Editorial in the Kashmir Monitor highlights the strength of land mafia-politician nexus in Srinagar, Kashmir
Woes of Commercialization
The mushrooming of shopping complexes and business centres across the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir even in the residential areas is a serious issue that has been completely ignored by the authorities. With all eyes set on the political developments in Kashmir valley, many other important issues affecting the day-to-day lives of the locals have been pushed to the backburner as a result. Neither is the government being held accountable on these issues that include Srinagar’s commercialization nor have the authorities acted on their own in this regard.
If a look is taken at the city’s residential areas especially those that are in the vicinity of Lal Chowk, all have been hit hard by this problem. Areas like Raj Bagh, Wazir Bagh, Magarmal Bagh and Jawahar Nagar were once considered posh but with the commercialization of these areas, some parts of these colonies have started resembling Lal Chowk. And despite the objections put forward by the residents of these areas, the authorities have not yet woken up to this grave matter. In fact, according to a story that was carried by this newspaper in Friday’s edition, a senior Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) official even refused to comment when asked about the city’s Master Plan that incidentally came up in 1971 up to 1991.
While the government last year had initiated the process to take a holistic review of the Srinagar Master Plan (2001-2021) in a bid to decongest the city, develop heritage sites and put a halt on reckless constructions around, much was not heard about the progress made in this regard. Media reports had even said various reputable companies including some multinational consultancies have submitted their proposals for the mid-term review of the Srinagar Master Plan, highlighting their technical expertise, experience in the relevant field and the annual turnover.
Even the renowned US-based firm, The Louis Berger Group Inc USA, was reported to have expressed interest in offering its services with regard to urban planning, traffic and transportation, infrastructure and environmental projects. But unfortunately, the people continue to face problems as there seems to be check on the rapid growth of shopping centres that continue to get construction permits. Not just the shopping complexes, but the people living in the colonies close to Lal Chowk are suffering on account of the coaching centres, clinics, training centres, hotels and other business establishments. The authorities have failed to realize that it cannot allow the free mushrooming of these centres in residential areas. As a result, the people living in these colonies are subject to lots of hardships.
Not just do these business centres cause mental distress to the residents owing to the heavy rush of people who visit these places, it also leads to other problems like heavy traffic, parking problems and also pollution. And the pollution is not confined to the emissions from the vehicles but a coaching centre or a clinic also causes noise pollution besides littering. And owing to the rapid urbanization and an increase in commercialization of residential areas, it is expected that the there will be increased pollution, traffic jams and security hazards even as the distinction between the residential and commercial areas continues to get blurred.
Ideally, a city’s master plan has to be reviewed after every five years but the same was not done after the eruption of militancy in the state. And since the government has been claiming that the situation on ground has witnessed a sea change, therefore it can no longer afford to keep on ignoring the daily concerns of the common man. The capital city is the face of any state or country and ignoring Srinagar therefore is criminal. Moreover, along with its commercialization, there has hardly been any development in this historic city. For generations now, there has hardly been any change in its state be it the condition of the roads or other issues. And the successive governments have only added salt to the injuries of its residents.
The main political parties of the state have always accused each other of ignoring Srinagar when they sit at the opposition bench. But the truth is that all the parties, whenever in power, have ignored Srinagar. Therefore immediate steps should be taken not only to check the commercialization of the city but also towards its overall development.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What Planning?
Saleem expresses hope that city planners (in this case, the Srinagar Development Authority) will hear him - but in a city of a million without any traffic lights, crossing zones or dedicated footpaths, is he dreaming or what?
(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the latter. He was awarded a EEC fellowship in 1998 which allowed him to attend study courses at Universities of Luven, Belgium, and Trinity College, Dublin. Mr. Beg entered the State government service in 1975 and retired in 2006 as the Director General of Tourism. In the 31 years of public service (which included two deputation assignments in New Delhi), Mr. Beg promoted local arts and crafts, and raised public awareness of Kashmir's rich heritage and architecture. He was a leading figure in getting Srinagar listed as one of the 100 most threatened heritage cities by the World Monument Fund in 2008. Mr. Beg has traveled extensively and has attended numerous conferences, including the 1997 UN Special Session on Environment in New York, and the 1997 Kyoto Convention on Climate Change in Japan. His articles and essays have been published in various publications. Since retirement, he has remained active as the Convener of the J&K Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage - INTACH.)
SRINAGAR - a Walker’s Nightmare
Srinagar is home to about a million people. Add to this regular flow of visitors from other parts of the valley for their daily chores like shopping, going to a good doctor, visiting offices and relatives. All this makes it one of the most congested cities in the country. Mercifully the mess and chaos of traffic has led the tourists, who again number a million now, to generally avoid main city. Of all civic amenities, the most neglected is walking and pedestrian movement in shopping areas, roads and foot paths. Footpaths of Srinagar and pavements adjoining major roads are shrinking by the day making it among the most pedestrian unfriendly cities in the subcontinent.
Like many other historic cities, Srinagar evolved as a city where people were meant to walk. Walking is about getting a feel and handle thereby enjoying the daily life. Thus pedestrians enjoy the first right on the roads. The advent of motor transport has progressively been encroaching on the pedestrian space. The utter disregard to the pedestrian movement in the current mobility plan has resulted in a nightmare where the citizens and visitors have to jostle for space between cars, buses and public vehicles.
We see pedestrians, choosing to risk their lives on a daily basis by walking alongside fast-moving cars and ominous buses instead of fighting for decent and walkable spaces. Srinagar, even in absence of any law, has had a fair mix of roads and foot paths. But all the stake holders managing the affairs of the city from Roads and buildings department to Municipal Corporation are showing utter disregard to the walk ways. The first onslaught on the walkways started in mid 70s when footpaths were allotted for construction of shops in civil lines. This menace grew with every passing year with a mix of encroachment and connivance of the authorities. One thing that we can not blame on militancy or that what was spared by the non governance during the peak militancy in 90s, was illegal occupation of footpaths and roads. This one act took place with the consent and connivance of municipal authorities and lower rung of judiciary where stay orders were dished out for protecting the encroachment.
Compounding the problem, the rampant encroachment by the hawkers with the tacit approval of the authorities has robbed the people of whatever was left out of these walkways. The main road junctions and foot paths also became favorite sites for construction of bunkers by the security forces. With bunkers, the most shabby structures, being now removed, shops have sprung up right, left, behind and along the vacated bunkers at many locations. There is no civil society constituency that protests for the right to decent and secure living in the city. It goes to the credit of local media that they have been highlighting these concerns of the citizenry. Unfortunately there has been a growing trend in the government not to take notice of such issues reported or commented upon in the media. The urban administration has failed the State. The highly insulated and unconcerned beauracracy has damaged the institution of civic administration beyond imagination. It is a very sad day for the citizens of Srinagar that they have been suffering inefficient, uninformed and unaccountable civic set up for too long.
While there has of late been a keen awareness about the plight of people who have to walk on the roads in many Indian cities, it seems the planners and the planning process in J&K has simply given up on this most crucial aspect of the citizens needs. The callous disregard for their rights is evident from the fact that there isn’t a single law, legislation, rule or code that protects or even voices their rights.
There is an urgent need to overhaul and sensitize the institutions like Municipality, Srinagar Development Authority and link Engineering and Revenue Departments. The State political leadership has to take a call on this without any further delay. There are best case scenarios in some Indian cities that can be replicated here. The situation in other towns of the state is equally bad, and worst in cases like Islamabad and Sopore. The success in urban management in Srinagar will have a demonstrative effect on these towns as well.
(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the latter. He was awarded a EEC fellowship in 1998 which allowed him to attend study courses at Universities of Luven, Belgium, and Trinity College, Dublin. Mr. Beg entered the State government service in 1975 and retired in 2006 as the Director General of Tourism. In the 31 years of public service (which included two deputation assignments in New Delhi), Mr. Beg promoted local arts and crafts, and raised public awareness of Kashmir's rich heritage and architecture. He was a leading figure in getting Srinagar listed as one of the 100 most threatened heritage cities by the World Monument Fund in 2008. Mr. Beg has traveled extensively and has attended numerous conferences, including the 1997 UN Special Session on Environment in New York, and the 1997 Kyoto Convention on Climate Change in Japan. His articles and essays have been published in various publications. Since retirement, he has remained active as the Convener of the J&K Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage - INTACH.)
SRINAGAR - a Walker’s Nightmare
Srinagar is home to about a million people. Add to this regular flow of visitors from other parts of the valley for their daily chores like shopping, going to a good doctor, visiting offices and relatives. All this makes it one of the most congested cities in the country. Mercifully the mess and chaos of traffic has led the tourists, who again number a million now, to generally avoid main city. Of all civic amenities, the most neglected is walking and pedestrian movement in shopping areas, roads and foot paths. Footpaths of Srinagar and pavements adjoining major roads are shrinking by the day making it among the most pedestrian unfriendly cities in the subcontinent.
Like many other historic cities, Srinagar evolved as a city where people were meant to walk. Walking is about getting a feel and handle thereby enjoying the daily life. Thus pedestrians enjoy the first right on the roads. The advent of motor transport has progressively been encroaching on the pedestrian space. The utter disregard to the pedestrian movement in the current mobility plan has resulted in a nightmare where the citizens and visitors have to jostle for space between cars, buses and public vehicles.
We see pedestrians, choosing to risk their lives on a daily basis by walking alongside fast-moving cars and ominous buses instead of fighting for decent and walkable spaces. Srinagar, even in absence of any law, has had a fair mix of roads and foot paths. But all the stake holders managing the affairs of the city from Roads and buildings department to Municipal Corporation are showing utter disregard to the walk ways. The first onslaught on the walkways started in mid 70s when footpaths were allotted for construction of shops in civil lines. This menace grew with every passing year with a mix of encroachment and connivance of the authorities. One thing that we can not blame on militancy or that what was spared by the non governance during the peak militancy in 90s, was illegal occupation of footpaths and roads. This one act took place with the consent and connivance of municipal authorities and lower rung of judiciary where stay orders were dished out for protecting the encroachment.
Compounding the problem, the rampant encroachment by the hawkers with the tacit approval of the authorities has robbed the people of whatever was left out of these walkways. The main road junctions and foot paths also became favorite sites for construction of bunkers by the security forces. With bunkers, the most shabby structures, being now removed, shops have sprung up right, left, behind and along the vacated bunkers at many locations. There is no civil society constituency that protests for the right to decent and secure living in the city. It goes to the credit of local media that they have been highlighting these concerns of the citizenry. Unfortunately there has been a growing trend in the government not to take notice of such issues reported or commented upon in the media. The urban administration has failed the State. The highly insulated and unconcerned beauracracy has damaged the institution of civic administration beyond imagination. It is a very sad day for the citizens of Srinagar that they have been suffering inefficient, uninformed and unaccountable civic set up for too long.
While there has of late been a keen awareness about the plight of people who have to walk on the roads in many Indian cities, it seems the planners and the planning process in J&K has simply given up on this most crucial aspect of the citizens needs. The callous disregard for their rights is evident from the fact that there isn’t a single law, legislation, rule or code that protects or even voices their rights.
There is an urgent need to overhaul and sensitize the institutions like Municipality, Srinagar Development Authority and link Engineering and Revenue Departments. The State political leadership has to take a call on this without any further delay. There are best case scenarios in some Indian cities that can be replicated here. The situation in other towns of the state is equally bad, and worst in cases like Islamabad and Sopore. The success in urban management in Srinagar will have a demonstrative effect on these towns as well.
Secondary Issues Are Hiding the Core Problem
Najib says at the core is a humanitarian problem that unfortunately is overwhelmed by secondary issues that have turned the Jammu-Kashmir issue into a resource and land grabbing exercise between two neighboring countries
(Sardar Muhammad Najib, 33, was born in Trarkhel, Poonch district in Pakistan administered Kashmir. He was educated at the Government Boys College, Trarkhel, and won a Gold Medal during F.Sc. Pre-Engineering as a topper in the entire Pakistan administered Kashmir. He graduated with B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) University of Engineering and Technology in Peshawar. Mr. Najib is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project management Institute (PMI), and is pursuing the MBA degree from the University of Atlanta, Dubai campus. He lives in Dubai and is the spokesman for the Jammu and Kashmir National Association of UAE that networks with other Kashmiris. He is an avid reader of historical literature on Jammu and Kashmir.)
Overlapping of Secondary Dynamics on the Jammu Kashmir Issue
The Jammu Kashmir conflict is among the oldest issues on earth which is still unresolved and the international community and organizations have not resolved. This princely and prominent entity in the subcontinent had been the victim of the division formulas of British rule. The British empire while leaving the subcontinent created a lot of complexity which is still under the un-resolvable condition.
With passage of time, the issue becomes more complex due to overlapping of other secondary issues; the prominent one is the water issue which is drastically overlapping with a very thick layer. Hence, the complexity can be visualized that how much strong, precise and dynamic process may lead to some breakthrough. The dynamics of the regional politics and economic interdependency are also in transition.
The terrorism frame work is another factor which hiding the genuine human issues. The confusion is being enhanced to distinguish the genuine human issues and the residual issues as a result of consequence of the regional politics paradigm. The other issues which are hampering to proceed on right road with milestones are the interim declarations, the laws imposed by the major stakeholders.
Because, these modifications in context of the originality of the Jammu Kashmir issue is strongly suppressed by the secondary and residual issues, which in fact are linked with the geographical position, the resources, the regional scenarios with international economic survival of the stakeholders. If we launch the stakeholder analysis for all major contributors than, the primary and secondary risks which can coat a thick layer on the issue can be visualized in view of complexity of parameters actually leading the present position of the issue. It is fact that the issue is unresolved and a lot of humanity and its emotions, sentiments and historical background are involved.
The secondary issues which are now indulge with the main issue must be visualized and their impact analysis should launched by all stakeholders if they really want to resolve the issue for sake of long run regional developments, the peace and the improved conditions for trade and bilateral ties. Although, the construction of mega dams, the hydroelectric power stations and the other such activities are exhibiting the proceedings of major stakeholders. Such type of attempts vowed that the major stakeholders have no concrete road map for to resolve the issue. The hit and trail method is only employed and hence the outcomes are always not durable.
The analysis of the major secondary issue i.e. the water resources are of the most important for the future energy needs, the cultivation and survival. The Jammu Kashmir holds the huge quantity of the snow inform of glaciers, the rivers are flowing from Jammu Kashmir to India and Pakistan the two major stakeholders. The forthcoming energy crisis and food demand highlights this important resource as a secondary but more dominant factor in the issue. The construction of Kishan Ganga, the Baghliar dams (Indian administered Kashmir), Basha, Neelum Jhelum, Kohala hydroelectric power projects (Pakistani administered Kashmir) and lot of other small projects linked with the water resource are contributing a very complex factor in the context of resolution of Jammu Kashmir issue. The race of construction is tremendously and drastically increasing day by day irrespective of the logical footings linked with issue. Hence, this secondary premier issue must be taken up and the genuine concerns of all stakeholders must be considered and frame work of the issue resolution must be managed.
The second secondary issue, the interim declarations between India & Pakistan, the Shimla agreement, the Tashkent declaration etc. have overlapped the layer which is hiding the real posture of the issue. The real posture of Jammu Kashmir conflict in reality was the empowering of the Pakistani controlled Jammu Kashmir and its utilization for the sake of diplomatic improvements to attain the support of international community. If both India and Pakistan really interested to resolve the issue in favor people of South Asia, these dynamics required to be incorporated in the peace agenda. The approach needs to be developed on the humanitarian basis not on the basis of the boarder or resources grabbing issue. The role of international community is to be managed and organized to certify the approach with real posture and right direction.
(Sardar Muhammad Najib, 33, was born in Trarkhel, Poonch district in Pakistan administered Kashmir. He was educated at the Government Boys College, Trarkhel, and won a Gold Medal during F.Sc. Pre-Engineering as a topper in the entire Pakistan administered Kashmir. He graduated with B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) University of Engineering and Technology in Peshawar. Mr. Najib is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project management Institute (PMI), and is pursuing the MBA degree from the University of Atlanta, Dubai campus. He lives in Dubai and is the spokesman for the Jammu and Kashmir National Association of UAE that networks with other Kashmiris. He is an avid reader of historical literature on Jammu and Kashmir.)
Overlapping of Secondary Dynamics on the Jammu Kashmir Issue
The Jammu Kashmir conflict is among the oldest issues on earth which is still unresolved and the international community and organizations have not resolved. This princely and prominent entity in the subcontinent had been the victim of the division formulas of British rule. The British empire while leaving the subcontinent created a lot of complexity which is still under the un-resolvable condition.
With passage of time, the issue becomes more complex due to overlapping of other secondary issues; the prominent one is the water issue which is drastically overlapping with a very thick layer. Hence, the complexity can be visualized that how much strong, precise and dynamic process may lead to some breakthrough. The dynamics of the regional politics and economic interdependency are also in transition.
The terrorism frame work is another factor which hiding the genuine human issues. The confusion is being enhanced to distinguish the genuine human issues and the residual issues as a result of consequence of the regional politics paradigm. The other issues which are hampering to proceed on right road with milestones are the interim declarations, the laws imposed by the major stakeholders.
Because, these modifications in context of the originality of the Jammu Kashmir issue is strongly suppressed by the secondary and residual issues, which in fact are linked with the geographical position, the resources, the regional scenarios with international economic survival of the stakeholders. If we launch the stakeholder analysis for all major contributors than, the primary and secondary risks which can coat a thick layer on the issue can be visualized in view of complexity of parameters actually leading the present position of the issue. It is fact that the issue is unresolved and a lot of humanity and its emotions, sentiments and historical background are involved.
The secondary issues which are now indulge with the main issue must be visualized and their impact analysis should launched by all stakeholders if they really want to resolve the issue for sake of long run regional developments, the peace and the improved conditions for trade and bilateral ties. Although, the construction of mega dams, the hydroelectric power stations and the other such activities are exhibiting the proceedings of major stakeholders. Such type of attempts vowed that the major stakeholders have no concrete road map for to resolve the issue. The hit and trail method is only employed and hence the outcomes are always not durable.
The analysis of the major secondary issue i.e. the water resources are of the most important for the future energy needs, the cultivation and survival. The Jammu Kashmir holds the huge quantity of the snow inform of glaciers, the rivers are flowing from Jammu Kashmir to India and Pakistan the two major stakeholders. The forthcoming energy crisis and food demand highlights this important resource as a secondary but more dominant factor in the issue. The construction of Kishan Ganga, the Baghliar dams (Indian administered Kashmir), Basha, Neelum Jhelum, Kohala hydroelectric power projects (Pakistani administered Kashmir) and lot of other small projects linked with the water resource are contributing a very complex factor in the context of resolution of Jammu Kashmir issue. The race of construction is tremendously and drastically increasing day by day irrespective of the logical footings linked with issue. Hence, this secondary premier issue must be taken up and the genuine concerns of all stakeholders must be considered and frame work of the issue resolution must be managed.
The second secondary issue, the interim declarations between India & Pakistan, the Shimla agreement, the Tashkent declaration etc. have overlapped the layer which is hiding the real posture of the issue. The real posture of Jammu Kashmir conflict in reality was the empowering of the Pakistani controlled Jammu Kashmir and its utilization for the sake of diplomatic improvements to attain the support of international community. If both India and Pakistan really interested to resolve the issue in favor people of South Asia, these dynamics required to be incorporated in the peace agenda. The approach needs to be developed on the humanitarian basis not on the basis of the boarder or resources grabbing issue. The role of international community is to be managed and organized to certify the approach with real posture and right direction.
The Unholy Nexus Destroying Pahalgam
Basharat updates on the court proceedings dealing with the most prominent case among the 174 illegal recent construction cases in Pahalgam (only 3 recent constructions have been legal). The case against the Grand Mumtaz Hotel demonstrates the growing nexus among land mafia, influential hoteliers and serving bureaucrats
(Mr. Syed Basharat, 30, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 2005. He has been a reporter for Kashmir Images, a Srinagar based daily, London based website Gaashonline.Com, and a Srinagar based journal, Globe. Currently, he is working as a special correspondent with Jammu based daily newspaper, The Kashmir Times.)
Pahalgam Illegal Construction Case
Srinagar: The High Court today allowed the residents of Pahalgam to go for renovation of their residential houses but only after they seek proper permission from the court. However, the High Court continued its ban on reconstruction or renovation of any commercial structure within the world famous health resort.
According to Mohammad Ishaq Qadri, the advocate general a division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifullah and Justice Verinder Singh today ordered that the Pahalgam inhabitants can go with renovation of their houses but after jointly applying for the same before the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA).
The PDA in turn has been directed to submit the inhabitants request to the principal district and sessions judge Anantnag who will put forth the same before the High Court.
The DFO Social Forestry Anantnag has been directed to provide trees to Mushtaq Ahmad Ganaie owner of hotel Grand Mumtaz who in turn has been directed to plant at around 100 trees within his hotel premises by the end of November. However, the court directed the petitioner to file objections within a week to the application filed by Ganaie seeking court’s permission to de-seal his hotel at Pahalgam, the advocate general said.
“We find the hotel management has violated the orders of this court by resorting to construction and also by felling the standing green trees. Apart from issuing contempt notice against the owner, we feel it would be just to direct Deputy Commissioner to seal the Grand Mumtaz hotel by evacuating any guest staying in the hotel...,” the Division Bench of the High court has observed in its August 20, order.
Senior lawyer Zaffar Shah had submitted an application on behalf of the hotel owner Mushtaq Ahmad, requesting the court to review its closure orders on August 29. “The hotel owner has not cut a single tree in Pahalgam as is being alleged. And we have properly followed the due course of law before going for repair work in one the bathrooms of the hotel,” Shah had said before the division bench.
On August 27, the authorities sealed off Grand Mumtaz hotel in Pahalgam allegedly for violating High Court orders of December 24, by virtue of which the construction in the world famous health resort was banned.
The Grand Mumtaz hotel owner has not only been accused of construction in his hotel premises at Pahalgam in violation of court directions, but cutting trees in brazen violation of forest rules. In order to probe the nexus between land mafia, influential hoteliers and serving bureaucrats, which has led to brazen violation of Pahalgam Master Plan (PMP), the High Court had on May 5, constituted a high level committee to submit its expert opinion in light of a Public Interest Litigation being heard by the Court in this regard.
Meanwhile, the expert committee appointed by the High Court today submitted its report on Pahalgam Master Plan. The High Court had appointed district judge Anantnag and Secretary High Court Legal Service Committee Abdul Rashid Malik as the member secretary of the committee.
Akhtar Rashid former chief engineer was appointed as the chairman of the committee while as the members include Dr Ashok Kumar Pandita department of environmental sciences university of Kashmir, Dr Mohammad Ayub Dar from law department university of Kashmir and A R Wadoo former chief conservator of forests.
This 5-member committee had submitted a report which besides throwing light on the illegal constructions being carried out in brazen violation of High Court orders had said that the owner of Grand Mumtaz hotel had cemented the stump of Deodar (cedar) trees which had dried up around 100 trees.
Earlier a five-member enquiry committee headed by Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority had submitted before the court that out of 177 constructions raised before the existing master plan (2005-25) 174 constructions have been raised without permission while as only three structures are with proper permission.
“Out of 174 structures raised without permission, only 41 were raised before 1980 while as thereafter 40 to 50 structures were raised during every 10 years,” the enquiry report reads. Out of these 174 structures without permission, 122 are residential, 45 commercial, six are commercial cum residential and one is has been mentioned as other.
However, about the construction raised after the approval of master plan (2005-25), the committee has found that 57 constructions have been raised in Kralpora, lower Laripora, upper Laripora and Manzimpora (hamlets of village Laripora). Out of these 57 constructions, 40 have been raised without permission and 17 posses the permission.
Interestingly, out of 40 structures without permission, 21 structures have been raised in non-permissible zone (green zone) and 19 in permissible zone.
In another case of similar nature, while throwing rules and court direction to the winds, a National Conference former legislator started constructing a hut in Pahalgam. However, PDA immediately served a notice to him, which he challenged in through a civil suit in the Munsif Court Aishmuqam.
(Mr. Syed Basharat, 30, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 2005. He has been a reporter for Kashmir Images, a Srinagar based daily, London based website Gaashonline.Com, and a Srinagar based journal, Globe. Currently, he is working as a special correspondent with Jammu based daily newspaper, The Kashmir Times.)
Pahalgam Illegal Construction Case
Srinagar: The High Court today allowed the residents of Pahalgam to go for renovation of their residential houses but only after they seek proper permission from the court. However, the High Court continued its ban on reconstruction or renovation of any commercial structure within the world famous health resort.
According to Mohammad Ishaq Qadri, the advocate general a division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifullah and Justice Verinder Singh today ordered that the Pahalgam inhabitants can go with renovation of their houses but after jointly applying for the same before the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA).
The PDA in turn has been directed to submit the inhabitants request to the principal district and sessions judge Anantnag who will put forth the same before the High Court.
The DFO Social Forestry Anantnag has been directed to provide trees to Mushtaq Ahmad Ganaie owner of hotel Grand Mumtaz who in turn has been directed to plant at around 100 trees within his hotel premises by the end of November. However, the court directed the petitioner to file objections within a week to the application filed by Ganaie seeking court’s permission to de-seal his hotel at Pahalgam, the advocate general said.
“We find the hotel management has violated the orders of this court by resorting to construction and also by felling the standing green trees. Apart from issuing contempt notice against the owner, we feel it would be just to direct Deputy Commissioner to seal the Grand Mumtaz hotel by evacuating any guest staying in the hotel...,” the Division Bench of the High court has observed in its August 20, order.
Senior lawyer Zaffar Shah had submitted an application on behalf of the hotel owner Mushtaq Ahmad, requesting the court to review its closure orders on August 29. “The hotel owner has not cut a single tree in Pahalgam as is being alleged. And we have properly followed the due course of law before going for repair work in one the bathrooms of the hotel,” Shah had said before the division bench.
On August 27, the authorities sealed off Grand Mumtaz hotel in Pahalgam allegedly for violating High Court orders of December 24, by virtue of which the construction in the world famous health resort was banned.
The Grand Mumtaz hotel owner has not only been accused of construction in his hotel premises at Pahalgam in violation of court directions, but cutting trees in brazen violation of forest rules. In order to probe the nexus between land mafia, influential hoteliers and serving bureaucrats, which has led to brazen violation of Pahalgam Master Plan (PMP), the High Court had on May 5, constituted a high level committee to submit its expert opinion in light of a Public Interest Litigation being heard by the Court in this regard.
Meanwhile, the expert committee appointed by the High Court today submitted its report on Pahalgam Master Plan. The High Court had appointed district judge Anantnag and Secretary High Court Legal Service Committee Abdul Rashid Malik as the member secretary of the committee.
Akhtar Rashid former chief engineer was appointed as the chairman of the committee while as the members include Dr Ashok Kumar Pandita department of environmental sciences university of Kashmir, Dr Mohammad Ayub Dar from law department university of Kashmir and A R Wadoo former chief conservator of forests.
This 5-member committee had submitted a report which besides throwing light on the illegal constructions being carried out in brazen violation of High Court orders had said that the owner of Grand Mumtaz hotel had cemented the stump of Deodar (cedar) trees which had dried up around 100 trees.
Earlier a five-member enquiry committee headed by Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority had submitted before the court that out of 177 constructions raised before the existing master plan (2005-25) 174 constructions have been raised without permission while as only three structures are with proper permission.
“Out of 174 structures raised without permission, only 41 were raised before 1980 while as thereafter 40 to 50 structures were raised during every 10 years,” the enquiry report reads. Out of these 174 structures without permission, 122 are residential, 45 commercial, six are commercial cum residential and one is has been mentioned as other.
However, about the construction raised after the approval of master plan (2005-25), the committee has found that 57 constructions have been raised in Kralpora, lower Laripora, upper Laripora and Manzimpora (hamlets of village Laripora). Out of these 57 constructions, 40 have been raised without permission and 17 posses the permission.
Interestingly, out of 40 structures without permission, 21 structures have been raised in non-permissible zone (green zone) and 19 in permissible zone.
In another case of similar nature, while throwing rules and court direction to the winds, a National Conference former legislator started constructing a hut in Pahalgam. However, PDA immediately served a notice to him, which he challenged in through a civil suit in the Munsif Court Aishmuqam.
"But Dogs Are Outside My Home Fence"
Altaf says that growing population of stray dogs is yet another manifestation of the Kashmiri culture of keeping their interiors clean at the expense of exteriors where all kinds of home garbage is dumped
(Mr. Altaf Bashir, 23, was born in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. He completed his schooling from Iqra Public School, Qammerwari, Sringar, and received a Bachelor's degree in commerce from the Degree College Bemina, Srinagar. He is pursuing a Master's degree in English from the Indra Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Mr. Bashir is currently working as hospitality trainer at the Don Bosco trainer centre, Kupwara, which is a Belgium based NGO working with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, MORD.)
Kashmir Dogs Milieu’
She was apparently three years of age and would have indeed been a cute little thing, but right then she was a pathetic sight whimpering piteously with tears streaming down her face. The child had been attacked by a pack of stray dogs. Her face and scalp had been brutally mauled and there were numerous bite marks on her fragile frame, her parents stood as helpless witnesses to the agony of their child, pouring out torrents of inconsolable grief. The medicos and paramedics attending to this latest victim of the dog menace also were visibly affected by this tragic scene.
This is not a sole incident; such scenes are prevalent sight in our hospitals. The dog menace is real and has assumed alarming proportions, not only do these dogs inflict injury and lead to disfigurement; they are also potential carriers of the fatal Rabies virus. Moreover these dogs have the run of the road especially during the night hours and they cause many accidents too by terrorizing and destabilize the Motor cyclist’s. As much as it is now impossible for people to walk during night as streets and roads are conquered and controlled by these beasts.
There seems to be no solution in sight for this problem as the whole issue is bogged down in legal wrangles. The irony is that this inhumane situation has risen out of a supposedly humane approach to the problem of stray dogs. Earlier the local civic bodies would kill the dog by various methods to keep their number in check. However the efforts of various agencies and non government organizations claiming compassion for animals put a stop to this method of dealing with the stray dogs.
Various humane methods were proposed the more prominent being sterilization and immunization of dogs, though some animals right activist oppose even sterilization and go so far as to claim that this amounts to a genocide of sorts of the canine species.
Such empowerment and rights activism ensures that the dogs grow more in number by each passing day. This process is facilitated by the very ‘successful’ municipality here which forgets to clean the piles of garbage on the roadsides and in streets. Thus these places become main arenas for the dogs to prowl and create problems to the people in the vicinity.
The human methods of decreasing the canine population have never been implemented citing the usual resource crunch as the reason which is understandable to some extent. In a country where a considerable number of people cannot afford the basic amenities of life and the authorities cannot provide shelter and food to those unable to fend for themselves, it does seen look sane to think that adopting stray dogs and providing food and shelter for them can be achieved.
As for immunization, it is a fact that a sizeable proportion of the human population remains unimmunized making it rather unreasonable to expect that every stray dog can be immunized. Sterilization of the dogs is no solution, not in the short term. At least sterilization might render the dogs incapable of procreation but it does not stop them from biting people not even barking for that matter.
The stalemate between the authorities and the animal right activists continues and, in the meantime, the dog population has assumed alarming proportions. People continue to suffer from avoidable pain and agony and danger to life. Love for animals is commendable sentiments however sense of proportion is serious too as going overboard in this love without any consideration for its impact on human beings smacks of callous indifference for the fellow human being and amounts to misanthropy.
The compassion of these animal lovers does become suspect as they are paradoxically unmoved by the plight of those who have to face the dangers of this menace especially considering that most of the time the victims are small children. One wonders as to their bleeding hearts are not touched by the innumerous homeless kids who don’t have even the basic amenities of life available to them. Infact it is invariably these poor and unfortunate classes who are affected by the fallout of this sentimental luxury of these animal activists who themselves mostly belong to the elite sections of the society.
Even the founder of Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi recognized that stray dogs are a problem and wrote young India (21 Oct 1926). At the same time common man cannot be entirely absolved of their guilt in encouraging the growth of this menace. Open overflowing rubbish dumps which appear as if the local civic authorities are hosting a banquet for the dogs are undoubtedly a factor in their rapid multiplications. In fact the dog menace is yet another manifestation of the breakdown of our civil society and our indifferences towards our fellow human beings.
So long as we persist in keeping our homes clean without caring for the exteriors and dump all our waste outside while neighbors are fast asleep, we will continue to foster many ills. The stray dog menace being just one of them. Prune their empowerment for they will prune our generation from growing. Think over again.
(Mr. Altaf Bashir, 23, was born in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. He completed his schooling from Iqra Public School, Qammerwari, Sringar, and received a Bachelor's degree in commerce from the Degree College Bemina, Srinagar. He is pursuing a Master's degree in English from the Indra Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Mr. Bashir is currently working as hospitality trainer at the Don Bosco trainer centre, Kupwara, which is a Belgium based NGO working with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, MORD.)
Kashmir Dogs Milieu’
She was apparently three years of age and would have indeed been a cute little thing, but right then she was a pathetic sight whimpering piteously with tears streaming down her face. The child had been attacked by a pack of stray dogs. Her face and scalp had been brutally mauled and there were numerous bite marks on her fragile frame, her parents stood as helpless witnesses to the agony of their child, pouring out torrents of inconsolable grief. The medicos and paramedics attending to this latest victim of the dog menace also were visibly affected by this tragic scene.
This is not a sole incident; such scenes are prevalent sight in our hospitals. The dog menace is real and has assumed alarming proportions, not only do these dogs inflict injury and lead to disfigurement; they are also potential carriers of the fatal Rabies virus. Moreover these dogs have the run of the road especially during the night hours and they cause many accidents too by terrorizing and destabilize the Motor cyclist’s. As much as it is now impossible for people to walk during night as streets and roads are conquered and controlled by these beasts.
There seems to be no solution in sight for this problem as the whole issue is bogged down in legal wrangles. The irony is that this inhumane situation has risen out of a supposedly humane approach to the problem of stray dogs. Earlier the local civic bodies would kill the dog by various methods to keep their number in check. However the efforts of various agencies and non government organizations claiming compassion for animals put a stop to this method of dealing with the stray dogs.
Various humane methods were proposed the more prominent being sterilization and immunization of dogs, though some animals right activist oppose even sterilization and go so far as to claim that this amounts to a genocide of sorts of the canine species.
Such empowerment and rights activism ensures that the dogs grow more in number by each passing day. This process is facilitated by the very ‘successful’ municipality here which forgets to clean the piles of garbage on the roadsides and in streets. Thus these places become main arenas for the dogs to prowl and create problems to the people in the vicinity.
The human methods of decreasing the canine population have never been implemented citing the usual resource crunch as the reason which is understandable to some extent. In a country where a considerable number of people cannot afford the basic amenities of life and the authorities cannot provide shelter and food to those unable to fend for themselves, it does seen look sane to think that adopting stray dogs and providing food and shelter for them can be achieved.
As for immunization, it is a fact that a sizeable proportion of the human population remains unimmunized making it rather unreasonable to expect that every stray dog can be immunized. Sterilization of the dogs is no solution, not in the short term. At least sterilization might render the dogs incapable of procreation but it does not stop them from biting people not even barking for that matter.
The stalemate between the authorities and the animal right activists continues and, in the meantime, the dog population has assumed alarming proportions. People continue to suffer from avoidable pain and agony and danger to life. Love for animals is commendable sentiments however sense of proportion is serious too as going overboard in this love without any consideration for its impact on human beings smacks of callous indifference for the fellow human being and amounts to misanthropy.
The compassion of these animal lovers does become suspect as they are paradoxically unmoved by the plight of those who have to face the dangers of this menace especially considering that most of the time the victims are small children. One wonders as to their bleeding hearts are not touched by the innumerous homeless kids who don’t have even the basic amenities of life available to them. Infact it is invariably these poor and unfortunate classes who are affected by the fallout of this sentimental luxury of these animal activists who themselves mostly belong to the elite sections of the society.
Even the founder of Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi recognized that stray dogs are a problem and wrote young India (21 Oct 1926). At the same time common man cannot be entirely absolved of their guilt in encouraging the growth of this menace. Open overflowing rubbish dumps which appear as if the local civic authorities are hosting a banquet for the dogs are undoubtedly a factor in their rapid multiplications. In fact the dog menace is yet another manifestation of the breakdown of our civil society and our indifferences towards our fellow human beings.
So long as we persist in keeping our homes clean without caring for the exteriors and dump all our waste outside while neighbors are fast asleep, we will continue to foster many ills. The stray dog menace being just one of them. Prune their empowerment for they will prune our generation from growing. Think over again.
Moment for Introspection
Rashid believes that recent religious conversions in Kashmir were not coerced and reflect a growing malaise in the society as a whole
Need For an Inward Look
Rashid Ahmad (Kashmir Monitor)
A video posted on social networking website Facebook has become the subject of hot talk in Kashmir these days. The video shows a group of young Kashmiri Muslim boys and girls converting to Christianity. In the 8-minute video, religious sermons of Christian belief are being recited and the converts are taking a dip in an artificial pond to adopt the new faith. Chief Priest CM Khanna is shown leading the conversion process.
The issue is viewed with serious concern in the valley. Kashmir’s grand Mufti Moulana Bashiruddin has summoned Khanna to explain his position before the “Supreme Court of Islamic Shariat”. In the first place chief priest ignored Mufti’s “warrant”. Mufti Bashir issued a fresh ‘warrant’ to Khanna to appear before his court on November 12.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also raised his voice against Christian missionaries in Kashmir for “luring naïve Muslim boys and girls with money and other incentives to convert to Christianity”.
As the issue is assuming serious overtones, police has registered an FIR under sections 153-A, 295 and 186 of the Ranbir Penal Code to arrest the situation going out of hands. The case has been registered on the basis of allegations that Christian missionaries in Kashmir were encouraging conversions. It is likely to arrest a pastor whose name figured in Grand Mufti’s court.
It is genuinely a matter of great concern that needs immediate attention. But I don’t see any merit in the allegations that this is “forced” conversion. It (video) from all angles looked a voluntary gathering, and the converts appeared to be volunteering for the new faith. So the onus completely lies on us. To accuse and abuse others is simply to shirk responsibility. Christian missionaries are doing what they are supposed to do. They are great servants of their cause and faith.
It should have been the mission of Muslims to reach out to the non-Muslims with the message of Islam. It, in fact, is the fundamental duty of one and all Muslims. “Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves’ (2:143). Islamic scholars and commentators of Quran say that this position of standing witness before all mankind on behalf of God amounts to being invested with the leadership of mankind, which in itself is a great honour and a heavy responsibility. Muslims are expected to be able to make known, both in word and deed, the meaning of godliness and righteousness.
To protect and project Islamic faith is not the responsibility of individuals only.
It is rather societal obligation of the overall Muslim community, which, in fact, begins from the home. Parents have the primary responsibility to inculcate Islamic faith and values in their children. In a family it could be a father, mother and other elders that are role models for the younger members. Teachers, religious scholars, Muftis and imams come next. The society in general comes only later.
This is a grim reality that our young boys and girls do find role models neither in their homes nor in mosques or at any other religious chamber and teaching centre.
They know the Grand Mufti, who, on one day, issued fatwa against chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to seek repentance (perform Touba) over his remarks on Gandhi’s philosophy (Azad had said Islam secures the hereafter, the Gandhian philosophy of truth and non-violence was apt for success in the contemporary world) but, the next day, they saw the Grand Mufti attending Azad’s Eid Millan without performing the Touba Grand Mufti had asked for.
Again some time later, we heard Grand Mufti banging on the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence to seek audience with him. Dr Manmohan Singh, as reports suggested then, did not find Mufti Sahab worth of spending some minutes with him. He instead asked his advisor to attend the Mufti.
It is a sad irony that religion is not a belief but a profession for most of our Muftis, Imams, Khateeb’s, pirs, scholars and politicians. They practice or follow it only to a level where they can earn their daily livelihood from it. They have opened different counters and put Islam virtually on sale.
I have heard of dozens of parents, who changed their faith, just to get admission for their wards in missionary schools. They follow a pattern. Months before the start of the admission process they begin to visit Church and missionary centres, build connections with the clergy, follow their religious practices and finally seek admissions into their faith. The only aim of reneging Islamic faith is to get admission for their wards in the schools run by the clergy. Children brought up in this atmosphere can be vulnerable to any rather all kinds of temptations.
The video showing conversion is, in fact, a reflection of what we are. We are fickle-minded people, whose faith dither at every charm. Worldly gains are the only attraction for all we do and believe in.Money matters us most. Our social status and caste considerations are determined by our economic position. I know (in fact all of us know) several people who are poor, being cursed as low strata in the society (though Islam strictly rejects caste considerations) for having a particular caste. But at the same time people of the same caste with high economic status are respected as “greats and nobles’.
I know a person who divorced his wife to get married to another woman whose father (in a newspaper advertisement) had promised to pay a particular amount of cash to a person who would marry his daughter.
Some people may call it as “exceptions”. But in a society like ours, it is exceptions that attract attention and make impression like the conversion issue. Generalities do always get ignored.
I do not mean to denigrate and belittle anyone. This is overall picture of our society as a whole. We need to do, both, retrospection and introspection individually as also collectively. The basic fault solely lies with us. Blaming others is simply to run away from the responsibility.
Need For an Inward Look
Rashid Ahmad (Kashmir Monitor)
A video posted on social networking website Facebook has become the subject of hot talk in Kashmir these days. The video shows a group of young Kashmiri Muslim boys and girls converting to Christianity. In the 8-minute video, religious sermons of Christian belief are being recited and the converts are taking a dip in an artificial pond to adopt the new faith. Chief Priest CM Khanna is shown leading the conversion process.
The issue is viewed with serious concern in the valley. Kashmir’s grand Mufti Moulana Bashiruddin has summoned Khanna to explain his position before the “Supreme Court of Islamic Shariat”. In the first place chief priest ignored Mufti’s “warrant”. Mufti Bashir issued a fresh ‘warrant’ to Khanna to appear before his court on November 12.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also raised his voice against Christian missionaries in Kashmir for “luring naïve Muslim boys and girls with money and other incentives to convert to Christianity”.
As the issue is assuming serious overtones, police has registered an FIR under sections 153-A, 295 and 186 of the Ranbir Penal Code to arrest the situation going out of hands. The case has been registered on the basis of allegations that Christian missionaries in Kashmir were encouraging conversions. It is likely to arrest a pastor whose name figured in Grand Mufti’s court.
It is genuinely a matter of great concern that needs immediate attention. But I don’t see any merit in the allegations that this is “forced” conversion. It (video) from all angles looked a voluntary gathering, and the converts appeared to be volunteering for the new faith. So the onus completely lies on us. To accuse and abuse others is simply to shirk responsibility. Christian missionaries are doing what they are supposed to do. They are great servants of their cause and faith.
It should have been the mission of Muslims to reach out to the non-Muslims with the message of Islam. It, in fact, is the fundamental duty of one and all Muslims. “Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves’ (2:143). Islamic scholars and commentators of Quran say that this position of standing witness before all mankind on behalf of God amounts to being invested with the leadership of mankind, which in itself is a great honour and a heavy responsibility. Muslims are expected to be able to make known, both in word and deed, the meaning of godliness and righteousness.
To protect and project Islamic faith is not the responsibility of individuals only.
It is rather societal obligation of the overall Muslim community, which, in fact, begins from the home. Parents have the primary responsibility to inculcate Islamic faith and values in their children. In a family it could be a father, mother and other elders that are role models for the younger members. Teachers, religious scholars, Muftis and imams come next. The society in general comes only later.
This is a grim reality that our young boys and girls do find role models neither in their homes nor in mosques or at any other religious chamber and teaching centre.
They know the Grand Mufti, who, on one day, issued fatwa against chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to seek repentance (perform Touba) over his remarks on Gandhi’s philosophy (Azad had said Islam secures the hereafter, the Gandhian philosophy of truth and non-violence was apt for success in the contemporary world) but, the next day, they saw the Grand Mufti attending Azad’s Eid Millan without performing the Touba Grand Mufti had asked for.
Again some time later, we heard Grand Mufti banging on the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence to seek audience with him. Dr Manmohan Singh, as reports suggested then, did not find Mufti Sahab worth of spending some minutes with him. He instead asked his advisor to attend the Mufti.
It is a sad irony that religion is not a belief but a profession for most of our Muftis, Imams, Khateeb’s, pirs, scholars and politicians. They practice or follow it only to a level where they can earn their daily livelihood from it. They have opened different counters and put Islam virtually on sale.
I have heard of dozens of parents, who changed their faith, just to get admission for their wards in missionary schools. They follow a pattern. Months before the start of the admission process they begin to visit Church and missionary centres, build connections with the clergy, follow their religious practices and finally seek admissions into their faith. The only aim of reneging Islamic faith is to get admission for their wards in the schools run by the clergy. Children brought up in this atmosphere can be vulnerable to any rather all kinds of temptations.
The video showing conversion is, in fact, a reflection of what we are. We are fickle-minded people, whose faith dither at every charm. Worldly gains are the only attraction for all we do and believe in.Money matters us most. Our social status and caste considerations are determined by our economic position. I know (in fact all of us know) several people who are poor, being cursed as low strata in the society (though Islam strictly rejects caste considerations) for having a particular caste. But at the same time people of the same caste with high economic status are respected as “greats and nobles’.
I know a person who divorced his wife to get married to another woman whose father (in a newspaper advertisement) had promised to pay a particular amount of cash to a person who would marry his daughter.
Some people may call it as “exceptions”. But in a society like ours, it is exceptions that attract attention and make impression like the conversion issue. Generalities do always get ignored.
I do not mean to denigrate and belittle anyone. This is overall picture of our society as a whole. We need to do, both, retrospection and introspection individually as also collectively. The basic fault solely lies with us. Blaming others is simply to run away from the responsibility.
Tackling Drug Addiction
Moazum bemoans the lack of adequately equipped detoxification centers in Kashmir
(Mr. Moazum Muhammad is a journalist working for the Greater Kashmir)
DRUGS: Sure Dose to Disaster
Ten patients visit drug de-addiction centre on a routine a day for rehabilitation therapy. Everyone has a harrowing personal account to narrate. A few among them interact with each other while others keep to themselves. Withered faces sunken eyes, and suspicious looks – this is how they appear.
One by one, a female doctor attends them. Each drug abuser is accompanied by his mother. The hapless mothers seldom take their eyes off the faces of their sons. They can see disaster writ large on these faces, nevertheless, hopeful to fight the impending.
Around 1 PM, a woman from the city drops into the de-addiction centre along with her ward. She appears helpless, and uneasy on her arrival in the room.
The doctors attends her tenderly. Her son Sameer Ahmad (name changed) donning a pheran is intoxicated at this time. His head hanging down and eyes hlf shut. He is the victim of brown sugar and cannabis since five years. Hailing from a poor family, he sells apples on a handcart, at Hawal in the Old city.
“I earn around Rs 800-1000 per day,” he revealed. “This entire amount is spent on buying brown sugar from a woman – Aunty, they call her- at Hawal in Sheikh Colony. She is famous in her area; even a kid can guide you to her house. Half-gram of this drug is sold at around Rs 300.” Sameer spells out the details.
Sameer hasn’t ruined his own life only, he has devastated the family; four sisters and a younger brother.
Medical Officer, Dr Sheeba Rather noted down each word from him, required for his treatment, as well as classification in the room. “By noting down each word he utters, we make a case history for treatment,” she says.
Sameer’s mother pleaded before the doctor that she had registered him earlier as well in the Centre. But his son compelled him to withdraw the amount of registration by beating her at home. “Nobody talks to him (Sameer) at home. Everyone has abandoned him for his acts. Only I am pursing him so that he gets well again. Six months back I registered his name here but he forced me to withdraw the cash. Not only this, he stole ornaments and money from home for his addiction,” she narrated, asking for concessions in the charges for investigations.
“His addiction has ruined us. He is the cause for my heartache. Please favour me by treating him,” she implored.
Asked how he consumes the drug, he opened a pack of chewing gum from his pocket. Its wrapper, he said, is used in the process of consuming it.
“In absence of brown sugar, I feel cold, backache, pain, and uneasiness. The only reason for taking drugs is to ease out my pain,” he said.
Surprisingly, not only economically weak fall prey to addiction but Government employees too are into the habit of killing themselves. It’s the fourth week of rehabilitation treatment for Safi Amin (name changed) from North Kashmir, who is getting married soon. Since five years, he is consuming codeine rich syrups but as he is about to get married, he wants to be like another normal man. Not a drug abuser this time, rather a caring husband.
“For 26 days, I am out of drugs here. Everyday I would consume eight codeine syrups at my home which dented my pocket heavily for five years. As my marriage is nearing, I no longer want to ruin my life. I want to give up drugs,” he seems to be saying with a great degree of resolve.
His family, he said, learnt about his habit last year when they found his cupboard stuffed with syrups. But he didn’t abstain even after that. “My family insisted to desist from it but hardly I ever listened to them. Only following successful rehabilitation therapy of my friend in this centre, I followed him here,” he says. “Normally I would buy huge quantity of corex from Karan Nagar, Magam and other places. In the first instance I consumed a spoonful of the drug and suddenly tolerance grew so much that eight bottles would be like a spoon.”
The drug de-addiction centre is the sole rehabilitation centre for abusers run by the Police in the valley. It is located inside the fortress of police control room Batamaloo. Experts attribute failure of health department in opening such centers in the valley, where consumption has increased all time high. The common drugs in place are liquor, diluted fluid, cannabis, hashish, medicinal opiates (spasmo, codeine phosphate, alprox tablets) and marijuana.
Dr Sheeba, who is treating addicts here for past nearly one year, explains the levels in treating such patients. The main thing in a patient, she said, is to have the required motivation level.
“As per our protocol, firstly, we treat the patients on daily basis to ensure motivational level. Besides we carry baseline investigations of the patients. After learning about history of abuser and the type of drugs used. We admit the addict here except high risk ones,” she said.
The doctor said that school goers are much vulnerable to drugs particularly diluters. Recalling a case, she said a young lad from a reputed family with medico background had fallen to drugs and her handicapped mother would come to the centre for treatment with him. “That case was horrible particularly, the fact that her mother was a doctor,” she added.
Clinical Psychologist and Head of Department Drug de-addiction centre Dr Muhammad Muzaffar Khan revealed that the prime causes for addiction are socio-political disturbances, easy availability of drugs, lack of parenting, rapid urbanization and disturbed social security system owing to two decade armed conflict in the valley.
He underscored that ideal drug de-addiction centre should be state run institute where more focus should be placed on rehabilitation of the young addicts.
“The young addicts should be imparted vocational training through ITI and other such centers. The medicines prescribed in the de-addiction centre should be made available free of cost by the state as families would already have suffered mental agony and trauma,” Dr Muzzafar said.
The drug de-addiction centre started by Police three years ago, he said, has led to de-addiction movement in the valley as policymakers including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recognized the grave threat posed by addiction.
According to statistics of United Nations office on Drug and Crime, around 60,000 youth are addicted to drugs while about 4,000 females have fallen prey to it in Kashmir region alone.
“Despite the alarming trend no proper survey has been carried out. The grave issue is that there is no centre for female addicts available here,” he says.
(Mr. Moazum Muhammad is a journalist working for the Greater Kashmir)
DRUGS: Sure Dose to Disaster
Ten patients visit drug de-addiction centre on a routine a day for rehabilitation therapy. Everyone has a harrowing personal account to narrate. A few among them interact with each other while others keep to themselves. Withered faces sunken eyes, and suspicious looks – this is how they appear.
One by one, a female doctor attends them. Each drug abuser is accompanied by his mother. The hapless mothers seldom take their eyes off the faces of their sons. They can see disaster writ large on these faces, nevertheless, hopeful to fight the impending.
Around 1 PM, a woman from the city drops into the de-addiction centre along with her ward. She appears helpless, and uneasy on her arrival in the room.
The doctors attends her tenderly. Her son Sameer Ahmad (name changed) donning a pheran is intoxicated at this time. His head hanging down and eyes hlf shut. He is the victim of brown sugar and cannabis since five years. Hailing from a poor family, he sells apples on a handcart, at Hawal in the Old city.
“I earn around Rs 800-1000 per day,” he revealed. “This entire amount is spent on buying brown sugar from a woman – Aunty, they call her- at Hawal in Sheikh Colony. She is famous in her area; even a kid can guide you to her house. Half-gram of this drug is sold at around Rs 300.” Sameer spells out the details.
Sameer hasn’t ruined his own life only, he has devastated the family; four sisters and a younger brother.
Medical Officer, Dr Sheeba Rather noted down each word from him, required for his treatment, as well as classification in the room. “By noting down each word he utters, we make a case history for treatment,” she says.
Sameer’s mother pleaded before the doctor that she had registered him earlier as well in the Centre. But his son compelled him to withdraw the amount of registration by beating her at home. “Nobody talks to him (Sameer) at home. Everyone has abandoned him for his acts. Only I am pursing him so that he gets well again. Six months back I registered his name here but he forced me to withdraw the cash. Not only this, he stole ornaments and money from home for his addiction,” she narrated, asking for concessions in the charges for investigations.
“His addiction has ruined us. He is the cause for my heartache. Please favour me by treating him,” she implored.
Asked how he consumes the drug, he opened a pack of chewing gum from his pocket. Its wrapper, he said, is used in the process of consuming it.
“In absence of brown sugar, I feel cold, backache, pain, and uneasiness. The only reason for taking drugs is to ease out my pain,” he said.
Surprisingly, not only economically weak fall prey to addiction but Government employees too are into the habit of killing themselves. It’s the fourth week of rehabilitation treatment for Safi Amin (name changed) from North Kashmir, who is getting married soon. Since five years, he is consuming codeine rich syrups but as he is about to get married, he wants to be like another normal man. Not a drug abuser this time, rather a caring husband.
“For 26 days, I am out of drugs here. Everyday I would consume eight codeine syrups at my home which dented my pocket heavily for five years. As my marriage is nearing, I no longer want to ruin my life. I want to give up drugs,” he seems to be saying with a great degree of resolve.
His family, he said, learnt about his habit last year when they found his cupboard stuffed with syrups. But he didn’t abstain even after that. “My family insisted to desist from it but hardly I ever listened to them. Only following successful rehabilitation therapy of my friend in this centre, I followed him here,” he says. “Normally I would buy huge quantity of corex from Karan Nagar, Magam and other places. In the first instance I consumed a spoonful of the drug and suddenly tolerance grew so much that eight bottles would be like a spoon.”
The drug de-addiction centre is the sole rehabilitation centre for abusers run by the Police in the valley. It is located inside the fortress of police control room Batamaloo. Experts attribute failure of health department in opening such centers in the valley, where consumption has increased all time high. The common drugs in place are liquor, diluted fluid, cannabis, hashish, medicinal opiates (spasmo, codeine phosphate, alprox tablets) and marijuana.
Dr Sheeba, who is treating addicts here for past nearly one year, explains the levels in treating such patients. The main thing in a patient, she said, is to have the required motivation level.
“As per our protocol, firstly, we treat the patients on daily basis to ensure motivational level. Besides we carry baseline investigations of the patients. After learning about history of abuser and the type of drugs used. We admit the addict here except high risk ones,” she said.
The doctor said that school goers are much vulnerable to drugs particularly diluters. Recalling a case, she said a young lad from a reputed family with medico background had fallen to drugs and her handicapped mother would come to the centre for treatment with him. “That case was horrible particularly, the fact that her mother was a doctor,” she added.
Clinical Psychologist and Head of Department Drug de-addiction centre Dr Muhammad Muzaffar Khan revealed that the prime causes for addiction are socio-political disturbances, easy availability of drugs, lack of parenting, rapid urbanization and disturbed social security system owing to two decade armed conflict in the valley.
He underscored that ideal drug de-addiction centre should be state run institute where more focus should be placed on rehabilitation of the young addicts.
“The young addicts should be imparted vocational training through ITI and other such centers. The medicines prescribed in the de-addiction centre should be made available free of cost by the state as families would already have suffered mental agony and trauma,” Dr Muzzafar said.
The drug de-addiction centre started by Police three years ago, he said, has led to de-addiction movement in the valley as policymakers including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recognized the grave threat posed by addiction.
According to statistics of United Nations office on Drug and Crime, around 60,000 youth are addicted to drugs while about 4,000 females have fallen prey to it in Kashmir region alone.
“Despite the alarming trend no proper survey has been carried out. The grave issue is that there is no centre for female addicts available here,” he says.
People in Distress
Action Aid says Kashmir lacks facilities to treat people with mental diseases
Valley in Psychiatric Mess, Patients Suffer for Want of Facilities
Shahnawaz Majid (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: While perpetual armed conflict in Kashmir has led to increase in psychological problems among people here, lack of mental health-care facilities has worsened the same, a research carried out by an international organization reveals.
“Sense of insecurity, exposure to sufferings, abuses, instigation to and participation in violence, choked atmosphere that blocks avenues of expression, humiliations, torture, death of those in proximity, rape, feeling for revenge, tragedies, break down of family structures and traditional mechanisms of care remain some of the causes which are indispensable consequences of conflict situations,” the research says.
The research titled “Research Study on Status of Implementation of Provisions on National Mental Health Act in J&K” was conducted by Action Aid, an international non-governmental organization.
“Traditional mechanisms of care crumbled in various ways with health-care system facing paucity of manpower. Whatever care existed in the form of mental hospital Srinagar, became inaccessible on account of hazards involved in travel and stay in Srinagar. On top of it, psychologically disordered persons became vulnerable targets in encounters,” the research informs.
According to Mental Health Act of 1987, it is obligatory for the state to create a mechanism for licensing and monitoring mental health-care facilities.
“State has created such authority but it remains nonfunctional because there are no recognized mental health-care facilities in private sector. Whatever exists is unlicensed as no license has ever been issued by the Authority,” it adds.
These facilities are supposed to be monitored by Mental Health Authority. However, no such authority exists in Kashmir.
As per the research “There are OPD facilities available within Psychiatric Diseases Hospital in Srinagar. However, no such facilities are available at primary or secondary health-care centres in the Valley. The procedures relating to admission of patient within mental hospital are observed but the requirements of the Act relating to security of their property and providing them legal aid is not taken care of.”
The Act provides for penalties to those who admit a normal person into psychiatric care. The Act also imposes several responsibilities upon police which include admitting a person with psychological disorders into psychiatric hospitals and penalizing the ones involved in the neglect and harsh treatments to such patients.
According to the Action Aid research, no records have been provided by the police relating to this aspect of duties.
“The psychiatrists appointed in other hospitals are not exclusively utilized for mental health-care. They are made to work as general medical practitioners. Wherever they are involved in psychiatric care, it is through their individual initiative. Most of the positions for psychiatrists in the Valley are unfulfilled,” it adds.
The study suggests enactment of local mental health legislations which reflects international standards and provides for framework for integration of mental health-care with general health-care.
“One of the prime reasons of non-adherence of mental health-care standards is unfamiliarity of those who are in this job.”
For this purpose, the study suggested creation of mental health manual so that everyone involved in mental health-care is familiar with his/her assignments and responsibilities.
Valley in Psychiatric Mess, Patients Suffer for Want of Facilities
Shahnawaz Majid (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: While perpetual armed conflict in Kashmir has led to increase in psychological problems among people here, lack of mental health-care facilities has worsened the same, a research carried out by an international organization reveals.
“Sense of insecurity, exposure to sufferings, abuses, instigation to and participation in violence, choked atmosphere that blocks avenues of expression, humiliations, torture, death of those in proximity, rape, feeling for revenge, tragedies, break down of family structures and traditional mechanisms of care remain some of the causes which are indispensable consequences of conflict situations,” the research says.
The research titled “Research Study on Status of Implementation of Provisions on National Mental Health Act in J&K” was conducted by Action Aid, an international non-governmental organization.
“Traditional mechanisms of care crumbled in various ways with health-care system facing paucity of manpower. Whatever care existed in the form of mental hospital Srinagar, became inaccessible on account of hazards involved in travel and stay in Srinagar. On top of it, psychologically disordered persons became vulnerable targets in encounters,” the research informs.
According to Mental Health Act of 1987, it is obligatory for the state to create a mechanism for licensing and monitoring mental health-care facilities.
“State has created such authority but it remains nonfunctional because there are no recognized mental health-care facilities in private sector. Whatever exists is unlicensed as no license has ever been issued by the Authority,” it adds.
These facilities are supposed to be monitored by Mental Health Authority. However, no such authority exists in Kashmir.
As per the research “There are OPD facilities available within Psychiatric Diseases Hospital in Srinagar. However, no such facilities are available at primary or secondary health-care centres in the Valley. The procedures relating to admission of patient within mental hospital are observed but the requirements of the Act relating to security of their property and providing them legal aid is not taken care of.”
The Act provides for penalties to those who admit a normal person into psychiatric care. The Act also imposes several responsibilities upon police which include admitting a person with psychological disorders into psychiatric hospitals and penalizing the ones involved in the neglect and harsh treatments to such patients.
According to the Action Aid research, no records have been provided by the police relating to this aspect of duties.
“The psychiatrists appointed in other hospitals are not exclusively utilized for mental health-care. They are made to work as general medical practitioners. Wherever they are involved in psychiatric care, it is through their individual initiative. Most of the positions for psychiatrists in the Valley are unfulfilled,” it adds.
The study suggests enactment of local mental health legislations which reflects international standards and provides for framework for integration of mental health-care with general health-care.
“One of the prime reasons of non-adherence of mental health-care standards is unfamiliarity of those who are in this job.”
For this purpose, the study suggested creation of mental health manual so that everyone involved in mental health-care is familiar with his/her assignments and responsibilities.
The Irrepressible Kangri
Kashmiris may have iphones, but they have not outgrown the kangri
Kashmiri 'Kangdi' Most Popular Heating Equipment
Srinagar : With winter approaching, people of Kashmir are preparing themselves to face the cold weather.The most important tool they use is what they call Kangdi, a traditional earthen fire pot used to keep themselves warm.
The manufacturers of kangdi fire pot around kashmir region have started their job and their products are already in the market now.
Mohammed Ashraf is one among them, and has been into this business through generations now. He says the use of kangdi in Kashmir can never be replaced by any other products because people of Kashmir have got used to this traditional system of heating since ages.
Not every one is rich in Kashmir and cant afford the expenses of modern heating appliances, first it is cheap and is portable which adds to its usefulness.
Despite the availability of all modern appliances of heating, most of the house holds in Kashmir rely on this inexpensive technique.
A Kangdi is an improved version of the Manann semi-spherical clay pot enclosed in willow rushes, with handles also made of willow rushes. The pot holds burning coals that stay warm throughout the day. Throughout winter season, it is common to see people with one hand holding their Kangdi inside their Phiran a woolen cloak.
I cannot resist this cold without a kangdi inside my cloak, I start its use at the onset of winter till the arrival of summer, and bearing the expenses of other modern things is impossible.
Making of a kangdi is an art and time consuming process. Mohammed Ashraf says it takes him 4 hours to complete the making of one kangdi. He makes 3 of them a day.
For the months of winter my family and I are completely dependent on this business, the price of each kangdi depends on the raw material used and it ranges form 100 Rs to 1000 Rs.
Though the origin of kangdi remains untraceable, it is believed to be the most famous product of Kashmir. It is now gifted as souvenirs and is counted among heritage of Kashmir.
(Kashmir Monitor)
Kashmiri 'Kangdi' Most Popular Heating Equipment
Srinagar : With winter approaching, people of Kashmir are preparing themselves to face the cold weather.The most important tool they use is what they call Kangdi, a traditional earthen fire pot used to keep themselves warm.
The manufacturers of kangdi fire pot around kashmir region have started their job and their products are already in the market now.
Mohammed Ashraf is one among them, and has been into this business through generations now. He says the use of kangdi in Kashmir can never be replaced by any other products because people of Kashmir have got used to this traditional system of heating since ages.
Not every one is rich in Kashmir and cant afford the expenses of modern heating appliances, first it is cheap and is portable which adds to its usefulness.
Despite the availability of all modern appliances of heating, most of the house holds in Kashmir rely on this inexpensive technique.
A Kangdi is an improved version of the Manann semi-spherical clay pot enclosed in willow rushes, with handles also made of willow rushes. The pot holds burning coals that stay warm throughout the day. Throughout winter season, it is common to see people with one hand holding their Kangdi inside their Phiran a woolen cloak.
I cannot resist this cold without a kangdi inside my cloak, I start its use at the onset of winter till the arrival of summer, and bearing the expenses of other modern things is impossible.
Making of a kangdi is an art and time consuming process. Mohammed Ashraf says it takes him 4 hours to complete the making of one kangdi. He makes 3 of them a day.
For the months of winter my family and I are completely dependent on this business, the price of each kangdi depends on the raw material used and it ranges form 100 Rs to 1000 Rs.
Though the origin of kangdi remains untraceable, it is believed to be the most famous product of Kashmir. It is now gifted as souvenirs and is counted among heritage of Kashmir.
(Kashmir Monitor)
Once Kashmir Was Known For Its Terracotta
Terracotta discoveries from the past displayed the vast richness of Kashmiri art that is close to extinction now
Pottery, a Dying Art Form
Mudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor)
Baramulla: Hit by rising costs of essential commodities and lack of market interest, Kashmiri potters are now contemplating giving up their generations’ old profession.
At Putkhah, a small hamlet in Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmed Kumar wonders what life has in store for him. Many generations of his family have been in the pottery business but as the demand for the mud pots is on a decline, Kumar fears that his children may have to look for other professions.
“My father used to sell these pots and in barter get enough grains that would last for a full year. It was a valued profession but now with the introduction of modern type of utensils this great art of pottery has been overshadowed and our new generation is turning to other professions,” says Kumar.
He further said pottery works were a part of daily life and used for several functions in the past. “Some of the pots were considered essential for certain ceremonies like henna pots, earthen lamps, tumbaknari, milk pots etc. In Kashmir, some 70 years back in village marriages food was served in mud pots only. Incidentally food served in mud pots is considered to be clean and matka works like a refrigerator, which keeps the water cool. Unfortunately for us, these are not used anymore,” Kumar added.
Another potter Rajab Kumar from Haigam said, “Almost in every mohalla there used to be a terracotta center and we used to serve some particular homes in the village and get money and grains in return. The potter who used to make these pots held an important position in the village.”
Gani Kumar of Shirakwara Baramulla said due to very little demand for these pots it was difficult for them to provide livelihood for their families. “We sell some particular items like heaters, milk pots and tumbaknaries and that too very rarely…my son has switched to fruit business….he doesn’t like this job,” Gani added.
Pottery, a Dying Art Form
Mudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor)
Baramulla: Hit by rising costs of essential commodities and lack of market interest, Kashmiri potters are now contemplating giving up their generations’ old profession.
At Putkhah, a small hamlet in Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmed Kumar wonders what life has in store for him. Many generations of his family have been in the pottery business but as the demand for the mud pots is on a decline, Kumar fears that his children may have to look for other professions.
“My father used to sell these pots and in barter get enough grains that would last for a full year. It was a valued profession but now with the introduction of modern type of utensils this great art of pottery has been overshadowed and our new generation is turning to other professions,” says Kumar.
He further said pottery works were a part of daily life and used for several functions in the past. “Some of the pots were considered essential for certain ceremonies like henna pots, earthen lamps, tumbaknari, milk pots etc. In Kashmir, some 70 years back in village marriages food was served in mud pots only. Incidentally food served in mud pots is considered to be clean and matka works like a refrigerator, which keeps the water cool. Unfortunately for us, these are not used anymore,” Kumar added.
Another potter Rajab Kumar from Haigam said, “Almost in every mohalla there used to be a terracotta center and we used to serve some particular homes in the village and get money and grains in return. The potter who used to make these pots held an important position in the village.”
Gani Kumar of Shirakwara Baramulla said due to very little demand for these pots it was difficult for them to provide livelihood for their families. “We sell some particular items like heaters, milk pots and tumbaknaries and that too very rarely…my son has switched to fruit business….he doesn’t like this job,” Gani added.
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