Healing the valley’s wounds

Some are born great, argued the Bard, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Many of us have "greatness thrust upon them," thanks to a quirk of circumstances, or thanks to the Creator of those circumstances. Few of us though prove ourselves worthy of the privilege or opportunity presented to us by destiny. Watching Omar Abdullah struggle, bumble and fumble at the helm even as the "paradise on earth" burns like hell, one cannot help but marvel at the strange games destiny plays with us. What makes the young chief minister qualify for the job, gifted to him by his indulgent father Farooq Abdullah, except his proud pedigree? But what’s new? Farooq Abdullah, a medical doctor by training, inherited the mantle from his legendary father Shaikh Abdullah in similar fashion. Democracy and dynasty go hand in hand in South Asia. Nothing wrong if politics runs in the family, and son — or daughter for that matter — succeeds father or mother in power as they often have in the subcontinent. Trouble arises when those born with a silver spoon cannot hold it. The mess in Kashmir these days makes you wonder if there is really a government in place in Srinagar. Young boys are getting killed like flies and no one seems to be losing any sleep in Srinagar or Delhi. Nearly 60 youths have died in little over a month. Almost all of them died of gun shots or those "plastic pillets" that are not supposed to kill. And each successive death in turn has fueled the cauldron of anger and frustration that is today’s Kashmir, bringing thousands more out on the streets. And it’s not just young men who are up in the arms. The spectacle of women throwing stones and clashing with the security forces brings out goose bumps all over. Unfortunately, South Asia today is full of self-serving, petty politicians but singularly bereft of great leaders who can bring lasting peace to this cursed piece of land. Talking of great leaders, one had great expectations from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Incidentally, Manmohan has just crossed a historic milestone by becoming the longest serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and his feisty daughter Indira Gandhi. Defying all predictions and projections, he has completed nearly six years in power. Six years! Boy, was it really that long?What the valley needs today is not more empty rhetoric or economic packages but a real healing touch and respect from politicians in Delhi and Srinagar. The valley’s wounds will heal only when the jackboots leave. For the longer Kashmir bleeds, the more distant it will grow from us.

Chenab region, Pir Panchal joins valley

Protest demos across the region

Kishtwar: Unabated killings of innocent youth in Kashmir sparked off protest demonstrations across Kishtwar and Doda districts of Chenab Valley and Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panchal.
Reports said people took to streets and held protest demonstrations at some places, voice of concern was raised and special prayers were held for restoration of peace to Valley during Friday prayers in most areas of the region.
Kishtwar observed complete shutdown in response to a call by the local separatist leaders. Shops and other business establishments in most parts of the town were closed, throwing the normal life out of gear.
A large number of people assembled inside the Jamia Masjid complex and held a noisy protest demonstrations. Amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans the protestors deplored the killings of innocent civilians by the police and troops in Kashmir Valley.
A number of leaders including Imam Moulana Farooq Ahmed and separatists leaders Ghulam Nabi Gundna, Molvi Qayoom and Abdul Gani Shah addressed the protestors and said that the people across the state have sacrificed for a just and genuine cause. They asked the Government of India and state government to stop repressive measures in the Valley, failing which people from entire state would come on roads.
Similar protest demonstration was also held in Bhaderwah, where people observed a complete shutdown. People assembled in large number outside Jamia Masjid and staged a demonstration which marched up to state guest house, where number of leaders addressed the protestors.
Reports from Poonch district revealed that people took to streets in Surankote area and staged a protest demonstration. Apart from separatist and opposition leaders, some local leaders from ruling National Conference also reportedly participated in the protest.
Strong voice of resentment was also raised by Imams in most other parts of the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch during the Friday prayers.

Kishtwar Degree College in deplorable condition

Lacks teaching staff, proper accommodation
SHEIKH NASIR
KISHTWAR: It may sound bizarre, but it is true. At a time when the state government takes pride for opening new colleges across the state, thousands of students studying in the Govt Degree College Kishtwar have little reason to appreciate the same.
Established in the 1986 and upgraded with the science stream in the year 2001 the college lacks proper accommodation and adequate teaching staff threatening the career of thousands of young souls, who face stiff competition in all the fields.
The college for which four precious lives have been sacrificed is now a picture of absolute neglect. For near about 1200 students, the college has only eight class rooms and more than 10 posts are lying vacant. At present out of near about 30 sanctioned Gazetted posts more than 10 posts are lying vacant. Various subjects like education, Mathematics, Hindi, Sanskrit, Computer applications, Sociology and Environmental Sciences is without any teacher and the students are at the mercy of God. In most of the streams not only a single regular teacher has been appointed. For Commerce stream against four sanctioned posts there is no regular teacher and same is the case with Sanskirit, Hindi and Sociology stream and the students are left at the mercy of God. Authorities have engaged contractual lecturers who too are being paid very less.
Not only this revenue papers show 91 kanals and 12 marlas land in the name of college where as ground picture is totally different.
Land has been encroached from all sides and is shrinking with every passing day. Earlier at the time of establishment in 1986 only arts classes were made functional in the college and latter in 2001 science streams were sanctioned.
"Our career is threatened and we have no where to go now", said Naveen Sharma student of part third. He further said that either there are no teachers for most of streams and if teacher are there they too are not punctual. Another student of the college Yassir has said that the libarary of the college is witout book and there is no proper seating arrangement. "There is no restriction on entry in the premises, outsiders are oftenly seen roaming within the campus" says Mehnaz Kotwal another student. Once a student of the college and presently a lecturer in GDC Bhaderwah Dr. Tariq Tamkeen says, "Four precious lives were lost for this college, but its functioning makes one to feel that the sacrifice has gone waste". "The authorities should pay their attentions towards this institution in order to save the generation" he added