Mominabad, a neighborhood in the sprawling Batamaloo area of Kashmir, in May witnessed a brutal and shocking incident that has left the community in deep shock. Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Mominabad, was brutally murdered, stabbed multiple times, and tragically succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. The true horror of the incident emerged when the police arrested a 16-year-old boy within less than 24 hours and revealed the motive behind the attack: “anger and revenge.” The authorities disclosed that the teenage assailant had developed an…
Read MoreCategory: Community
Nearly 27,000 Calls to Kashmir’s Mental Health Helpline in 11 Months: A Wake-Up Call
As Kashmir secured a top rank for receiving the highest number of calls in the Tele Mental Health Programme, it also indicated the scale of mental health crises in the conflict-ridden Valley. At the mental health day conclave in New Delhi early this week, Jammu and Kashmir was awarded for its work in the telemental health programme. The Health Secretary of J&K Dr Bhupinder Kumar said the centre has received 26,477 calls since the launch of the programme on November 4 last year. The major reasons for calling included anxiety…
Read MoreRemoval of Corporal Punishment in Schools and its Impact on the Behavioral Landscape of Kashmiri Youth
Unintended Consequences: The Impact of Removing Corporal Punishment in Kashmiri Schools By: Javid Amin The state of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has long been a symbol of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity. However, recent developments in the region, particularly the removal of corporal punishment from schools, have started to paint a different picture. The consequences of this change are felt across all strata of society, but it is the impact on the…
Read MoreKashmir Youth in Danger: Stabbing, Substance Abuse, and Immoral Activities Pose a Serious Threat
Kashmir Youth on the path of destruction By: Javid Amin The youth of Kashmir, like their counterparts across the globe, face numerous challenges that hinder their personal and societal development. Among these issues, the menace of drugs addiction, escalating violence, and engagement in immoral activities have plagued their overall well-being. Furthermore, the prevalence of rash and stunt driving poses a significant threat to their safety and that of others. This essay delves into the ramifications of these vices and the need for stringent parental controls to curb such destructive behavior.…
Read MoreIndia-Pakistan World Cup match stirs emotions in cricket-loving Kashmir
Many people in Kashmir support Pakistan over India in cricket – a risk when the rivals face off. It’s always a highly charged affair whenever India and Pakistan play each other in cricket, but in the disputed, conflict-torn region of Kashmir, it’s on another level entirely. As in the past, Saturday’s ICC Cricket World Cup clash between the two countries, held in the northern Indian city of Ahmedabad, brings risks – as well as some opportunities – to residents in cricket-crazed, Indian-administered Kashmir. Traditionally, most residents in Kashmir have supported…
Read MoreKashmir Grapples with Beggar Menace: A Comprehensive Analysis
Kashmir Looming Under Beggar’s Threats: A Deep Dive into a Persistent Issue By : Javid Amin Kashmir’s picturesque landscapes, adorned by the Himalayan mountains, have long been a topic of admiration and contemplation. The region, often associated with exquisite natural beauty, has another, less romanticized aspect – a long-standing issue of begging. From the bustling markets of Srinagar to the sacred shrines and bustling eateries, beggars have made their presence known. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the history of begging in Kashmir, its evolving nature, the predominant share…
Read MoreKashmir’s Youth at Risk from Drug Abuse: ‘Not My Kid’ mentality prevails with Over 10 Lakh active users in the Valley
Over 10 Lakh Active Drug Users in Kashmir’s Vulnerable Youth Population By: Javid Amin Drug addiction, a ubiquitous and alarming problem, is not confined to any particular region and affects diverse populations even in unexpected locations such as Kashmir. The prevalence of substance abuse in this conflict-ridden region is not widely acknowledged, with approximately one million active drug addicts plaguing the land, posing dire consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. Drug addiction is a significant issue in Kashmir, with an estimated 10 lakh active drug addicts. The…
Read MoreThe Begging Nexus in Kashmir: A Serious Problem that Needs to be Addressed
Beggars and the Begging Nexus in Kashmir: An In-Depth Exploration of a Complex Social Issue By: Javid Amin Begging, a pervasive and complex social problem, has deep-seated roots in the picturesque region of Kashmir. For many years, this issue has persistently plagued the valley, casting a shadow on the lives of its residents. The multifaceted nature of begging in Kashmir is attributed to a myriad of factors, including poverty, lack of access to education, and high unemployment rates. In recent times, a disquieting phenomenon has emerged—the proliferation of organized begging…
Read MoreGovt cracks down on parent-child begging nexus in Kashmir, rescues 14 children
32 rescued in 3 months; All rescued minors non-J&K residents from Punjab, Bihar, UP; will handover them to CWC’s of their respective districts, herculean task to stop child begging in Sgr, drive to continue in city parts in days ahead: CWC head Dr Khair-un-Nisa Acting swiftly after receiving repeated complaints about child begging in the capital city of Srinagar, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of the district Wednesday swung into action and conducted a “surprise raid” in the city centre Lal Chowk where 14 child beggars were rescued and taken for…
Read MoreOverwhelmed with Support: Mirwaiz Welcomes Visitors After 4 Years of House Arrest
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…
Read More