News Kashmir Magazine

BIT MORE DETERMINATION TO OVERTAKE THE SITUATION!
Faheem Ul Islam

Ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty but it’s the silence of those people who could have done something.
Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

When any innocent person is murdered it is a tragedy, no matter where, no matter when, especially if the victim is a child. The world not acting to end children’s cries is the most shameful act that I know of. The criminal regime committing crimes is understandable to me, since they are racist and fascist beyond imagination, but the poor conviction and low amount of action from “good” people around the world is not understandable, unless they don’t want to be called “good”. Killing of innocent people in communal and sectarian violence is nothing new in any country. A majority of the perpetrators of these horrific crimes enjoyed political patronage and were aided by an indifferent law enforcement agency. The criminals escaped prosecution and punishment.

Crimes against humanity are criminal acts that are directed at an identifiable group of people. Genocide is an example of a crime against humanity. Crimes against humanity are criminal acts that target a group of people based on their religion, ethnicity, or some other trait, which is not a direct result of something that group has done. One of the most common crimes against humanity is genocide, which is the murder of a large portion of the population. Genocide is often either condoned, or carried out by the government. While history looks back to Nazi Germany for its example of crimes against humanity, the truth is, many modern conflicts see some combination of displacement, torture, sexual violence, and death against civilians. In fact, the number of civilian deaths in modern conflicts far exceeds that of armed combatants.
Are you suffering from Islam phobia?
Islam which is based on humanity, The Islamic view of humanity is filled with mercy and compassion, and it cannot be otherwise, because the Islamic religion is the last of the religions that were prescribed by Allah swt, may He be exalted, and He commanded all of mankind to enter this religion. He revealed this religion and sent it down to the most compassionate of mankind, Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him). This is confirmed in the Book of Allah swt, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”[al-Anbiya’ 21:107]. 
Islam advises us to treat neighbours kindly, even if they are not Muslim.
Al-Qurtubi (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said:
I say: based on that, kind treatment of neighbours is enjoined and is recommended, whether they are Muslim or not. And this is the right thing to do. Kind treatment may be in the sense of helping or it may be in the sense of being kind, refraining from annoyance and standing by them. Al-Bukhaari narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Jibreel kept urging me to treat neighbours kindly until I thought that he would make them heirs.” And it was narrated from Abu Shurayh that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “By Allah swt, he does not believe; by Allah swt, he does not believe; by Allah swt, he does not believe.” It was said: O Messenger of Allah swt, who is that? He said: “The one whose neighbour is not safe from his annoyance.” This is general in meaning and applies to all neighbours, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) affirmed that the neighbour should not be annoyed by swearing three times and stating that the one who annoys his neighbour is not a believer in the complete sense. Concerning that Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allah swt does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily,  Allah swt loves those who deal with equity” [al-Mumtahanah 60:8].
It is not part of Islam to force the non-Muslim to enter this religion, because sincerity is one of the conditions of accepting Islam. And Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“There is no compulsion in religion” [al-Baqarah 2:256].

Just a small question for this educated world
Malala got shot & the world went crazy.  Several kids across the world are being murdered & western leader’s thumbs up & let them carry on massacring more children.Does these innocent kids look like a terrorist to you?I am living in a world whose concepts are no longer clear to me. A world where the criminal walks free and the victim is called a terrorist. A world where killing a one year old kid is permissible. A world that has left me baffled about what is right and what is wrong
The same can be said about the torture and violence these blooming kids face in their own country, if these kids were Jewish or American special breed it would be headline news throughout the world.
Are Jewish or American special breed children smarter, prettier and whiter? Are they deserving of sympathy and solidarity, denied to other children or is that kids of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yeman, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir, are the kids who are very dangerous, threatening, guilty, even dark and ugly, a situation that can only lead to Islamic phobia?

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ISLAM IS A PANACEA OF ALL THE ILLS.By Sufaya Yousf

Islam is that religion which belongs to every individual and is meant for all ages and situations. It is a solution for every problem. It is a best medicine for every illness whether it is physical illness or spiritual illness. It is a solution for everyone on individual or collective issues irrespective of any race, caste, community.           If we see Islam is oftenly described as “the perfect religion”, Islam is perfect because it is not only a religion but it a way of life. Islam is a perfect guide for guiding us how to spend your precious time on earth. It gives us manners. It shows us difference between halal or haram, right and wrong, truth and false. It shows us how to behave with your parents, what are their rights towards you. In jahaliyah period no one knows how to live their life, it’s only  Islam which gives them the proper way. If we can understand the importance of Islam then only we can understand the importance and purpose of human life.       Islam is the only religion which gives us complete and balanced way of life. It’s principles and teachings can give us the perfect solutions for every problem. Islam is that religion which not only covers the spiritual aspects of life but it covers social, economic, political and even the diplomatic aspects of human life. It gives us the cure of all the ills. Everything is covered in Islam, it gives  proper rights to everyone whether it is oppressed, orphan, women, Muslim or non Muslim living in Muslim land.         Islam gives us the perfect code of conduct of behaviour, ethics and social values which can help an individual to deal with his stressful life. Islam teaches how to live in harmony with others “Seek the life to come by means of what God granted you, but do not neglect your rightful share in this world. Do good to others as God has done good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for God does not love those who do this” (Quran, 28:77).         Islam is the religion of peace and truth which never makes anything difficult for the servant but always seeks ease for him. If a physical wellbeing will be adversely affected by the combined effect of fasting and doctor will advice the patient not to fast as Islam exempts them from fasting in such conditions. “And whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, let him fast the same number of other days. Allah desired for you ease; He desired not hardship for you”. (Quran 2:185).           Islam encourages people to stay hopeful, even if someone has committed the worst sin or faced with most troublesome life event as there is always God’s mercy.“And never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” (Quran, 12:87)      In Islam suicide is totally prohibited. It is a sinful act because this life is given by Allah and only He have the power to take this away from us no one else have the right to end his life. Muslims should always remember Allah in the times of suffering and pain and they should have faith on God’s mercy that He will ease this pain and suffering. It’s only Allah who will judge the actions of an individual no one else have the right to do so.Muslims should always believe that all suffering, life, death, joy, and happiness are derived from God and that God is the one who gives us strength to survive. They should believe that any loss or deprivation experience is a form of a test from God to his slave of how he will stand this suffering with patience and full trust in God’s mercy.         We should always be thankful to Allah that he bestowed us with such blessings rather to think that what others have more than us. If we think so it can lead us towards anxiety and depression. And we should not regret over the things which happened in past, which one cannot go back and change, and not to worry about what will happen in future.            Islam is the only religion which prohibits drinking alcohol. Even it prevents the Muslims to follow the path which will lead them to take alcohol. And it also prohibits us to smoke because we know that smoking cause many diseases and it may lead to heart diseases. Homosexuality another great sin prohibited by Islam because Allah has created us in pairs. Man is not homosexual by nature and homosexuality can also cause sexually transmitted diseases. Islam enforces the family role in Muslim’s life and emphasizes the religious, moral, and ethical values. These are some major acts which are strictly restricted in Islam and we can see how these sins affect our health and we know that health is a God’s gift and we should be careful about it.                      Islam is that religion which outlines how man should lead life after accepting Islam. How should he worship Him alone? What morals and values he should follow? How should he behave inside home? How should he behave outside home? How should a person carry himself in the market? How should a man run the government or politics? It also tells us whatever you are doing God keeps an eye on that and watches your all deeds weather good or bad. If a person keeps this thing in his mind while performing a deed he will never do a wrong deed. And After that, we were rewarded or punished for our deeds on the day of judgement.        Islam teaches us that there is no division among you on the basis of colour, caste, place. All are same from one parent Adam and the best among you are those who are best in their deeds. One who is piety. Islam teaches us to do justice with everyone, even to the enemies. There is a solution for every problem in Islam.  The remedy for all our ills are present in Islam.
   By Sufaya yousf Hails from Anantnag kashmir and currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Srinagar kashmir.Sofisufaya1999@gmail.com

                       BLACK AND WHITE FUNGUS Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

Black Fungus: COVID-associated mucormycosis, commonly but erroneously, referred to as black fungus, is the association of mucormycosis (an aggressive fungal infection) with COVID-19. It been reported around the nose, eyes and brain – a clinical manifestation sometimes referred to as ‘rhino-orbital-cerebral (ROC) mucormycosis’. Reports of COVID-associated mucormycosis have generally been rare. A review of the medical literature traced eight cases reported around the world by 9 January 2021. In these reports, the most common risk factor for mucormycosis was diabetes.COVID-associated mucormycosis has especially affected people in India. The association also appeared in Russia. One explanation for why the association has surfaced remarkably in India is high rates of COVID infection and high rates of diabetes. In May 2021, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued guidelines for recognising and treating COVID-associated mucormycosis. Due to its rapidly growing number of cases, the Government of Rajasthan declared it an epidemic on 19 May 2021. Along with the Rajasthan government, the governments of Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Gujarat have also now declared this an epidemic.
White Fungus: White fungus is four times more dangerous than black fungus. It damages many parts of the body and spreads in the lungs. It also shows severe effects on the kidney, mouth, skin, and brain. Young children are also being affected by white fungus. 
Amid the increasing Covid cases, India is struggling with another epidemic called Black Fungus infection. Many cases are being detected of this rare fungal infection in Covid patients and people who are diabetic, have kidney or heart problems, or are on high steroids. Just when the government was dealing with the black fungus epidemic, another fungal infection- White Fungus has started to spread its wings. The infected patients also include a famous specialist from Patna. In such a situation, questions are being raised about how is white fungus different from black fungus infection? How to protect yourself from this infection? Difference in symptoms of White and Black fungus:
White Fungus Symptoms: CoughFeverDiarrheaDark spots on lungs, reduced oxygen level
Black Fungus Symptoms:Facial DeformityHeadacheFacial painNasal congestionLoss of vision or pain in eyesAltered mental state, confusionSwelling in cheeks and eyesToothache, loosening of teethBlack crusts in the nose’
Who is more at risk of White Fungus infection?Both White and Black fungus prey on people with low immunity. Along with this, people suffering from diabetes, cancer, critical illness or a patient admitted in ICU are more prone to black fungus. At the same time, the white fungus attacks people with co-morbidities. People with cancer, excess blood sugar are more prone to white fungus. How white fungus spreads in the body?According to AIIMS professor Dr. Kaushal Verma, the white fungus begins from the tongue or private parts due to which, it makes the tongue white. It then spreads to other organs along with lungs, brains, food pipes.  
According to Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal, the first one has to avoid getting Covid infection. Therefore it is important to strengthen the immunity. Do not overuse steroids during covid treatment. Steroids should be given only when the oxygen levels go down and pneumonia occurs. When the condition is stable, reduce the number of steroids, so that there is no problem of blood sugar fluctuation. White and black fungus infections can be avoided in these ways.
DOCTORS in India have warned that white fungus could infect Covid patient’s lungs and it could be as deadly as the black mould outbreak.It comes after medics in India said that black fungus had been rotting organs and limbs of some patients.Mucormycosis is caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes which live in the environment in rotting vegetables and fruit, bread, soils and plantsOne expert warned that the white fungus could even appear in patients who have already recovered from the coronavirus.Dr S N Singh, who is head of microbiology at Patna Medical College in Bihar, India, said like the black fungus, white fungus was also likely to be seen in diabetic patients.The black fungal infection is called mucormycosis and is caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes which live in the environment in rotting vegetables and fruit, bread, soils and plants. Dr Singh explained that the white fungus could be just as deadly if it finds a passage to the lungs in immuno-compromised people.Dr Singh did however say that the presence of Candida had been found in the lungs of patients.Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast and normally lives on the skin or inside the body in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.But for some people it can cause itchiness or irritation.Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast and normally lives on the skin or inside the body in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.
But for some people it can cause itchiness or irritation.
According to experts, hot and humid conditions, as well being on oxygen support for a long time, are all causes of both black and white fungal infections.Indian has been bombarded with corona virus cases in the last month and many hospitals have had to pack patients in, treating them in cramped conditions with many receiving oxygen.Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.  Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Title:-  SPEAKING EYES By Monalisa Parida
In the forest, a tree never dies

In a sea, a river never dies In air, a breath never dies 

But I die, For the thoughts of your love. 

Don’t worry, I will not be there tomorrow my love, Know this,

The depth of your eyes speak to me, 

With all the languages of the world

Let me start my journey with you. 

Full of energy, enthusiasm anew. 

About Author Monalisa Parida is from India, Odisha .She  is post  graduate student of English literature and a prolific poetess. She’s very active in social media platforms and her poems have also been published in various e- journals and translated into different languages.

WILL THE US EXIT-STRATEGY FROM AFGHANISTAN WILL SUCCEED OR FALTER.
SUHAIB ASHRAF BHAT.
The US exit strategy without completely eradicating terrorism in the region can be equated with the US pack-up just after the Cold War in 1992. They left their most allied ally- Pakistan- at the mercy of terrorists in the offing- the former Mujahideens against the Soviet Union. These Mujahideens turned into the Taliban later and that cost of the US haste exit strategy was suffered by Pakistan. Death of Osama does not mean the end of terrorism. We would not like to go into the controversy of how and why the war on terror began and how best America could muster its results. But the fact remains that the mess created the US in the post-9/11 haste must not be left for Pakistan again.
In a speech on April 14, President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. “It is time to end the forever war,” he declared. Set to begin on May 1, the process will be completed by September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of 9/11. What are the implications for Afghanistan, the U.S., and the wider region?
The American withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan has left essential questions of peace in Afghanistan in the air. Without human rights as the primary priority when exiting, there is a risk of violence against the most vulnerable members of society and a potential collapse of the government. The violence has continued in Afghanistan following President Biden’s announcement that American troops will be departing Afghanistan. On May 8th, 2021, a horrific bombing outside Sayed Ul-Shuhada high school is a reminder of the deadly conflict that will continue beyond the American departure. The violent attack is the deadliest attack in 2021.
The Afghanistan Papers report by the Washington Post found that the American government and military officials failed to understand the necessary stabilization strategies and programs to tailor to Afghanistan. As a result, the stabilization in Afghanistan rarely lasted longer than where the coalition troops with physically located. While the stabilization efforts have been abysmal, the cost has been astronomical. According to a Brown University Study, the nearly decade-long war has cost the United States a total of 2.26 trillion dollars. It will continue to cost Americans upon their departure from the region.
The Biden administration decision to disengage militarily from Afghanistan by September 11 may seem warranted, perhaps even overdue, after a commitment of two decades. 
After the Soviets bailed out of Afghanistan in 1989, the U.S. decided that it had little stake in what happened in the country and the region. Virtually all government assistance ceased. America decided to let the Afghans sort out their differences and left Pakistan, erstwhile partner in the jihad against communism, to fend for itself in coping with the fallout of the decade-long Afghan conflict. What America got in Afghanistan was a bloody, anarchic, fratricidal civil war, the rise of the Taliban and the settling in of Al-Qaeda.

For the first time in two decades, the United States says it will have no troops and contractors in Afghanistan and the CIA and Special Forces teams that have led the search for Al Qaeda’s remaining operatives will no longer work from bases in the eastern part of the country.In recent days, the Pentagon began a “retrograde” of its forces in the country, which include what it says are some 2,500 service members, a few hundred special operations troops and some 18,000 contractors. NATO is conducting its own drawdown. The withdrawal could be complete as early as July. President Biden placed a Sept. 11 deadline for the pullout, 20 years after the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks in the U.S.Biden administration officials say that the threat from Al Qaeda has been sharply reduced since the U.S. invasion in 2001 and that it will be possible to keep tabs on the militant groups in Afghanistan from outside the country. Even before Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s killing in 2011 in Pakistan, the group’s ranks were decimated and much of its leadership killed or captured.
If a threat of a terrorist attack on the United States or its interests is detected, the Biden administration officials insist, the Pentagon or CIA could strike inside landlocked Afghanistan — with air attacks from faraway bases or Special Forces teams inserted on so-called “capture or kill missions.”
“We will maintain an over-the-horizon capability to suppress future threats to the homeland,” Biden said in an address to Congress. He added that Afghanistan is no longer the only location from which militants threaten the U.S and its allies, naming Yemen, Syria, Somalia and “other places.”
Fighter planes flying from aircraft carriers and longer-range bombers from air bases in the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean and even the United States could strike insurgent fighters whose locations are fixed by surveillance drones, communications intercepts and informant networks.
But many uncertainties remain about that strategy, including whether any of Afghanistan’s neighbours will agree to let the U.S. base forces or surveillance drones on their territory. If not, the U.S. will have to rely on forces operating from American bases in the Persian Gulf.
Al Qaeda of 2021 is a far smaller organization with less reach, while the United States has built a counter-terrorism capability and familiarity with Afghanistan far exceeding anything it had before 2001.
“There will be some degradation in terms of our ability to know exactly what’s going on,” Zalmay Khalilzad, the administration’s negotiator on Afghanistan, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “But we believe, given the nature of the threat right now that we would get adequate warning.”
Al Qaeda has fewer than 200 members in south Asia, most of them in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency, said. The group’s second-ranking leader, Ayman Zawahiri, though suffering severe health problems, is still believed to be alive, hiding possibly in Afghanistan, while other leaders are said to be in Iran, according to the agency.
“There was little discernible activity out of the group” last year and “throughout 2021, [Al Qaeda] very likely will be unable to conduct terrorist attacks,” Berrier added, in written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. Instead, the group will “bolster its relationship with the Taliban.” That relationship is the core U.S. concern.Under the terms of a 2020 withdrawal agreement with the Trump administration, the Taliban vowed to prevent Afghan territory under its control from being used by terrorist groups to launch attacks on the U.S. and its allies. U.S. officials insist that the deal requires the Taliban to sever its ties with Al Qaeda, but U.S. intelligence officials do not expect that to occur. 
What happens to that deal after Biden delayed Trump’s May 1 withdrawal date is unclear. Despite publicly distancing themselves from Al Qaeda in private talks with U.S. officials, the Taliban “very likely maintains close ties with the militants at the local level, often through family ties due to years of intermarriage” in Afghanistan and Pakistan, said a senior U.S. official familiar with intelligence assessments about the relationship. A statement posted on the “Voice of Jihad” Taliban website in October said the group had no obligation to sever ties with Al- Qaeda under the U.S.-Taliban deal, the official noted.
Taliban representatives, however, insist they can contain any extremists on Afghan soil. “Al Qaeda was in Afghanistan before Taliban. All those countries now complaining about them supported them at the time of the Soviet invasion, and we now inherited them,” said Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban representative in Qatar.

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                Endangered species are our companions 

 We as a whole have obligation to secure endangered species 

Dar Showkat 

Endangered Species Day 2021: This year sixteenth yearly Endangered Species Day is observed. Allow us to view the set of experiences behind this day, how could it be praised, and about endangered species.  Endangered Species can be perceived as the creatures that are on high danger of annihilation. There are numerous endangered types of plants and creatures worldwide that are in harm’s way. There are different reasons that cause the elimination of these species like the limitation of living space, abuse of these species for business purposes, illnesses, unfriendly climatic conditions, and so forth The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) is the specialists that keeps a nearby watch on various species and figures out what species care lose to termination. IUCN assess different components to decide endangered species like decrease, size of the populace, space of geographic conveyance, and so on there are a ton of endeavors going on across the world to save endangered species. There could be numerous purposes behind the termination of jeopardized species however one of the significant reasons is loss of living space. Concurred or not yet the deficiency of natural surroundings has been brought about by people for advancement. This gigantic improvement has upset the natural life biological system seriously. Whatever is the explanation yet the truth of the matter is that now the security of these imperiled species is one of the need issues across the globe. A significant number of us may imagine that why securing endangered species is significant. Indeed, there are numerous advantages to saving these imperiled species. The contention is going on around the world “why securing endangered species are significant”. One basic goal of securing endangered species is the delight of people in the future. It is a ton of joy and amusing to observe such superb creatures. Sadly, the species that are going to be terminated won’t be accessible for people in the future. They won’t interface with these species. The lone wellspring of getting data about these endangered species will be through the web or books.

Endangered Species Day 2021: Because of COVID-19, it is praised through online occasions, computerized activities and individual exercises. The day furnishes us with a chance for all periods of individuals to notice and find out about the imperiled species and the approaches to secure them. The day spread mindfulness about the significance of securing imperiled species, their natural surroundings and to make moves important to ensure them. Consequently, Endangered Species Day perceives the public preservation endeavors to ensure our country’s jeopardized species and their natural surroundings. A few occasions and youth challenge are held at different natural life shelters, zoos, parks, public venues, aquariums, greenhouses, libraries, schools and universities and so on.  In 1960s and 1970s worry over the prosperity of creatures with climate and preservation came out. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was endorsed into law on 28 December to raise the significance of untamed life preservation and rebuilding endeavours for all risked species. It is said that the Endangered Species Day was first made by U.S. Senate in 2006.

How has climate change affected human life?

Around then a few endeavours were made to save species and because of it around many species from elimination were saved like the bald eagle. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in the previous twenty years, the rundown of imperiled species has dramatically increased.  “Endangered species are our companions.” – (Yao Ming)

What qualifies animal types as Endangered?

Distinctive government and neighborhood associations have their own measures of choosing for species that it is imperiled or not. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps up the most far reaching rundown of imperiled species all throughout the planet. The Red List of Threatened Species passes judgment on every species on five unique guidelines.

Regular factors that lead to elimination are:

1.      Human intercession

2.      Loss of territory

3.      Introduction of unfamiliar species into the climate.

4.      Overhunting

5.      Pollution

6.      Disease

7.      Loss of hereditary variety

8.      Deforestation- 

9.      Climate Change etc.

“Conservation of any endangered species must begin with stringent efforts to protect its natural habitat by the enforcement of rigid legislation against human encroachment into parks and other game sanctuaries.”- Dian Fossey

Biodiversity is produced with two words specifically “organic” and “variety”. It alludes to all the assortment of life that can be found on Earth might be plants, creatures, growths and miniature life forms. Just as to the networks that they structure and the natural surroundings in which they live.  Show on Biological Diversity characterizes biodiversity as the inconstancy among living organic entities from all sources including entomb alia, earthly, marine and other amphibian environments and the natural edifices of which they are part; this incorporates variety inside species, among species and of biological systems. Biodiversity isn’t just the amount, everything being equal, species and hereditary material yet in addition it addresses the fluctuation inside and among them. Thus, this is an ideal opportunity to be ready and we should together pursue producing mindfulness among the general population about the significance of untamed life, jeopardized species, biodiversity and protection. Why jeopardized species are at the skirt of elimination? What are the explanations for it? It is important to get it. Most likely elimination is a characteristic wonder of nature however because of some different reasons; termination is expanding a very long time in many years. One day can come when we won’t see tigers, elephants, falcons and so on.

 “We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations.” The writer is research scholar from Handwara 

What is the true meaning of liberty?

Syed Mustafa Ahmad 

You may called it freedom or liberty but the fact is that everyone wants to do whatever he or she wants. No body wants to be bound by laws, whether natural or man-made. But the most important thing is that are we ready free to do, whatever we want to do or not. In my opinion, looking at the creation of the universe, it is impossible to do, without rules and regulations. Let us look at this through different angles.       First is God’s creation. The Sun, the Moon, the planets and all other celestial bodies are bound by some fixed laws. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The Earth is at appropriate distance from the Sun and other stars and planets. Seasons come and go without a slight mistake. Everything follows some rules that allow peace reign in. No inanimate thing makes a slight effort to go against the Creator who has kept it where It is. So, the natural things are a testimony that freedom is here but in limited sense, which the Creator has given them according to the divine plan.        Second is diversity. As we are aware of this fact that this world is fight between good and evil. The main motive of goodness is that every living organism remains where it is. Any deviation from that path, can prove disastrous. Human beings have been made in such a way that he always tries to throw the chains in  which he is bound. But the experience shows that whenever it  happens, it brings misery in the world. Evil wherever reigns, there are cent percent chances that the natural order is thrown to winds. We have examples of genetic mutations, nuclear experiments, worship others other than Almighty, trying to build another world of their choice, etc., has brought untold misery to the world. The First World War, the Second World War, the Syrian Civil War, etc., are glaring examples that can bring us closer to the fact that life is suitable when it is bound by rules and regulations.       Third is Almighty also wants us to follow Him. He is our Creator. He knows our creation. So, it makes us no sense that creation goes against the wishes of the Creator. The machine is bound to follow his master. Whenever machine goes against the plan of the master, the machine is either repaired or it is discarded forever. This applies to human beings as well. The grand design of the universe says that the Creator has created or made us as machines. Until, we work according to His plan, nothing awkward happens. The very moment we try to put away the yoke of Allah’s rules and regulations,, we are bound to fail. Moreover, He has sent many chosen-messengers to repair human beings so that they may come back to the original path. If this does not happen, then Almighty discards us in the most brutal manner.       Fourth and last is what is the motive behind living. If a person knows why he or she has taken birth, many issues are automatically solved. A meaningful life means that it is sinful to harm anything, whether living or nonliving deliberately. It means not to sacrifice permanent things for temporary things. Permanency means that it is better to remain in limited for long term gains than to break the laws, which have been imposed by the Almighty. So, meaning in life means that we are forced to obey laws for the mass gain.       In short, that life is worthy of living, which is full of rules and regulations. Now, the ball is in our court to decide whether to be a law-abiding or lawbreaking person. Let us ponder over it!

Unexplored Tourism Destinations of Ramban District 

Syed Aamir Sharief Qadri 

The famous Persian couplet of Amir Khusrau attributed to Emperor Jahangir is frequently used by everyone to define the beauty of Kashmir.Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast Trans: If there is a paradise on earth It is this, it is this, it is thisThough these lines were not written to illustrate the magnificence of Kashmir but it was Jahangir who used these words to describe valley as paradise on the earth. What he exclaimed is very true about Kashmir. But it seems-The beauty of other parts of J&K didn’t attract the great Mughals?They also didn’t know what is on the other side of the Pir Panjal?Keeping in view the difficulty of times they had lived, it is simple to answer these questions. Today we have a great technology at our disposal; still, we are unable to locate beautiful places in our surroundings. We even don’t know how many popular lakes, meadows and side valleys surround our Union Territory. What about those unexplored beauty spots that are hidden between lofty peaks. In a bountiful manner the state of J&K has been blessed with uncountable natural resources. Between surfaces of the earth to the top of the snow laden mountains everything is beautiful. From Trans Himalayan Ladakh to Jammu plains the region is painted with many colors.Like every district in J&K, Ramban also got its share when God was distributing valuable gifts in the form of picturesque meadows, lakes, rivers and springs. While travelling on NH 44 that passes through Ramban district people usually recall the horrors of Panthal, Digdol, Kela Mod, Khoni Nallah etc. This road presents a dangerous look and claims many lives every year. To enter safe zones people drive their vehicles very fast and cross risky points in a short span of time. They don’t know the road that cut mountains in the middle, are full of beautiful meadows at top. Let me tell the people who cross this road half-heartedly- “Don’t bow your head anymore. Open your heart to look at the top of these mountains and feel the fragrance of multi-color flowers to make your journey comfortable”.The local people name hilly terrains of Pir Panjal by different terms. For example, the mountain top is known as Maal. The loft peak is called Daar/ Dhar. The pass that connects one area to another is known as Gali. The plain meadow is named as Madaan. The people move their cattle (Mal) to upper reaches in summer season for grazing purpose. These grazing lands are called Baas.  
Some important tourist destinations of district Ramban are as under-1. Zaban Hill Station, Nilpal Lamber and Thandi ChhahThe scenic meadow of Zaban is located about 5 kms from the national highway from Nowgam (Banihal).  The panoramic view of village Khairkoot in Sanglaab valley from the top of Zaban hill station is marvelous. The Bichleri rivulet in Zaban forms lovely waterfall. Zaban is a part of cacaw reserve. Hence a wide variety of wildlife can be seen here. Nilpal Lamber is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Banihal railway station connected with a motor able road. The sloping meadows, waterfall, spring and streams make this place very charming. Thandi-chhah is 10 kms away from Banihal town. This scenic spot has two parallel streams flowing on either side of the vast meadows.2. Moh Mangith and Adjoining Areas.The twin villages of Moh Mangith are located at a distance of about 45 km from Banihal Town. Its tehsil head quarter is Khari just 5 kms from Nachlana, situated on National Highway. The pahari speaking people of Moh Mangith are culturally more close to Kashmir valley as compared to Jammu region. Though this area is not connected by road with Kashmir but still they prefer to cross just one huge mountain to reach Dandward- Chimer area of district Kulgam. Recently the area was connected to its sub district Banihal through road. Now people don’t need to traverse huge mountain to reach Kashmir for business purpose. The extreme ravishing beauty with gorgeous streamlets and creeks make this area much beautiful. The glamorous meadows are studded with bubbling springs and unique flora and fauna. The beautiful cascades on sprawling rivulets present an elegant look. The slopes are decorated with pine, fir, and deodar forests and mountains with grimy glaciers. Among the other places of equal importance it is necessary to add few more neighboring places to list. Damantrag, Aramnakh, Pathalan, Gudbeir, Nawan, Mohri, Trajbal, Ratan, etc. are worth mentioning. Damantrag is a beautiful meadow at an altitude of about 3450 meter. The snow cover remains for more than six months.3. Neel Top and Pogal ParistanThe impressive Neel Top is located at a distance of 25 kms from Banihal town. This place is situated at an elevation of about 2000 meter above mean sea level and can be visited by two routes. One route leads from Chamalwas and another from Magarkote. Both of these routes fall in Jammu- Srinagar national highway. The heights of Pir Panjal present a majestic glance. At top one can feel every moment very closely. The overhead floating clouds, bright sunshine, cold breeze that touches soft skin, and sometimes fog and terrifying dark clouds shroud you in such a way that it becomes difficult to move on. One can feel all these things at Neel top also. Neel top provides base for many trekking expeditions such as Wasa Marg, Ejan-tragh, Chang Top, Hals-dhar, Bari-naal, Zaradi, Devita-dhar, Wanbara, Hansraj pass, Perhinder, Daganbass, Sargali, Yamul Top, Mayalsar, Nandimarg, etc. Pogal-Paristan- The land of fairies is situated about 23 kms from Banihal.  The tehsil head quarter is located at Ukhral just 8 kms from National Highway via Magarkote. Pogli is the main language of the area. They also speak Kashmiri and Gojri. The famous pogli-geet locally called Chan is sung by both men and women on special occasions. One can enjoy this song while roving freely in the lovely meadows of Pogal Paristan. The two rivers- Pogali nallah (Sundari) and Paristan nallah further adds beauty to verdant meadows. There are streams which provide comfort by producing burbling and tuneful sounds. The spectacular meadows are spread over a vast area. Some popular spots include Nandimarg, Mayalsar Lake, Yamal Top, Sargali, Gogli dhar (Sunseri), Devhira, Gagan Top, Sarvadhar, Hansraj peak, etc. Some of these places can be visited from Kapran (Verinag) area of district Anantnag. There is a vast meadow at Sargali which serves as playing ground for local youth. One can have a pleasant view of Pogal on one side and Banihal on other side from top. At Sarvadhar there is a famous 400 year old temple of Chamunda Mata which can be reached through a village called Senabati. From beautiful Kharwan plateau one can have a majestic view of entire Neel and Paristan areas. During Dogra rule a Fort was constructed there named Pogal Qilla. But today you can see only debris of this ruined fort.4. Gool Gulabgad, Dagan Top and Bhatni village.In the lap of lofty mountains, Gool tehsil is located 55 kms from Ramban. Some important tourist attractions of the place are Dagan Top, Hajam Marg, Jabar Sar, Gooda gali, Ramakunda, Mazamkunda, Tata Pani, Bhatni village, Ladha Dhar, etc. All these places are located in the vicinity of Gool town.  The swirling cool breeze envelops the meadows of Dagan Top. This place offers a picturesque view of Gool town. At an elevation of about 2000 meter this place separates Ramban from Reasi. It is situated about 10 kms from Gool on Gool-Mahore road. At short distance a trek from Dagan top leads to forest covered meadow of Hajam Marg. At a distance of few kms from Gool, Jabar valley is surrounded by green trees and meadows. There is a small marshy lake called Jabar Sar. Gooda Gali is a heritage site famous for stone carved objects. The stones are engraved extensively and art is depicted in various forms. The popular form of art is number of beautifully trimmed horse sculptures decorated with different motifs, on which some riders are sitting on a horse back. Other things of attraction include religious scenes of different Hindu gods, feudal setup in which kings, queens and princes dominate the stage, etc. The hot water of sulphur spring at Tatapani is believed to possess extraordinary healing power to cure diseases like dermatitis and arthritis. Large number of people from J&K visits this spring every year.  Bhatni village is about 32 kms from District head quarter Ramban. At top of village, on fascinating Ladha Dhar range the famous Shankpal temple is located which is famous pilgrimage center. Bhatnimela is held every year in the month of August starting from Nag Panchmi. The centuries old ritual dance Kud is performed in honor of lok devtas by people on these days.Scope for Adventure TourismThe promising tourist resorts of Pogal Paristan, Gool Gulabgad, and Moh Mangith have a great potential for adventure tourism. The majority of sites with beautiful landscape mentioned above are fit for summer and winter sports. The popular sports like snow sledges, paragliding, and skiing can be easily done here. MountaineeringDue to wide range of hills and mountains the local people love to conquer different peaks of the region.  Some popular heights of district include Moh Peak, Reyod Peak, Hansraj Peak, Yamal Top, Gagan Top, etc. At top of Reyod peak, a concrete pillar is said to have been constructed by Britishers for unknown reasons before independence. This pillar is popularly known as Angrez Thumb.Trekking and CampingWalking on moderate to difficult paths, by covering grasslands, forests and rocky surface, in search of relaxed meadows, when someone pitch tent on best camping ground along the river beds, he can relish best moments of life. Camping and night stay is very enjoyable at highlands during summer season. Some appropriate bases for trekking are as follows-Neel Top- While starting a trek from Neel top one can explore large number of astonishing places. The whole area of Pogal Paristan and some areas close to Kashmir valley can be visited easily.Moh-Mangith- These two places serve a base camp for many treks. A few of these treks help trekkers to reach Danew Kandimarg area of Kashmir valley. Bhaajkote- The trek from Bhaajkote passes through beautiful places such as Mudushera, Sarvadahar and ends at Pogal Paristan. Bhatni village- This village provides a campground for many trails. One such trail from Bhatni village passes through Shankpal top to reach Sanasar area of Patnitop. People and CultureThe most beautiful thing about Pahari speaking people is- They are straight forward cooperative people. With simple food and dress, they live prosperous life. Living in natural environs they are much dependent on natural resources. Throughout the year people gather necessary products (Jadi Booti) from forests that cure some common diseases. Like healthy environment their hearts are alive, full of warmth. Free from greed they don’t love worldly things. They are God fearing people and staunchly believe in salvation through prayers. With the melting of snow in upper reaches they shift along with their cattle to settle in Dhokhs, where they live in Kothas for few months. Mostly they use wild variety of vegetables that are found in abundance. The popular dish include a variety of things consumed together such as they take bread made of maize floor known as Makai Chot, along with vegetables and a special type of curd known as Gurus.Valuable suggestionsThe real beauty of district Ramban is found on the upper reaches of hill tops. Most tourist spots are unexplored and lack some basic facilities such as road connectivity, electricity, drinking water, lodges, hotels and cafes. There is a need to gear up developmental programme in these unexplored locations so that it can benefit local people by creating a number of jobs. Besides tourism government must think how to uplift the downtrodden people living on mountain slopes. To eradicate poverty from the region it is necessary to exploit these beauty spots at maximum for the common good of people. With the huge inflow of tourists the local art and crafts will flourish as well. The government should endorse distinct culture of people by promoting local language and literature, music and dance, fairs and festivals, folk dances, etc.

                                                                                                                                                          Bio LineSyed Aamir Sharief Qadri is from J&K. He has completed post-graduation in History from the University of Kashmir and obtained an M.Phil. at Punjabi University Patiala. He also qualified JKSET in 2016.  Currently, he works as a freelance writer for different newspapers as a guest writer. His articles got published in many leading newspapers .

Halt and Breathe

Parthita Dutta
Halt! breathe out and in

Bridge and sync with the origin!

Relax the limbs now Like vane from the stem

Of a lithe feather

To travel the unknown gateway

Opening the gamut of grass 

To the galactic gleam, discover

Your predefined path therein

And watch how 

The locus of lustrous life

Forms a constellation in the sky.

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About Author BIO- DATA
Parthita Dutta, born in Kolkata, India, currently living in Poland. She is an engineer and aspiring bilingual writer , having keen interest in science, scriptures and literature. She writes different genres of poetry, exabits philosophical tone and spreads love, humanity and spirituality.