Community Archives | Page 29 of 184

Rising Incidents of Stabbings, Suicides, and Gang Violence in Kashmir

May 11, 2023 Editor

Rise in Stabbings, Suicides, and Gang Violence in Kashmir

By: Javid Amin The beautiful valley of Kashmir, known for its stunning landscapes and hospitality, has been witnessing a disturbing trend in recent years. The rise in stabbings, suicides, and gang violence in the region is alarming and demands immediate attention. The reasons behind this trend are complex and multi-faceted. Kashmir has been plagued by political instability, ongoing conflict, and social and economic disparities for decades. The younger generation, in particular, has grown up in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, with limited access to quality education and job…

The Majestic Chinar: A Symbol of Kashmiri Identity, Resilience, and Heritage

May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 Editor

‘Jis khaak ke zameer me hai aatish-e-chinar, Mumkin nahi ki sard ho woh khaak-e-arjumand’ In times of going ‘Smart’, the authorities in Kashmir have chopped a decades-old Chinar tree at Poloview in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. It was “ruthless killing” for journalist Hakeem Irfan, who shared footage of the chopped Chinar tree on social media. He questioned the necessity to cut a Chinar tree to build Smart City. Perhaps, the tree was not that important for the authorities busy in making Srinagar the Smart City. In fact, Chinar is not just…

Unraveling the complex causes behind the Alarming Rise in Suicide rates in Kashmir

April 29, 2023 Editor

To foster a sense of social unity among its members, every society needs a collective consciousness. In every society, educational and religious institutions play a major role in preserving this collective consciousness. However, these Institutions function differently in many communities. Religious institutions in South Asia work primarily to foster social cohesion in contrast to Western culture. The members of society are shielded by social solidarity. Religion also plays a significant role in mentioning social togetherness in Kashmiri society. Great saints and religious speakers have upheld this solidarity in this regard…

Kashmir facing growing threat from drugs

April 27, 2023 Editor

Drug-related crimes have been on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in recent years. The state’s strategic location makes it a transit point for the illegal drug trade in Kashmir. The porous borders and difficult terrain make it challenging for law enforcement agencies to prevent the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into and out of J&K. Heroin, cannabis, and prescription drugs are among the most commonly trafficked drugs in valley. Drug addiction is also a significant problem in J&K, particularly among young people. Many addicts turn to crime…

Over 6800 dog bites reported in Kashmir in the last 12 months

April 26, 2023 Editor

As many as 6,875 bite victims, mostly of dog bites, were reported to the Anti-Rabies Clinic at Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in the last year The presence of dogs on every nook and corner has led to man-dog confrontation due to which the number of cases of dog bites has increased in the region, doctors say. An official from the anti-rabies clinic SMHS told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that from 1st April 2022 till 3Ist March 2023, as many as 6,875 bite cases were reported to…

Disappointment and Concern as Authorities Disallow ‘Jummat-ul-Vida’ Prayers at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid

April 14, 2023 Editor

The managing body of the Jamia Masjid on Friday said that the authorities have disallowed “Jummat-ul-vida” congregational prayers at the historic mosque. “District magistrate and police officials visited jama Masjid in the morning at 9.30 am and asked the management to lock the gates of the Masjid as administration had decided that jummat-ul-vida prayers will not be allowed at the Masjid,” said Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid in a statement. “Anjuman strongly resents this move of the authorities causing great distress to lakhs of Muslims who traditionally come from all parts…

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Raises Concerns about Dangerous Rise in Substance Use Situation

April 6, 2023 Editor

The Directorate of Health Services of Kashmir today conducted a Divisional Level Workshop of various key stakeholders for implementation of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTPC) and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, (COPTA)- 2003 at Banquet Hall, Srinagar. The Workshop was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and was attended by DIG, Central Kashmir, Dir Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Dir Colleges, Dir School Education, RTO Kashmir, Deputy Director Information Kashmir, officers from SMC, State Taxes Deptt, Drug & Food Control, ULB, RDD, National Health Mission, Health…

Consumer aghast as authorities in Srinagar are accused of not taking action against the exorbitant prices of essential items

March 29, 2023 Editor

Failure of authorities to ensure sale of essential items as per official rate list is taking toll on people of the summer capital. Consumers across Srinagar said that the failure of authorities to keep a check on the market is burning a hole in their pockets. Consumers said that selling poultry at higher rates than government-designated rates has taken a toll on them. Officials told KIF that there had been a fresh revision in poultry rates across Kashmir. The rate of chicken is 130 Rs per kg while the rates…