Community Archives | Page 7 of 180

Breaking the Chains: India’s Fight Against Organized Begging

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Editor

The Normalization of Begging in Urban India By: Javid Amin The sight of beggars on the streets has become an almost normalized part of urban India. Outstretched hands, pleading eyes, and the constant murmur of requests for alms are common in cities. Yet, beneath this seemingly innocuous act lies a complex web of exploitation, child trafficking, and organized crime. The Hidden Exploitation Behind Begging Begging is often perceived as a symptom of poverty and a desperate act of survival. While this is true in some cases, organized crime syndicates increasingly…

Beyond Closed Doors: The Youth Addiction Epidemic

August 5, 2024 Editor

Drug Scourge: 1.4 Lakh Youth Sought Help Srinagar, Aug 4: In the Karan Nagar area of Srinagar, a chilling incident has cast a spotlight on a growing drug menace. Last week, vigilant residents, their suspicions heightened by recent thefts, caught a young man in the act of pilfering goods. But what unfolded next was far from a simple case of petty crime. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, the apprehended thief, his face a map of desperation, confessed to a motive far more complex than mere greed. “The…

Kashmir’s Hidden Epidemic: Drug Abuse and Suicides

August 3, 2024August 3, 2024 Editor

Unveiling the Silent Crisis Devastating a Generation By: Javid Amin In the serene valleys of Kashmir, an alarming crisis is taking root, shattering the lives of countless young individuals and leaving an indelible scar on the community. The twin evils of drug abuse and suicide are silently claiming a generation, and the statistics are stark and sobering. With a tobacco usage rate of 20.8%, the sixth highest in India, the situation is dire. Yet, a veil of silence and denial persists, exacerbating the problem and hindering effective intervention. The Stark…

Faith Amidst Fury: Kashmiris Pray for Relief from Heat

July 29, 2024 Editor

Thousands offer special prayers to seek an end to dry spell in Kashmir An unprecedented heatwave has gripped Kashmir, troubling people, disrupting daily life and impacting the horticulture and agriculture sectors. In view of the dire situation, people across Kashmir have begun offering special prayers for early rains. Srinagar recorded its third-highest temperature ever at 36.2°C today, with temperatures continuing to soar across the region. The prolonged dry spell and intense heat have led to significant challenges for farmers and horticulturists. Crops are wilting under the scorching sun, and irrigation systems…

Religious Leaders Pledge to Protect Kashmir’s Unity

July 23, 2024July 24, 2024 Editor

Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU) expresses resolve to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord A special meeting, presided over by MMU patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was attended by top religious leaders MMU appeals to scholars and clerics to refrain from targeting the beliefs of other sects in their lectures, sermons, addresses or discussions The Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU), a conglomerate of major religious bodies of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday expressed its “firm resolve” to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord in Kashmir and harm the region’s traditional sectarian harmony. According…

Little Victims, Big Scars: Kashmir’s Mental Health Emergency

July 22, 2024 Editor

Unemployment, Mental Health, and the Kashmir Crisis By: Javid Amin Kashmir, a region of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a silent epidemic: the devastating impact of unemployment on mental health. The socio-political turmoil that has plagued the region for decades has created a perfect storm, leaving its youth disillusioned, hopeless, and, tragically, in some cases, driven to despair. A Region in Crisis The unemployment rate in Kashmir is alarmingly high, particularly among the young, educated population. This economic distress, coupled with the ongoing political unrest, has…

Vegetable Prices Outpace Meat in Kashmir: A Shocking Reality

July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 Editor

Vegetable Prices Skyrocket in Srinagar: A Green Nightmare By: Javid Amin Srinagar, once a haven for affordable and fresh produce, is now grappling with a surreal situation: the price of vegetables has eclipsed that of meat. This unprecedented surge in prices has thrown the local populace into a state of disbelief and financial distress. A staple in Kashmiri cuisine, collard greens, or Haakh as it’s locally known, now commands a staggering Rs 120 per kilogram, surpassing the price of chicken at Rs 115 per kilogram. This absurd anomaly highlights the…

Outrage Erupts in Kashmir Over Government’s 40% Open Merit Policy

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 Editor

Kashmir Youth Raise Concerns Over Revised Reservation Policy By: Javid Amin The decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to allocate only 40% of positions for open merit in government job recruitments has ignited widespread outrage among the youth in the Union Territory. This new policy, introduced after accounting for reserved quotas, has stirred significant opposition across various districts of the erstwhile state. Unlike past trends where frustration often led to support for terrorism or separatism, today’s youth in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu are taking to the…

Beyond the Beauty: Kashmir’s Tourism Industry Faces Growing Pains

July 13, 2024July 13, 2024 Editor

On Friday, the Director General of Tourism Manisha Saxena led a stakeholders conference in Srinagar, where representatives of various tourism bodies flagged their issues While commending the government’s efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure in Kashmir, tourism industry stakeholders in the Valley raised concerns over sustainability and called for regulations on the number of tourists. On Friday, Director General of Tourism Manisha Saxena led a stakeholders conference in Srinagar, where representatives of various tourism bodies in the Valley raised their concerns. “With trains reaching Srinagar soon, we are expecting greater influx…

Decoding Backtalk: Understanding and Addressing Disrespectful Communication in Children

July 11, 2024 Editor

The Symphony of Childhood: Understanding and Addressing Backtalk for a More Harmonious Family By: Saika J The symphony of childhood is rarely a flawless concerto. While giggles and playful banter fill many a parent’s heart with joy, there are inevitable moments of discord – one of the most common being backtalk. Backtalk, that sassy retort or disrespectful response, can leave parents feeling frustrated and confused. But fret not, for this article delves into the world of backtalk, exploring its causes, offering practical solutions, and ultimately fostering a more harmonious parent-child…