was turning from peaceful paradise to a land of massive tension, wave of Militancy had already approached, and Protests were seen everywhere, military encounters and crackdowns had become a daily routine. Kashmir a disputed zone for over 3 decades   have witnessed heart wrenching realities of life and I have seen men in their most grim & inhumane bearing, I have seen people getting disappeared leaving an option of waiting and hope of their return among their families and relatives, wives of married one’s was and still is given the name of Half widows who are still living with a dream of seeing their families getting completed. I have seen my uncle who was taken by the army one day in a Crackdown; we had never imagined it was going to be his last day with all of us as he never returned.  It’s been over 17 long years his wife is still waiting for his comeback. I still remember the dreadful night that still haunt me in my dreams and keep giving me nightmares when my own father  was asked to accompany some unknown Gunmen, They wanted him  to show the way to some village, we with my mother and other siblings I being the eldest among others just 12 years old kept waiting for him whole night but he did not came  and he never did that because  next morning his body  was found on a street with amputated head and He was dead,  It’s not only me who has suffered and gone  through all this, But every Kashmiri… to unveil those unheard stories of common people which are never given a due attention which they deserve.  I think every Kashmiri has seen/suffered something of that sort and they deserve to be heard and our duty is to tell their story and to tell stories of common man not politicians, this is what has made me to be a journalist and a documentary filmmaker only to tell the stories of common man who never get any coverage .Two of our family members lost their lives but that time there was no one to bring it up and tell their story and bring them justice but I want to be that person to bring such stories of sufferings in light.

 

3 Share with us bit about your Mount Everest experience especially amid storm 

 

My first big documentary film was with NDTV it was on Mount Everest as Every year people lose their lives trying to Summit Mount Everest. We humans feel the need to test our limits constantly, I find this enthralling, and this is exactly why I wanted to film the world’s most dangerous mountaineering feat. I wanted to capture the real nature of men and women when faced with death, pain, fear & victory. In 2015, I took a leap of fate and decided to document an arduous & challenging journey to the top of Mount Everest. During the expedition, Nepal was rocked by an earthquake of 7.8 Richter scale, over 9000 People were killed and 23000 others were injured. Our team of mountaineers was approaching camp 1 of Mount Everest, when the rubble of Ice collapsed into a series of mega avalanches, engulfing everything in its way, there was a huge sound, and then tons of snow hit us. At first, I did not know what had  happened. Our other team mates  were shouting out instructions to follow. All I knew was that I should do what I was told. A few minutes later, when it was kind of over – that’s when I realized we had been struck by an avalanche. It was not a single avalanche but multiple avalanches, as it would turn out. There were glaciers crashing down on the right and left. All we did was hold on tight to a rope while we stood on a tiny strip, trying to cover our noses and faces so that we could avoid the powdered snow flying at us, all around us.
I held the rope so tight that the gloves I was wearing almost tore. All I could see was white snow rushing towards us and nothing else. We had no option but to run for life. The path was so difficult that running was also very hard. I held on to the rope. At that moment, I feared death. But I kept Filming

16 mountaineers were immediately dead and almost 60 were injured it was the first time in my life I was witnessing such disaster and escaping death Changed me forever. I kept filming every moment and recording every moment and finally was able to make a documentary Film (Operation Everest – Summiteers to Saviours) out of that. This documentary won 6 National and international awards Including two prestigious Excellence awards (Ramnath Goenka award for on-spot Reporting and Red Ink award for Sports Journalism) in journalism in India for doing this Coverage.

 

4 How was your experience with NDTV like 

 

NDTV for me is mecca of Journalism in India, That’s the only channel who still are trying to follow journalistic ethics, Otherwise there is No journalism left in this country, and It is very sad news for democracy, NDTV has always tried to bring change by having many campaigns on cleanliness, health and that is great, I have made many Documentary Films when I was with NDTV and I don’t think It would have been possible for me to make these films if I would have been working with some other INDIAN News Channel because No Indian Channels believe in Documentaries except NDTV and everyone should appreciate NDTV for taking forward this legacy of traditional journalism.

 

5 How is stint with BBC going ?

 

Working with BBC is Great, I have been continuously travelling from last one months, We have been filming for a series which will be released in English and 10 other regional languages of south Asia, It will be released in around september. Whole team is working very hard for this and we are hopeful that people will love it.

 

6 A bit on red ink award ? 

 

After getting stuck on The Everest Basecamp when many Avalanches hit the camp, leaving 22 dead and over injured including one of my Camera person, and at that time It was very hard to stay there when people were running down, nothing was left there everything was blown away that’s when we decided to stay cover/film every bit of this suffering and also help in rescuing the injured, After coming back I got Two prestigious awards first award was Red Ink award for Sports Journalism because Mountaineering is a Sport and This award was presented by Governor of Maharastra and Mr Puish Goeal Minister of Coal and Power, Another award was Ramnath Goenka Award for On-spot reporting which was presented by Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi .

 

This years My another Documentary Lighting the Himalayas had got nomination in Red Ink award for best reporting In science and Innovation and it too won the award.

 

 

8 Your message to youngsters?

 

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up but never forget beginning is always hardest. Don’t let your fears triumph over your dreams and ambitions, consistency is the way that success demands so don’t give up keep going.
Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition because you can truly do what you want to, so believe in yourself and have trust on you because everything else is secondary
I believe everybody is a genius all it needs is just know that little thing that makes you extraordinary from the ordinary one’s. Always try to walk those extra miles that seems hindrance because trust me if you are able to cross them success is surely going to be yours most importantly remember that it’s not necessary to do everything just do the thing you love to do with utmost honesty and love what you are doing………

 

9 Advice to aspiring documentary filmmakers ?

 

Documentary film making  is the most difficult profession to take in the current time when credibility gets measured by TRPs Because Documentary film making needs more Money , More time, Intense research and huge man power But in the current times of tabloid news when News organisations are not interested in spending more money and also are not ready to give you more time to produce it So that’s what is making it more difficult, Documentaries having no Market, Distribution, Theaters never agree to run these films because People come to watch entertainment films not serious informative stories which are real, It is very difficult to keep this Documentary tradition going.

 

My advice to aspiring filmmakers is to never ever compromise on the quality and content of the film that’s what is going to be your identity, You will face many challenges in terms of funds, distribution, But keep going because you are the ones who are keeping and going to keep this culture of film making alive.

 

Let us give peace a chance : Munir Ahmad Khan 

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Inspector  General of Police for Kashmir and Senior IPS officer Munir Ahmad Khan is an Eminent name in policing field in our part of the world .
In an exclusive Interview with The News Kashmir , Muneer Khan talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi.
You have taken over as  IG police under difficult circumstances in Kashmir,  state few challenges being faced ?
There are many challenges with reference to policing this time .Firstly we are having increase in radicalization , secondly there is disruption of operations happening on behest of Militants which was not the case intially .A good number of local youth joining Militancy is also cause of concern  .
The biggest challenge out of all the challenges we are facing is the use of students in creating unrest by both Separatists and Militants as was evident in recent student protests across Kashmir.
Can we then conclude we are facing worse situation as compared to 1990s?
It would be wrong to compare the two situations .1990s was intially much larger mass movement and then witnessed transition towards the gun movement and today situation has its own contours and dimensions that demands new way of dealing.
How much setback has the police faced in the recent series of attacks on them?
The attacks against Jammu and Kashmir police personnel are not new.During my tenure as SSP Anantnag in 1990s  my SHO Kokernag was killed along with six cops,despite setbacks JK police has always shined and successfully overcame these setbacks .
Pellets have received widespread condemnation especially since last year agitation and many experts say the havoc caused by pellets is radicalizing many ?
There is way to use pellet gun and it is basically a non lethal weapon, whose handling requires proper training .Pellets have to be fired from a range and not from close range.We are improving the training with reference to handling of pellet guns and have directed that it should be fired as last resort of firing .
Has the recent lynching of Police officer broken Police Public relations ?
Without doubt the act of lynching was a brutal one and no body expected this to happen , but let me make one thing clear that the amount of condemnation from the society coupled with tears , attendance in funeral showed society does not approve this shameful act.
The accused arrested in the lynching case are many is there evidence against them ?
Yes we have enough evidence against the accused to get them convicted and secure fast track justice in the case. we have made recovery of enough things, and eye witness account is sufficient to nail the accused .
Don’t you believe time has come for implementing reforms in Police ?
Yes with changing times the reforms are needed and should be implemented.
Some voices are critical of SPO culture , your take on this ?
SPOs are performing magnificent duties and that too paid just RS 6000 per month .Yes the services of SPO need to be  regulated and supervised otherwise they can become ‘ unguided Missiles ‘.
Don’t you feel Police is overstretched?
Yes definitely the police is much overstretched – managing law and order, traffic, VIP security etc are larger number of tasks being entrusted to police and we need to recognise that police men too have families and life full of happy and sad events so they cannot satisfy hundred percent .
What is being done to make police more  public friendly ?
We have always taken steps to improve our relationship with public and have taken series of steps – Setting a top class drug de addiction center , promoting culture , organizing literary and sports activties for youth. I believe in maintaining close contact with public and listening to their problems carefully .We are also embarking on counselling youth .
Do you also include the counseling with arrested young Stone pelters ?
Yes their counselling is our key concern and we believe police , people and entire society is stakeholders in peace.Militants believe in catching young and making them Stone pelters , and we believe in  reforming the youngsters so that they lead better life .
Is stagnation in kashmir police cadre a concern ?
Yes it has been a concern but we are thankful to the government who have taken in recent times series of steps in this regard .
Your message ?
I would repeat my message is that entire society of Kashmir is stakeholder in peace and let us all give a peace chance .

GST Is Beneficial For Consuming States : Zenith M.Sangma

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Taxation, Housing, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Meghalaya Zenith M. Sangma, who is also an GST expert and attended the Srinagar GST meet held recently talked to News Kashmir  in an exclusive interview  with Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.

How beneficial will be GST for a place like Kashmir?

GST  will be definitely fruitful for a place like Kashmir and entire Jammu and Kashmir state as it is beneficial to Meghalaya like state, as  we both are consuming states and it is quiet productive for consuming states since it is a destination based tax.

What were the main decisions taken in GST Srinagar Meet ?

Some important decisions were made. Mostly we decided what tax rate will be imposed on different commodities and also on services .We have also advocated that in our states for products like raw areca nut ,Dryfiz  no tax should be imposed but for sin goods heavy tax should be imposed.

With states having right to have own GST law, wont it create chaos by one central law and many state based GST Laws. Your take?

There is conflict in certain issues, but through debate, threadbare discussion  we will resolve the issues facing GST .

Many critics state GST is import preferential and thus it will hit make in India initiatives?

It is a good question and in this regard I want to state that the rates would be fixed in a such a way that import commodities do not get the undue advantage .

A state like Jharkhand, Bihar have different financial structures as compared to Assam, Meghalaya .How will GST Cater to this facet?

Yes it is true and especially the manufacturing states would be initially losing for few years due to GST and in this regard amendment has been made and constitutional provision is made that for five years Government of India will compensate such states.

Will GST be a different from VAT experience ?

When we work out the overall features it looks GST would be a good experience . In a state like Meghalaya we would be gaining in most of sectors.

Have you recommended any reforms in GST ?

Yes we have recommended reforms- for example in Handloom sector as we have lot of weavers working in handloom sectors and for statistics vise North East accounts for  more than 50 percent of handloom and weavers in India so in this regard products made by weavers themselves will have zero tax .

How do you find the position of Congress in Meghalaya amid rise of BJP allover India ?

The ideology of Congress is very strong  and grass rooted in Meghalaya and it is slated to do well again in upcoming general elections .

What has been impact of rising Cow politics on State like Meghalaya?

The rise of right wing politics has been felt in Northeast India , but we do not like this beef ban and nobody can dictate us what to eat. Without beef our people cannot servive.

Your Message to Youth ?

Youth are the future of nation and if we do not pay attention, focus to youth issues we will face lot of problems and we have to teach youth how to be more productive. We in Meghalaya are embarking on many programmes to help youth in grooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maxillofacial Surgery Fully Developed In Kashmir: Dr. Mohammad Shakeel

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Dr. Mohammad Shakeel , Head of Department  Dentistry &  Maxillofacial surgery SKIMS Medical College is a well-known name in the world of Maxillofacial related paradigms. He can be undoubtedly termed as father of Maxillofacial surgery in Kashmir.

In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Magazine , Dr. Mohammad Shakeel  talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

Sir What challenges you faced while establishing Maxillofacial Department at SKIMS ?

First of all there was no concept of maxillofacial surgery overall in  Kashmir and that too particularly in SKIMS. It was a small Dental Department with a one chair, so when I joined with post graduation in 1978-79 in the subject I made it clear that we needs beds, separate theatre operating ward and related infrastructure .The authorities were bewildered that he is a dentist and why he needs all this?  not knowing  that Dentistry was my basic while maxillofacial surgery PG and a specialty like any other surgery Plastic surgery , Neuro surgery  etc     .So I had to face lot of music but during the era of Zaragar sahib as Director the Department grew substantially .

We are thankful to Allah we in 2014 in Kashmir conducted a mega conference on Maxillofacial with 300 surgeons from India and 12 international faculty.

Sir you also do  surgical cleft  and give hope to defaced faces by natural or other causes , how does it feel that you give hope to helpless ?

Believe me it is really great feeling. I have seen patients who have told me that  to cure deformity lip, pellet ridden face they have sold their valuables but due to my contacts with reputed philanthropic organizations I have been able to do 2000 free cleft surgeries and giving hope to hopeless.

 

How far has pellets wrecked havoc on faces here and is their hope for pellet victims they can recover face, lip injuries etc?

 

We operated good number of pellet cases and there is definitely a hope for them and we have been successful already in this regard.

How do you view the standard of maxillofacial Department JVC You are heading ?

Maxillofacial surgery has grown to a big potential . This centre if you analyze  is at par with any European Maxillofacial centre . Unfortunately we do not have enough number of beds, enough theatres, less staff but work vise we are top.

In past 20 years Maxillofacial has grown a lot and we are being invited as international faculty.

What has motivated you to serve your native land despite having opportunity to go global?

I love to treat people . I am a Doctor suppose I would have been labour; I would have had more testing life but God has given me this status so I take it opportunity to serve my people and I also advise youngsters to treat their own people first because everyone owes to his land lot.

What would you like to see more happening with reference to development of Maxillofacial department?

We would like to have separate ward, separate theatre and post graduation started. We have enough talent but we need this infrastructure.

Any special memory since your surgeries provides hope to hopeless?

Recently we operated a 29 year old youth whose face had lot of defaced and his family had gone to everywhere and we successfully via maxillofacial surgery changed his total face. This was positive metamorphosis for him.

Are you satisfied with growth of Maxillofacial related paradigms in India ?

Yes maxillofacial departments and related things in India have grown a lot and even in Kashmir it has grown a much .

Can our Maxillofacial Department compete at global level?

Absolutely over department can compete at global level. If our Department would not have been of global level than we would have not international faculty of maxillofacial visiting us, as in 2014 a dozen reputed international level Maxillofacial faculty came here.

Do you have coordination with globally reputed Maxillofacial institutes ?

Yes definitely we have lot of efficient coordination with reputed globally renowned Maxillofacial institutes and I can send youngsters to diverse reputed fellowships throughout world. I am associated with world renowned international organization “Operation Smile” and In January I Was invited and we did more than 160 surgeries and now I am once again being invited.

Your message to Doctors and Masses?

Doctors should work wholeheartedly and contribute to benefit to mankind and masses should trust doctors and not show trust deficit.

 

 

There are no boundaries to humanitarian work: Dr. Sohail Nasti

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Having travelled, served in more than 150 countries Dr. Sohail Nasti , doctor turned pilot  and eminent philanthropist is a personality of great caliber, dynamic nature who has made Kashmir proud .Pertinently, one among the world’s highest paid professionals.

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Dr. Sohail Nasti talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz .

 

Tell us a bit about your early life and especially childhood days and academic life?

 

As a child I was a kind of naughty kid.  We have a highly educated family with 30 Doctors in family. My parents are quite knowledgable so competition was always high and we have had quite a vibrant literary atmosphere at home.

 

So we can say that your bright child?

The words like bright come into picture once you grow up especially after teenage, so I would say that I was under kind of good guidance of my parents and excelled well in studies.

 

How did the transition happened from Doctor profession to pilot, which seems quite interesting?

Well at my time I was the only rheumatologist  outhere in Kashmir. My post graduation research topic happened to be “ Post Trauma related bone inflammatory diseases” and this took me to conflict zones like  Iraq, Afghanistan. What happens in a conflict zone is that tremendous amount of stress leads to bone decay and after witnessing this much of pain and trauma I began to take interest in aviation and became a rescue pilot for UN related missions and US army at a time when world was stigmatizing Muslims as terrorists post 9-11 attacks. I took the challenge and considering my Disaster specialty I made the decision to train as a pilot.

 

Where from philanthropy idea came ?

Basically, I had since teenage this inception to mitigate the human sufferings and be an agent of positive change for humanity .I joined bigger platforms so that I could do it in a better way .

 

So, what motivated you to start Motherage Helpage  ?

I started this after I lost my mother and took a pledge to do something good for suffering humans and accordingly it  evolved as we currently work in more than 20 countries to help people in need via different projects.

 

You have also met the legend of humanitarian aid Abdul Sattar Edhi, share that experience with us?

I was invited by Imran Khan to visit Pakistan  .Imran Khan has been my mentor apart from his political career  .And when I was in Pakistan I was  invited   to Karachi  by late Edhi sahib after hearing about my passion towards philanthropy; so I visited Karachi  where I met great Abdul Satar Edhi, May Allah flourish his eternal journey.  I was 20 years old when I met him. He advised me to be humanitarian worker from  conscience and never keep money a concern  and his acknowledgment of my aspirations  was great boost for me.

 

As an analyst what have you found is ailing the Middle East ?

I would like to say based on my personal experience that present day Muslims are more emotional than being clinical and we are divided. It is easy to manipulate us  via propping up of sectarian differences. From Iraq to Yemen, Palestine to Egypt Middle East is burning due to these facts . Also, big powers rather than investing on positive things like human index development, innovations .property development are investing in drugs and weapons.

The playground of these activities unfortunately happens to be mostly Muslim lands and with ever increasing  greed of bigger powers to extract gold, minerals and other natural resources the Muslim lands became more vulnerable .Until we don’t understand our duties and take a wisdomful path we will continue to suffer.

 

You come from South Kashmir and since you have study, vision on narcotics and drugs how big is the problem there?

The narcotics and drug related problem is huge in South Kashmir as it is pinnacle of the narcotic supply  . The problem is cultivation is happening there and youth are acting as courier of these illicit substances. I have spoken to the Police department  and we are launching narcotics unit there. Different unpleasant, harmful  substances are used by youth as drugs there .South Kashmir has bore huge brunt of conflict so accordingly drug issue has augmented .

 

What are the main projects of mother helpage going on ?

We are focusing on youth development initiative and provide them means of education, sports so that to bring them out of stress. In this regard, we have development projects with education ministry like school refurbishment, safe drinking water and work on narcotics and drug issue.

Overall, we want to work on community development and not going into that whatever political problems,  future we have .We as motherhelpage are determined  to work for community development in the state.

 

Do you believe we in Kashmir are just after constructing palatial houses and not travelling much?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us to travel so in order to learn. We in Kashmir and some other areas of world are having this drawback of falling to trap of false ego and not evolving due to lack of travel. Travel shapes our personality positively and even at larger level due to concentrating less on travel, knowledge and research we Muslims since hundreds of years have not produced a quality scientist, researcher or historian  .

 

You also provide assistance to Rohignya refugees ?

Yes we have supported  them since last five years in Jammu and provided them relief especially in winters – on and off basis .We also provide relief to poor Pandit families, Hindus  in Jammu .There are no boundaries to humanitarian work and I work, reach to people  irrespective of religion and race.

 

Has Kashmiri Diaspora failed in its duty towards Kashmir?

Yes overall Kashmiri Diaspora has failed and limited itself to tokenism and as a person who has travelled more than 150 countries I have found Kashmiri diaspora has limited itself to mere photo sessions and not given back much to its land.

 

 

 

 

We as a society need to start standing up against the male objectification and entrapment of women: Richa Tyagi

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Richa Tyagi is a youthful activist championing diverse causes of women, She along with her friends is the architect of concept “OwntheNight” the idea that came to them from the need that women need to claim their right to public spaces at night and own it.
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir Richa Tyagi talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

How did the idea of own the night came up?
We are a group of students pursuing masters/bachelors in Eng literature/Sociology. We are all from Delhi and met at Breakthrough’s 2016 summer internship.
During the internship we were given sessions on campaign designing and we were required to choose a particular profile we were interested in for field work. We decided on the profile of a 34 year old single woman living in Delhi. And this particular need to talk about the safety of women who travel alone for different purposes at night came up. We were also interested in doing this campaign because we too face similar problems and the fact that despite all attempts from the government, and despite all those protests, the situation in Delhi has aggravated. The name OwntheNight came from the need that women need to claim their right to public spaces at night and own it. Also this hashtag is used by a vodka company making it an interesting subversion.
Why are the roads of India so unsafe for women?
The roads are unsafe for women because we as a society have assigned gender roles, a woman in the household and man the bread-earner. This is a carefully constructed power structure controlled by men both in private and public spheres. Women only fit in here as wives and mothers subjugated to societal demands. We don’t like the idea that women have created space for themselves within these limitations and therefore, we make sure to somehow scare them off the streets.
Is it true that Feminism is not showing desired results as a campaign as it is elitists centric?
Our campaign does not talk about feminism; we don’t aim to make it exclusivity for the elite who identify themselves as feminist. But we do want to target patriarchy and this makes us feminists, there are people who don’t want the feminist tag but they champion the cause for basic rights and equality and freedom for every person irrespective of their gender, sex or sexual orientation. Feminism is definitely taking the world by the storm these days but there are different brands of feminism out there. If you are against violence against women you are a feminist :/
What are future plans of your own the night campaign ?
We have a lot of online/offline activities lined up for future. We aim to initiate a dialogue on safety of all women irrespective of their age, social/economic/religious background. We also intend to bring up the issue of safety of women with disability, trans women, sex workers. We are also working on different posts where we will talk about how we need to tackle this problem and engage people in conversations on the road ahead.
Your role model?
Well my role models are not just people who are held in great esteem by everyone, but the people around me like that woman who stood up against domestic violence left her home and found the courage to look after herself and her four children despite limited means and absolutely no idea how to deal with the problems that she encountered. But if i have to choose one I will pick Malala Yousofzai and her words never fade out of my memory “We cannot succeed when half of us are held back”.

Don’t you believe by every passing moments the situation for women is getting tough in India?
The situation for women in terms of violence against women is getting worse but if we talk in general, women have definitely managed to create space despite limitations and become a force to be reckoned with through their own intelligence, acumen and endeavour. We as a society need to start standing up against the male objectification and entrapment of women and stand in solidarity against the stranglehold of men on discourse of economy, gender, sexuality and desire.
Any campaign you aim that can senestivize men towards women issues ?
Our campaign aims to sensitize men on women issues and we are going to post messages and articles from men’s perspective on this issue and also engage them in dialogues on various issues in future.

Our foremost objective is to sustain international personality of the Kashmir issue: Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan

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Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan (born November 5, 1948) is a Kashmiri politician in Pakistan.

He is President of Pakistan Administered Kashmir’s political party Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party. He is the son of Pakistan Administered Kashmir’s ‘founder’, Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. Sardar Khalid Ibrahim was born in Rawalakot, but his roots go back to the Kashmiri Sudhans(or Sudhanzai) tribe, who claim mixed descent from the Afghan Sadozais and local indigenous tribes of the area. The Sudhanzai is the single largest tribe(1.2 million) of the Pakistan Administered  Kashmir. He resigned from the Legislative Assembly of Azad Kashmir on two occasions.

In  an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan, talks to Editor-in-Chief Farzana Mumtaz

 

  1. How do you analyze the upcoming Pakistan administered Kashmir polls?

In India-Pakistan context upcoming polls are of great importance. The ruling party in Pakistan is also contesting these elections, what mandate Pakistan Muslim League (N) secures is important. Future dialogue process between India –Pakistan depends on elections results in Azad Kashmir.

  1. India says these elections have no credibility. Your take?

India-Pakistan both trade allegations whenever elections are held in either part of Jammu and Kashmir but because of their continuity, Azad Kashmir elections have a better international credibility.

  1. What are prospects of your party in these elections?

Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party is contesting elections in alliance with Pakistan Muslim league (N) therefore chances of forming a coalition Government are bright.

  1. Do you agree politicians in your part are less qualified?

Of all the princely states of the sub-continent, Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which assumed international Personality, which was result of decisions made by Azad Kashmir’s Leadership. With the passage of time people have changed their priorities and prefer to choose more accessible politicians rather than qualified.

  1. Pakistan has neglected Pakistan Administered Kashmir in terms of Development. Your take?

Azad Kashmir has come a long way as for as development is concerned especially in education and communication sector. Rate of literacy was gone up from 4 % in1947 to 68% in 2016, road network (metalled) was 125 km which now is 4000 km, with more planning; funds provided by Pakistan government could have been better utilized.

  1. What is main manifesto of your party?

Our foremost objective is to sustain international personality of the Kashmir issue and seeking solution of the problem in light of UNCIP resolutions.  Secondly, achieving self-reliance economically is also one of our top priorities.

  1. Is Pakistan failing to win war against extremism?

Pakistan a front line state against terrorism has rendered immense sacrifices and has established writ in areas where extremism had made in roads earlier.

Fight against extremism is a long draw process; politically speaking there is very little space for extremism in Pakistan society. We are sure that time is not far away where moderate forces would thrive.

  1. Your view on Gilgit demand of separate state?

Gilgit-Baltistan is part and parcel of Jammu And Kashmir State and would decide its future with union of state in accordance with UNCIP resolutions.

  1. Your message?

People should rise above their personal considerations and vote for the right people for the right job.

Beatripin is not just an agency: Shashank Pandey

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Shashank Pandey is an emerging event management professional of India heading the recently launched Beatripin. In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Magazine, Shashank Pandey talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

Tell us a bit about your childhood days?

Childhood was as pleasant as being under shade of a banyan tree was awesome experience. I was grown up in a joint family. Born and brought up in protected hands of parents, got the love and teachings from grandparents, uncle and aunt with Mom and Dad.I loved to play cricket, sing and study.

I was born in a small town Hajipur, Bihar. Studied there till 10th at Christ Church School and Patna Central school.

 

How was your academic life like?

Academic life was not only like indulging into studies. I was active in sports as well as took part in all the extracurricular activities. Played badminton for my District. I shifted to Delhi post my 10th and then prepared for Engineering college. Did my B.tech from Indraprasth university.

 

Where you inclined to event management since beginning?

Inclination towards event management was because of Atif aslam, I was a huge fan of him so always had a dream to produce one public show with him. This passion made me produce show with legends like Arijit, Atif, Mithoon and many more at a very young age of 20 years.

Conducted many shows and events with lots of singers and now Run agency which manage some good talent.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Dhirubhai Ambani . As I feel he is more realistic to me. And i can relate his childhood with mine. Except the fact of being raised In a joint family  but I can count on economic condition and the spirit to do something or to start something of your own. In events I admire  Ajay kanjani, one very experienced guy who taught me everything as a father and supported as brother whenever I needed. And I would even thank my Uncle for being there whenever I needed his support and he actually did everything possible for me to stay and be dedicated, successful in this industry.

 

A bit about Beatripin ?

Beatripin is not just a agency to us i.e. Shashank Pandey ( Artist management, Show Producer), Kinjal sanchania ( Creative Head,Fashion Stylist, Director) Anshul Sharma( Event Organiser, Social activist,Runs educational institute as well), its our baby which we want to grow and be at the best. The idea to start a agency was to be a consultant to the new comers who don’t know much about conducting shows and even produce and promote prominent, established as well as new singers. We have an expansion plan as well with this company but for now our focus is to Manage singers, Execute shows and do events solution.

 

What are your future goals?

Future Goals is to Produce the best of best shows. Work with all the international and Bollywood singers as well. Produce a world tour with Atif Aslam and Arijit Singh together. ( Wishlist )

 

How difficult is life in Mumbai as it is a challenging city?

Life was a but challenging.. Like people say you have to struggle but u get paid for your efforts. A bit compromise and sacrifice. But it’s the most inspiring city. Like people say it never sleeps. It reminds me of the poem written by Robert Frost. “miles to go before I sleep.”

 

What is the prospects of event management companies in India?

Event Management companies are opening day by day, but the focus it requires to be operated is missing. It depends that what work and to what extent you want to work. Its a full time career now a days in India where you can mix work with travel, fun and music. Its all about the consistency and approach you want to take it forward with

We as society should raise our Conscience : Shafqat Ali Watali,IG Traffic Police

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Shafqat Ali Watali is prominent police officer of state and currently IG Traffic Police.
In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir , he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi
How was the current impressive  traffic management possible despite such problems  before Darbar Move?
It is true that we faced lot of congestion and jams and people expected worse on eve of Darbar opening but devising an effective plan and more important implementing it has done wonders.
We believe in effective coordination and implementation to achieve sucess.
Traffic Department has been facing dearth of human resource  .What is being done in that regard?
It is a fact that traffic department has faced shortage of manpower since many years but now we have got required number of human resource from police department which has solved our human resource problem.

Downtown is seemingly been ignored in terms of traffic police deployment.Your take?
Yes it is a serious issue as downtown has been having very less traffic police at its disposal .We are working on it and in a phased manner we will solve this issue and solve traffic problems of downtown.
Evening transport is another problem .What is traffic department doing in this regard ?
We cannot put every issue related to transport in the court of Traffic .The effective regulation and management  of traffic is our main responsibility and departments like transport too has to work on the issues like evening transport availability via their human resource .

What is been done to regulate unauthorized parking, making more  paid parkings especially of vehicles parked in front of shops?
It is a quiet big issue and all the departments like Municipal Corporation, SDA and ERA have a role to play in this regard .
We are identifying 28 parking spaces to ease the parking problems and make traders and others accountable for wrong parking.Shopkeepers should also introspect were to park and adopt car pooling.
Female drivers are hardly checked for licenses  on scooty which is causing  Traffic accidents .What is been done in this regard?.
With rising competition we have seen more females driving and we are devising plan to make the regulation  paradigm more effective.
Are you planning to increase the number of CCtvs to improve traffic management ?
Yes to identify the traffic violators and manage traffic in a better way the traffic police department is increasing the number of CCTvs Cameras with collobration of allied deparments.
Tippers are causing lot of mess.What is being done in this regard?
Tipers are governed by the High Court rules and we have main problem with tipers that operate on freelance basis and at night time  . Since we have less availability of traffic personnel at that time we are solving this issue in coordination with police department as they have solid presence at night time.
Shouldn’t you now employ more female traffic cops as number of women drivers are growing?
It is a good suggestion and we will look into this important suggestion.
In areas affected by Flyover will the traffic ness not worsen during upcoming festivties ?
We will chalk out the plan for these areas as the situation demand and we are looking into this aspect closely.
Women buses being boarded by male, what is being done in that regard?
We are trying to deal with this but let me state that on this issue and other issues we as a society should raise our conscience level and not always be ready to implement things when forced.

Hard work Rewards : Mannan Bukhari

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Mannan Bukhari is an  Author, Human rights defender and   documentary film maker .He recently authored “Kashmir – Scars of Pellet Gun”  on sufferings of pellet victims of Kashmir , which received wide appreciation. Mannan also recently made the 20 minutes long documentary “Children in Conflict Torn Kashmir’

 

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir Magazine , Mannan Bukhari talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I did my schooling from  Angels Garden Kanipora and Public High School Gogjibagh. My high schooling happened  during the years of hard turmoil. I had my post graduate studies from   Kashmir university and Human rights course . I was an active child, student and always inclined to activism.

 

Tell us a bit about your activism days as you are known for your activism?

 

I pioneered and lead well known Alama Iqbal Students Movement (AISM) as President and several students federations at Bemina Degree College.

 

What was motivation behind joining Pro-Freedom politics?

 

After joining student activism and  as you know it develops revolutionary tastes in you and so joining pro-freedom politics was my  natural  choice.

 

Who are your favorite authors and your favorite readings?

 

I do not have any favorite set of readings and authors. I read diverse authors and concepts so my choice of authors and readings is not limited. Although, Allama Iqbal and Mirza Ghalib I have read as first literature and loved that a lot.

 

How big is the achievement of inclusion of your book titled “Kashmir Scars of pellet Gun”  in UN Human rights library ?

 

It is really matter of honor that the book has found its place in the library and catalogue of office of the High Commissioner United Nations Human Rights Council. The book has been included in two categories -General and Education.

 

What motivated you to write your debut book “Kashmir – Scars of Pellet Gun”?

 

I was always moved by the pain and sufferings of pellet victims and made a documentary on it titled “Shattered dreams”. I than finally thought to give my urge and the sufferers of infamous pellet gun a shape of fully fledged book.

 

What Challenges you faced while writing your books?

 

The authorities  tried their best to resorted to dill dally tactics and provide manipulated figures reasons known best to them and I had to contest even RTIs to prove that their data was incorrect which I proved via my ground work.RTI related realms form the core of my book.

 

How long it took you to pen down this book?

 

Due to floods I had lost of record of the book which I had not unfortunately digitalized .It took me two years of research and pain taking efforts to finally come up with the book.

 

Had you ever thought that book will receive such appreciation?

 

My main concern was to highlight the sufferings and trauma of pellet hit victims, I had never thought it would receive such wide appreciations and reviews. The unique subject and topic also helped.

 

How far has your family supported your ambitions?

 

My family has been highly cooperative towards my ambitions and my mother has always been my inspiration as she has always stressed me to read and write.

 

Your message to young writers and activists?

 

I think your work and activism especially in the field of human rights demands lot of hard work and being focused on collecting facts.