Every day there is a beeline of visitors outside the gate of Mirwaiz’s house in Nigeen – men, women, children, clerics, youth, elderly, neighbours, traders and the Mirwaiz family’s supporters. Some arrive from various parts of the city while others are from the countryside – south as well as north Kashmir. Mirwaiz was overwhelmed with the response of the people. Guests throng the residence of chief cleric and Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq even after 10 days, after he was released from his house detention of over four years on…
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Why Open to Close? Srinagar’s Traffic Enigma: An In-depth Analysis
Unraveling Srinagar’s Traffic Enigma: A Comprehensive Examination By: Javid Amin Nestled amidst the idyllic landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has long held the distinction of being the ‘Paradise on Earth,’ beckoning visitors from every corner. Yet, beneath this ethereal facade, the city grapples daily with a challenging issue – an intricate web of traffic congestion that bewilders its residents. The Intricate Maze of Diversions: Srinagar’s thoroughfares, once serene boulevards adorned with blooming chinar trees, have transformed into a complex maze of diversions. It’s a sight all too familiar –…
Read MoreWaqf Board Suspends Entire Staff of Hazratbal Shrine Over Alleged Negligence of Duty
Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board chairperson has ordered suspension of all officers and staff of Hazratbal shrine for negligence of duties on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). According to an order, the action was taken during the surprise visit by the chairperson to Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) in view of complaints by the people. The order states that it was found that grave negligence of the concerned staff had created a lot of inconvenience to the devotees. “Despite repeated orders and instructions from the officers and…
Read MorePreserving a Forgotten Treasure: The Gufkral Caves and the Ancient Potter’s Legacy in South Kashmir
By: Surinder Singh Oberoi In the idyllic landscapes of Tral, south Kashmir, a hidden gem from ancient times languishes in a treasure trove of history and culture the Gufkral Caves, nestled within the old-fashioned Gufkral village. It also witnesses the passage of time and the enduring legacy of eighteen potter families spanning generations. It is a saga of resilience and heritage now overshadowed by neglect, slowly crumbling as we endeavour to revive the ancient arts and crafts. The village’s cultural and historical significance deserves to be resurrected from oblivion and…
Read MoreHit-and-Run Crashes: A Growing Problem on Our Roads
By: Javid Amin The streets of posh localities in the Kashmir Valley have been witnessing a concerning trend. Young men, hailing from influential families and accustomed to a life of privilege, have been recklessly speeding through the streets in cars often owned by their parents. This reckless behavior, fueled by their sense of entitlement and disregard for the law, has been causing a growing number of accidents, and sadly, pedestrians are frequently the victims. These young drivers, sometimes rightly labeled as spoiled brats, seem to believe they are above the…
Read MoreThe Loan Culture in Kashmir: Navigating Necessity and Luxury with Islamic Insights
The rise of the loan culture in Kashmir & What Islam speaks about loans By: Javid Amin Kashmir, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a history deeply intertwined with borrowing and loans. Traditionally, these loans were sought for fundamentally crucial life events such as marriages, education, and urgent medical needs. However, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the loan landscape. Loans are now increasingly being acquired for non-essential, often luxurious, purposes, marking a significant departure from tradition. Several factors contribute to this evolving trend, and…
Read MoreKashmir’s Silent Plague: Battling the Scourge of Drug Addiction
By: Mudasir Wani Kashmir valley, renowned for its beauty and culture, has recently been cast into the shadows by a growing epidemic – drug addiction. This ominous presence is unraveling the social fabric and dragging the valley into a bleak abyss. The Pandora’s box of this crisis is wide open. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently revealed in the Lok Sabha that nearly 10 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir are entangled in the clutches of drug addiction. To put this into perspective, the population of Jammu and…
Read MoreUnmasking the Stark Reality of Food Wastage in Kashmir: A Call to Conscience
Food Wastage in Kashmir: A Stark Reality and a Call to Conscience By: Javid Amin In the serene valleys and picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, a silent yet profound crisis looms large, one that has far-reaching consequences for society, the environment, and our collective morality. The menace of food wastage, once relegated to the shadows, has taken center stage, demanding our urgent attention. Daily Squander: A Conundrum Close to Home In the quaint towns and bustling cities of Kashmir, food wastage has surreptitiously embedded itself in our day-to-day lives. As we…
Read MoreMitigating Food Wastage at Lavish Kashmiri Weddings
“Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters” (Surat Al-A’raf 7: 31) By: Javid Amin Kashmiri weddings, celebrated for their opulence and grandeur, often feature extravagant feasts. Families invest considerable resources in creating lavish spreads to commemorate these joyous occasions. However, this lavishness has a considerable downside – a staggering amount of food wastage. A study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has revealed that up to 40% of the food served at Kashmiri weddings goes to waste.…
Read MoreThe Begging Conundrum in Srinagar: A Multifaceted Challenge Requiring Comprehensive Solutions
By: Javid Amin Beggary has emerged as a significant issue in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A 2019 survey conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir government reported that Srinagar is home to over 10,000 beggars, with approximately 70% originating from outside the state. Beggary is an intricate problem that defies simple solutions. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of begging, including poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and disabilities. Frequently, beggars hail from impoverished and marginalized communities, often left with no alternative means of sustenance. Beggars in…
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