Community Archives | Page 21 of 184

Kashmir Residents Alarmed by Rise in ‘Black Magic’ Rituals

August 11, 2023 Editor

Instances of Sihr or witchcraft have not been rare occurrences, but when ingredients of black magic and voodoo surfaced from the hallowed Eidgah graveyard, it numbed one and all. In the wee hours of a recent summer morning, some faithful returning home after dawn prayers saw something suspicious in Eidgah area of Srinagar. A couple was standing in the middle of the graveyard. Their untimely presence and uncanny behaviour in the resting place of the revered created curiosity in the group led by a cleric. But what they saw upon…

No Crash Helmet, No Ride: RTO Kashmir to Seize Two-Wheelers

August 10, 2023 Editor

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari on Tuesday said they have decided to seize the two-wheelers of those who are found riding their vehicles without crash helmets. He also said that checking squads will be constituted soon to check the bike stunt activities and immediate action in this regard. Talking to a selected group of reporters here, RTO Kashmir as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, they have observed that the people in Srinagar are riding two-wheelers without crash helmets. “In this regard, a specific…

Soaring Vegetable Prices Send Kashmir Market Costs Skyrocketing

August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 Editor

In an astonishing turn of events, the humble Kashmiri Haakh, also known as collard greens, has surpassed the price of chicken in the Kashmir region, spotlighting the distressing surge in vegetable prices that is squeezing the wallets of consumers. A recent market study conducted by Kashmir InFocus has shed light on a significant price differential between wholesale and retail rates, contributing to the steep escalation of vegetable costs in Srinagar’s bustling marketplaces. To put this into perspective, collard greens are being sold at Rs 120 per kg at the Soura…

Kashmir’s youth in the grip of drug addiction

August 7, 2023August 7, 2023 Editor

By: Javid Amin Drug addiction is a pervasive issue in Kashmir, with devastating consequences for individuals and society. The region’s turbulent history, high unemployment rates, and easy access to drugs have all contributed to this crisis. The consequences of drug addiction are far-reaching. In addition to the social and economic costs, drug addiction can also have a devastating impact on the physical and mental health of individuals. IV drug users, for example, are at an increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and TB. Children and young adults are particularly…

Mirwaiz Farooq completes 4 years under house arrest, Anjuman Auqaf calls for his release

August 5, 2023 Editor

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Friday said that Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Muhammad Umar Farooq has completed four years under house detention. He completed four years of not being allowed as Mirwaiz to either propagate the centuries old tradition of Majlis-e waz-o- tableeg on Fridays at the Central Jama Masjid, nor offer obligatory Friday prayers, due to his continued house detention, which the Anjuman and Muslims of J&K strongly denounce, a statement issued here, said. While all other religious activities are permitted and infact facilitated by the authorities, it is openly discriminatory that the…

Drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir; Over 13 lakh people use drugs: Report

August 4, 2023 Editor

Over 13 Lakh people are using drugs in Jammu Kashmir and most of them are above 18 years of age. As per a report of Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment an estimated 13.50 lakh people are drug users in Jammu Kashmir and most of them are in the age group of 18 to 75 years. In its report presented to both the Houses of the Parliament today, the Standing Committee comprising of 27 Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has mentioned the estimated number of current drug…

Cyber Scam: Beware of scammers posing as utility companies and courier services

August 4, 2023August 4, 2023 Editor

Fraudsters are using new tactics to trick people into paying for fake electricity and water bills, parcels, and other items. By: Javid Amin In one recent case, a woman from Gurugram received a call from someone claiming to be an IPS officer. The caller told her that a parcel containing drugs and foreign currency had been confiscated at the airport in her name. The caller then threatened to charge her with money laundering and other crimes unless she transferred Rs 8.4 lakh to them. The woman, fearing for her reputation,…

SSP Traffic warns of vehicle impoundment for 7,366 pending e-challans

August 4, 2023August 4, 2023 Editor

The traffic police authorities have urged 7,366 vehicle owners to dispose of their pending e-challans by August 09 failing which their vehicles will be impounded. SSP traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah issued a public notice quoting a court order. “This office is in receipt of a court order dated 28.07.2023 issued by the Court of Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar annexed with a list of 7366 vehicles with Pending E-Court Challans shown against each, with the directions that the owners of these vehicles be informed for disposal of the challans…

Cyber Scam Alert: Woman Loses ₹88 Lakh after being Scammed by Facebook Friend

August 2, 2023 Editor

Accepting a friend request from a stranger on Facebook proved costly for a 43-year old-woman. The woman was befriended by a man claiming to be a pilot from the UK. The fraudster on the pretext of sending gifts to the victim, induced her to pay over Rs 88 lakh in over 20 transactions. According to the police, the victim is a resident of Mulund. On May 08, the victim had received a friend request from a person who claimed to be a pilot and staying in London. The two initially…

Crime Rates on the Rise: Concerns Over Public Safety

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 Editor

The Escalating Menace of Crime: A Wake-Up Call for Society By: Javid Amin The recent incident of a mother being stabbed by her own son is a horrifying wake-up call for society. Such shameful incidents are becoming all too common, painting a grim picture of a diseased society. Rape, murder, burglary, physical assaults, and verbal abuse have stained the sacred fabric of Kashmir’s social landscape. The surge in criminal acts demands immediate attention. The impact of crime is not limited to the tragedy and trauma faced by the victims; it…