Leading psychiatrist calls2 for A Peep 5into parental discretion Ladakhi marriage ceremony Vol: 4 | No.: 2 | May 15, 2011 Lab newspaper of Media Education Research Centre for private circulation only Freedom of press must for survival of democratic society: VC Safienna edia Education Research Media Times Centre (MERC) University Mof in collaboration with Kashmir Press Association (KPA) released observed World Press Freedom Day at : Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, Media House auditorium of the varsity Prof Riyaz Punjabi released the twin publications on May 3. of Media Education Research Centre (MERC)- the fortnightly newspaper ‘MERC Times’ and the bi- The event, sponsored by J&K bank, annual magazine ‘Media Times’ during the World was attended by some senior journalists Press Freedom Day function held at the depart- of the valley, teachers, scholars, students ment on May 3. The function was organized by and members from civil society. The MERC in collaboration with Kashmir Press Asso- function was presided over by Vice Chan- ciation at the varsity’s Media House auditorium. On the occasion, Prof Punjabi acknowledged the cellor, Prof. (Dr.) Riyaz Punjabi. efforts of the department in nurturing the bud- In his address, Prof Punjabi said bud- ding journalists and providing them a platform ding journalists need to pay attention to in the form of MERC Times and Media Times. He social reporting. “Keep your minds open appreciated the editor, Muslim Jan and students and look at facts in true bold colours,” the for coming up with the publications. Copies of the magazine and fortnightly newspaper were VC told the media students. distributed among the audience. The work of the He said freedom of press is something media students was appreciated by the readers. which we all cherish and we have to see that it is protected by all means and not about the restrictions media faced in Kash- World Press Freedom Day to raise aware- tampered. mir during the last few years of turmoil. ness of the importance of freedom of press “Power of media is increasing with Sharing some of his personal experi- and remind governments of their duty to every passing day. With the addition of ences in journalism, Hussain urged me- respect and uphold right to freedom of ex- internet in the field no technology today dia students never to distort facts or com- pression enshrined under Article 19. has the power to shape our minds and promise with work. Dr Shahid highlighted the role of press opinions more than media itself,” said In his address, KPA president, Gh- as a watchdog of the society and said that Prof. Punjabi. ulam Hassan Kaloo said press is there it makes powers accountable to people. He also appreciated MERC in contrib- to build public opinion and guard civil He said freedom of press is not only de- uting towards professionalism in media He referred to the challenges being liberties. sired but essential. and lauded its head and his staff for what faced by the press “both from within and Kaloo highlighted achievements of Referring to the social responsibility he termed as “exemplary work”. outside” in the form of curbs and con- his association in the last four years in of the press, Dr Shahid said power is not Senior journalist and chairperson straints. safeguarding the rights of journalists in all about showing authority but shoulder- Kashmir Times group of publications, “The present ownership structure of Kashmir. ing responsibility. He also talked about Ved Bhasin paid tributes to journalists media especially the control of corporate “KPA will continue to work for up- the emergence of citizen journalism. who lost their lives for “upholding free- sector is one of the biggest challenges holding the freedom of press at all levels Others who spoke on the occasion in- dom of press”. before the free press which is there to because press is essential for building up cluded Registrar, KU, Prof S Fayyaz, senior Bhasin, who was also the chief guest mobilize public opinion,” said Bhasin la- a democratic society,” Kaloo added. faculty MERC, Nasir Mirza and noted col- on the occasion, said freedom of press is menting the way press ethics are being Earlier in his welcome address, Head umnist, Aijaz-ul-Haque. Rashid Maqbool essential for the survival of a democratic violated. MERC, Dr Shahid Rasool said United Na- compeered the proceedings while Asif society. Senior journalist, Altaf Hussain talked tions General Assembly declared May 3 as Khan presented vote of thanks. MERCTIMES 2 Muslims choose Pandit woman as Panch a platform to do that. They now gave He acknowledged the support by me the stage I needed. It is my turn to their Muslim neighbours. serve them,” said Asha. “They showed their support all There were many who came to the way and now again by choosing wish her and all of them were Mus- my mother as their representative,” lims. he said. “I did not get any Pandit vote, Meanwhile, the residents are because nobody is here. They have hopeful that Asha will work for the migrated from here and are living in betterment of the village. different parts of the world. I am only “She can do better for our village. getting their good wishes on phone,” She is a literate person. She can take she said. our problems to higher authorities so When the turmoil started in we chose her as our representative,” 1989, most pandit families of the vil- said Muhammad Subhan, a local lage left the valley. resident. Asha’s son, Ashok recalls the Religion, he said, did not come in day when their Muslim neighbours their way as they voted for Asha. pleaded with them not to leave the Asha wants to convey the mes- village. sage to Pandits residing outside the “All our pandit neighbours and valley that they are safe here and Ashraf Ul Hassan Asha, a pandit woman from Wus- relatives left the village in the night should come back to their mother- san village of , without letting anybody know about land. azi came all the way from the district won the Panchayat elections, it. We also decided to leave our moth- “Government wants the pandits other end of the village to con- defeating her counterpart, Sara by 11 erland, but during the day. When to come back and settle down in pris- Fgratulate the newly elected votes. Asha is the first Kashmiri pan- our Muslim neighbours came to ons like Sheikhpora Colony in Bud- Panch of her village. Despite being dit woman, who won the election in know about it, they stopped our way gam. Why would one like to live in a a patient of arthritis she made it to the ongoing panchayat elections. and some even said they will die but colony like that? Why they can’t live Asha Ji’s house to wish her on her “I always wanted to do some- not let anybody harm us. We stayed on their own land as they were living success. thing for these villagers, but I needed back,” said Ashok. in the past?” questioned Asha. Wrestle this mania Leading psychiatrist calls for parental discretion

Umreena Majeed Hussain. A study conducted by Prof. Mat- hen I think wrestling, I think thew J. Bernthal, United States Sports violence, with disgust. When Academy, across schools in US reveals Wmy 17-year-old brother thinks that students who watch pro-wrestling or talks wrestling, he has a smile on his matches are physically more aggressive face. And this smile has me worried. So I and get into trouble more often than non- did a bit of research to see if I could do any- viewers. In case of viewers, 74.4 per cent thing about this smile. had cuts, bruises and scrapes, 10 per cent Wrestling is the oldest form of combat. had head, neck and muscle injuries and References to it can be found in ‘Iliad’, a 5.7 per cent had broken bones – all sus- book written by Homer. In fact, in ancient tained during “mock” wrestling bouts. Greece, it was a prominent sport, often “Not just the physical injuries, wres- finding mention in the legends and litera- tling also injures our moral sense of right ture of those times. Wrestling is still a and wrong. The lack of sportsmanship popular Olympic sport. However, it is and winning at the expense of other per- usually related to World Wrestling Enter- son gives all the wrong ideas to young tainment (WWE) due to wide popularity. people,” the psychiatrist said. Wrestling matches on TV are usually Does wrestling have more impact targeted at males in the age bracket of 12- when seen in the context of Kashmir? 17. However, to make the matches more “Yes,” says Dr. Hussain, “but only appealing to older audiences the already because discretion is not observed while violent content is made more graphic. watching such content. Kashmiri par- This puts the young people at a risk. ents really don’t care what their kids are “Many kids are not able to process chiatrist of the valley. said, has long-term implications watching on TV.” these matches as made-up, as they actu- “Kids are particularly receptive to “The younger siblings usually serve Laden with all this information, I try ally are. For them, this violence is real television. They make heroes out of these as dummy opponents but that is just the to reason with my teenage brother. And, and this can lead to an increased risk of wrestlers, identify with them and copy immediate effect. A long-term and more yes, this time he doesn’t smile. Instead, aggression-related problems in later life,” whatever they see or hear.” dangerous implication is that they adopt he gives me a confused look and turns says Dr. Arshid Hussain, a leading psy- This behaviour among children, he this behaviour in their life,” points out Dr. back to his wrestling match on TV. 3 MERCTIMES SUCCESS STORY Mobile ‘‘I was always phones: sure to crack Civil necessary Services exam’ nuisance ive candidates from the state, in- cluding three Sumreen Amin FKashmiri boys, qualified the hat else can we say when life of a com- prestigious Civil mon man comes to a halt without cell Services Examina- Wphones. These gadgets have become tion 2010, the re- indispensable in today’s world. sults of which were “I cannot imagine my life without cell phones,” announced recently. said Syed Aroj, a law student from Kashmir This follows the good University. show put up by the Mobile phones are used for different purposes valley aspirants last including keeping in touch with family, conduct- year. Gulzar Ahmad ing business and having access to telephone in the Wani (23) is among the event of an emergency. Some people carry more youngest candidate to than one mobile phone for different purposes qualify the coveted ex- such as for business and personal use. amination in his maiden “Cell phones connect us to anyone and attempt. Hailing from from anywhere, no matter where we are, Wagura area of North “said Zeeshan, a B-tech student from Is- Kashmir’s Baramulla dis- lamic University of Science and Technology. trict, Gulzar was ranked 341 Having a mobile phone is more about necessity in the select list. In a con- than anything else. The world has turned into a global versation with MERC Times Vidyalaya Shahkote. Later I joined Jamia Mil- village. Internet just a click and you can be connected to reporter Samreen Mushtaq, Gulzar talks lia Islamia and completed B.A LL.B (Honours) from any part of the world while sitting at home. about the efforts, the glory and the challenges ahead. there. But is this the case for everyone? Your first thoughts when you got to know How did a law graduate think of going for “My son doesn’t study anything. He is always about your selection? civil services? lost with his mobile phone,” said Kulsuma Akthar, a I was always sure about qualifying civil service I went to Delhi with the goal in mind that I’ve to housewife. exam because it wasn’t a one month or a few months’ prepare for civil services. But I had to opt for some It is not the case of her son only, but majority preparation. It was a long, constant process. I have been course first. Why not law, I thought. It was a five year of today’s generation remain stuck to their mobile preparing for it since my college days. So I was quite con- course from Jamia Millia. It proved to be a great phones. fident. I have given it everything it needs. When the re- choice, and provided me a platform to achieve my “The youth don’t get time for anything. All the sults were declared, I was expecting a much higher rank, goal. The ideal atmosphere in Jamia helped me to pre- time they are engrossed in themselves, no matter but still it was a great moment for me. pare myself well. what is happening in the world around,” laments How significant is this achievement for you? What were your subjects in the exam? Arif Malik, a school teacher. It is a great achievement. It is significant because My first option obviously was Law. My second Today mobile phones are used mostly as a status of the reason that I’m from a small village and for choice was Literature. symbol rather than an instrument of personal use. people here, it’s a big thing. I have made history for Whom would you credit with your success? “It has many adverse effects on human body them. I can see it in their eyes, in their emotions. They Nobody else other than my parents! My father as well,” said Dawood Qadri , MBBS student. are weeping and hugging me. I feel the pulse in their supported me all the time. He encouraged and con- “The radioactive radiations from the phones are hearts. They are extremely happy for me. I have made stantly motivated me. I can see the joy in my mother’s very harmful, causing burns and cataracts if one is them proud. What bigger achievement than this! eyes, I can feel her happiness and that makes me real- exposed to them continuously.” How do you plan to use this opportunity? ly proud. My mother’s love is the best thing I have had. Some religious body have reservations on the use I will try my best to be a public oriented officer. What is your message for Kashmiri youth? of cell phones by youth. Someone who will be accessible to public. Most im- Kashmiri youth are extremely talented. I have All Muslim Personal Law Board doesn’t portantly, I will try to be free from corruption because lived in Delhi for six years. There is a marked dif- want youth to use mobile phones. A resolution passed it is a big menace in our society. I personally believe ference between Kashmiri people and people from by a faction of AIMPLB also wants parents to en- that I can do it because I’m not joining this particular other states. We are capable. But unfortunately, sure that their wards, epically girls, do not use mobile job for the sake of money. There are a lot of other alter- when we go outside for pursuing some degree, we phones as it makes them “shameless”. natives where a person can earn money. But this is a get deviated from our main goal to so called “mod- But not all people agree with such views. position where people look at you with great hope and ern culture.” We should be very humble and live to According to Shahber Ayaz, an advocate, “It is not confidence. I can’t betray their trust. our basic needs and objectives. We shouldn’t get at all fair.” Tell us something about your family and educa- carried away. Kashmir’s are intelligent but don’t put “These religious bodies cannot pass such re- tional background. in enough efforts. Intelligence and hard work go marks regarding anyone. I feel regretful about their My father is a contractor and my mother is a hand in hand. We have potential; the only need is to thoughts as it affects image of Muslims. Who knows housewife. I completed my schooling from Navodaya channelize it properly. in the coming days they will ask to ban other facili- ties as well like the internet.” MERCTIMES 4 Why should boys have all the fun? Scooty riding picks up among girls

Huda Ul Nisa some bucks too. mizes a new wave of independent “It saves my time as I have to women who do not need their par- ometime back, a young girl reach my tuition centre immedi- ents or friends to accompany them in Salwar Kameez and Hijab ately after my school and I reach every time they step out,” says Dr Sriding a colourful scooties my destination within no time,” Maroofa, a Sociologist. was an unusual sight in Kashmir. said a class 12 student, wishing not For many working ladies, rid- But here they are, riding in all co- to be named. ing scooties invited “discouraging” lours with an apparent sense of With the increase in auto rick- stares on roads. But even such freedom and not letting the boys shaw and bus fares, possessing a things are changing now. “have all the fun”. scooty becomes a blessing. You no “It is my husband who en- The passion among girls of longer need to wait for buses and couraged me to get a scooty. I find riding the scooties, many believe, rickshaw. It also spares unneces- it more easier and safer to reach is as high as obsession for bike rid- sary male attention. my college and back home,” said ing among the boys. Iram, a class 12 student, finds Fozia, a college lecturer. “I have seen this craze before it safe and economical. Still there are so many girls who only in boys for the motor bikes “It saves everything for me- desire to get a scooty, but are not but now I see girls come here with from time to pocket money. Yes allowed by their parents due to one the same passion. The scooty de- everyone is not encouraging; there or the other reason. mand has increased since March are some eve teasers also who never “My parents find it more risky to this year. We sell more than 100 miss a chance to pass a comment ride a scooty all alone. They are scooties of different models in a but I keep my concentration on my not allowing me because of some month,” said Talat Latif, accounts riding rather than anything else.” apprehensions like eve teasing and officer, Kashmir Motors. More or less our society accident kind of a thing,” said Sa- Meanwhile, the girls who are seems to have fairly adjusted with dia, a class 12 student. “proud owners” of these scooties the idea of women travelling alone “My parents want me to get a feel a sense of liberation from the in their vehicles- be it a two wheel- scooty, but it is me who doesn’t daily hassles of public transport, er or a four wheeler. want to get it because I fear losing eve teasing and in the process save “Girls riding scooties epito- it,” added another student.

PHC Natipora, victim Kondabal yet to get of vote bank politics? sanctioned PHC Abid Nissar scribe medicine to them on their own. Malla Waseem Nabi Dar. “What can I do? I have to diagnose Seconding Dar, Fayaz Ahmed, naugurated in 2009, the Natipora people. I can’t make them suffer,” ad- elying the government claims a local student, said they are facing Primary Health Centre is yet to get mitted Yaseen. about upgradation of health- problems due to non-availability of Isanction with officials blaming the The residents, meanwhile, ex- Bcare system in the valley, PHC facilities. “vote bank politics” for leaving it unat- pressed dismay over the state of affairs the construction work on Primary “Although on papers our village tended. at the centre. Health Centre at Kondabal, Gander- has PHC, but on ground nothing ex- “The health centre is not even an “If they don’t have a doctor how bal is yet to start even as five years ists,” he said. allopathic dispensary. It is just a sub- can they prescribe medicines without have passed since it was sanctioned. Sajad Ahmad, a local teacher, centre. The minister and MLA fooled proper examination? This could prove Kondabal is a village in the pe- said the government should have people for vote bank,” said Zonal Med- fatal and that is why I avoid selling riphery of Lar tehsil, 12 Kms from established the PHC on priority ba- ical Officer, Dr. Shah Muammar. medicine on their prescription,” said a district headquarters. The village sis keeping in view the proximity of The PHC was inaugurated by Min- local drug dealer, wishing anonymity. has a 40-year-old Allopathic Dis- Kondbal with Mansbal tourist re- ister of Health, Sham lal Sharma in “If there is no doctor there, why pensary. In 2006, the government sort. presence of MLA Amira Kadal, Nasir don’t they say it clearly? We will go approved upgradation of the dis- “Many a times, tourists suffered Sogami. It was said that it will be a 15- for private treatment rather than take pensary to PHC. The foundation injuries either during trekking or bed hospital with every kind of facility. medicine from an unqualified person,” stone for PHC building was laid in boat riding. They had to be moved “We have just beds and nothing said Shazada, a local resident. 2007 amid much fanfare by the to Safapora which is four kilometres else. We have lab technician without The ZMO expressed his helpless- then Minister for Forests and local away for treatment,” he said. equipments, dentist without dental ness in addressing the issue. MLA, Qazi Mohammad Afzal. But When contacted, Block Medical chair and anaesthesia. We even don’t “I am willing to help but how can till date no work has been done on Officer Lar refused to comment on have a physician. We only have a board I? The MLA has to get an approval for the building. the issue. which displays PHC,” said supervisor the doctor’s post there, and then only “The government is not con- However, Chief Medical Officer pharmacist of PHC, Muhammad Yas- I could send a doctor. We cannot even cerned about us. They even removed attributed the delay in een. buy any equipment for the centre as the foundation stone from the place the construction to non-availability Since there is no doctor to serve it comes from hospital development where the hospital is supposed to be of funds. He said the work will be patients at the health centre, the su- fund and the centre is not having much built, “said a local resident, Ghulam started in next one or two months. pervisor pharmacist and dentist pre- of it,” said Dr. Muammar. 5 MERCTIMES

Hajira give gold items to my girl,” said Konchok Lamo, a 51-year-old woman from Saspol. ike in many other respects, the mar- On the day of marriage ceremony, riage customs in Ladakh region are the ‘ajang’ and ‘nyopa’ (groom’s relative Lunique in their own right. and friends) and ‘nathit’ (youngest male In Leh, boy’s family approach girl’s member of the groom’s family) go to parents with the marriage proposal. The bride’s house to get the bride. A Peep boy’s father and ‘ajang’ (maternal uncle) The bride does not remove the ‘per- visit the girl’s house. In Buddhists they car- ak’ all the way till she reaches the grooms ry ‘chang’ (local beer prepared from bar- house as it is considered as inauspicious. ley) whereas in Muslims they bring ‘cha’ She is accompanied by her ‘aney’ (tea) to the girl’s family. If the girl’s family (paternal aunt) and few friends. agrees to the marriage proposal, they ac- The groom’s mother welcomes cept ‘chang’ or ‘cha’ as a sign of their will- her with ‘cha’ and put ‘khataks’ (sacred into ingness. A date is fixed for the ‘pakston’ scarf) around her shoulder as a symbol (marriage ceremony). of blessing. Once the date is fixed, ‘pakma’ (the The senior most member of the fam- bride) is gifted with ‘norna’ (jewellary and ily sings Ladakhi folk songs and prais- cash) by the parents of ‘makpa’ (groom). es the bride. The special ‘nyopa rtses’ Ladakhi The bride’s parents also gift some ‘raktak’ (dance) is performed. The bride is treated LEH DIARY (dress and cash) to their daughter, but with great respect and sacredness. this is not compulsory. In Muslims instead of dancing, re- marriage ‘’Earlier as ‘raktak’ the parents used ligious hymns are recited. The relatives to gift Ladakhi traditional kitchen set welcome the bride with ‘kalchor’ (butter, (heavy bowls made of heavy copper and tea, water, flowers) at the door and the brass),” says Rigzin Yangdol, a 56-year- ‘ajang’ is supposed to give some amount old woman from Leh. of money to everyone. The bride and groom wear tradi- The sitting arrangement is made in tional Ladakhi dress. The groom wears ladakhi style. They sit on Tibetan carpets ceremony ‘goncha’ (a long gown shaped dress) with at the floor with ‘rtsichok’ (table) painted ‘shkeraks’ (rope made of silk) tied at the with dragon and flowers on it. waist in a delicate way. The groom’s parents first put The Buddhist bride wears a ‘perak’ ‘khataks’ around the bride’s shoulder and while a Muslim bride wears ‘jugin’ and everyone blesses the couple and present dupatta at the head. This is the only dif- their gifts. The bride strikes her ‘tunglak’ ference in the attire of Buddhist and twice and says ‘ojju lay’ (thank you). Muslim brides. They both wear ‘soulma’ These gifts are registered carefully so that (long gown shaped), ‘tunglak’ (ladakhi they could be returned when an event is bangles), ‘sondus’ (large earring shaped celebrated in the giver’s family. that is hanged at the chest), ‘ldocha’ The ceremony lasts till late in the (same as sondous but tied at the waist), night. After the dinner the couple is in- ‘seri kau’(golden locket) and ‘pabu’(heavy vited for dance on music of ‘surna’ (oboe) shoes made from a hard ladakhi fabric). and ‘daman’(drum). On next day the “My father gifted me all silver items couple and the groom’s whole family is but with changing time and keeping in invited for ‘pakdon’ (grand feast) at the tune with the social status I would like to bride’s house. MERCTIMES 6 Villagers save hamlet Stone crushers, macadam plants closed down Qayoom Madni

ulwari, a hamlet is just two ki- lometers from the main town TLangate in district . Situated on the bank of Nalah Mawer, the village has all the beauty to be adored. Snow kept mountains, green meadows and fresh waters of Nalah Mawer mesmerized locals and visitors alike. However, things changed with the setting up of a macadam plant and stone crushers in the hamlet. The number of macadam plants and stone crushers grew from few to a dozen. The locals say they were un- aware about their hazardous effect. “We gave our land on rental basis to these plants and crushers to gener- ate better income for our family and “The intoxicating chemicals in chest diseases. Assistant Commissioner , employment for the youth of our vil- water have led to extinction of fishes In April, the local residents along Farooq Ahmad Mir visited the spot. lage,” locals said. “However it proved which were once famous all over with people of adjoining areas staged He ordered sealing of the mac- contrary. Instead of gaining we losing Kashmir,” he said. a dharna at main chowk and adam plants and stone crushers. from all the sides,” they added. The macadam and crusher pol- blocked the Baramulla-Handwara “It was done on the instructions The dust and smoke which is pro- lution has its impact on agricultural National Highway for many hours of higher authorities,” Rather said. duced by macadam plants and stone land and orchards as well. “Our crops demanding closure of the macadam “We want to maintain law and order crushers have eaten up the beauty of get rotten in the harvesting season. plants and stone crushers. in the area.” village. The most affected is Nalah There are layers of dust on paddy “We approached the government The people of Tulwari have been Mawer. plants and fruits, which affects their number of times, but each time they suffering for the last ten years owing “These macadam plants put ex- quality,” said Muahmmad Akbar, a showed poor response towards our to the pollution caused by these units. tracted chemicals into water which local fruit dealer. demands,” said the angry protesters. They expressed hope that the govern- has turned blackish and is not safe for The pollution has not even “This time we will show them ment action does not turn out to be drinking,” said Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a spared humans. The locals say most public power.” mere eyewash, but a job done in true local resident. of the people suffer from lung and Fearing public anger, a team led by spirit.

Soura Dumath: A neglected monument Once a resting place for travelers, the tomb lies in shambles Mukeet The residents say while other such monuments are being looked after, Sou- 600-year-old monument situated in Soura area of ra Dumath is being ignored. Srinagar, popularly called as Dumath, is lying in “Other historical monuments have Aruins for the lack of maintenance by the concerned been renovated or rebuilt like Aali Masjid, authorities. this tomb has been neglected,” Hakim said. The tomb has been built by 15th century king, When contacted, Deputy Director of Zain-ul-Abidden, popularly known as Badshah. Archaeology, Archives and Museums, Za- According to a blue-coloured iron signboard erected hid Ahmad said, “At the moment we have outside the tomb by Department of Archives, Archaeol- shortage of funds but when funds will be ogy and Museums, it is a protected site. But no work available we will definitely renovate this has been initiated so far for its renovation. monument.” This tomb was among many other tombs The residents of the area com- built by Badshah throughout Kashmir dur- plained that a large chunk of land was ing the 15th century. Small bricks were available around Dumath, which has used to build the dome (Soura Dumath) been encroached upon by people by like the similar structure built by the king at constructing houses and shops. Zaina Kadal. “In order to safeguard the monument, The tomb, built as a resting place for Archaeology Department needs to take im- tired travelers, lies in dilapidated state. Its mediate steps for its renovation and con- walls have developed cracks. “This monument has been totally neglected by the struction of path leading to Dumath so that tourists can visit The residents blame the government for the cur- government and Department of Archaeology,” said a the site and it can be developed as a tourist destination,” said rent state of the monument. local resident, Ghulam Nabi Hakim. Muhammad Shaban, a local resident. 7 MERCTIMES Unabbated pollution endangers Kashmir’s aquatic life Baseera Rafiquee Dr Anaytullah Chesti, Assistant Prof. (Fisheries) Sher-i- Kashmir University ollution is affecting aquaculture prac- of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Tale of Trout tices across the world. Several species (SKUAST). Kashmir’s water bodies have a large variety of fishes including Pof fish unique to waters of Kashmir are Trout needs 10-12 mg/lt Dissolved Schizothorax, Cyprinus, Salmo Trutta (commonly called Trout). also in danger of extinction due to high level of Oxygen (DO) in water below which they These fishes have been providing livelihood to a large number of pollution, environmentalists say. people. Water pollution is posing a serious Trout, a popular breed, was imported from Eu- threat to the fish industry. Increased use of rope in the 17th century. Frank Mitchell (Father of pesticides in Kashmir is poisoning the larvas Trout Fisheries) in 1899 introduced the breed in and killing them. Kashmir for the first time. A recent survey conducted by Pol- Almost six species of Trout were imported in lution Control Board found that more Kashmir, but only two species could adapt to waters than 40 million litres of untreated liquid of Kashmir- Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta Fario) and waste from Srinagar city alone, as well as Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri Richardson).These 350 metric tonnes of solid wastes, gets fishes prefer to live in crystal clear waters. They have dumped into Kashmir’s water bodies in- high nutritive value and it is the only fish which can cluding Jhelum and Dal. This in turn af- withstand artificial fertilization, incubation and flat- fects the aquatic life. tening. “Indiscriminate use of pesticides, cannot survive. Trouts are big game and exotic fishes which are often used for herbicides and insecticides in our valley “Warmer waters contain less oxygen recreational purposes. Its large scale production in our state has has also brought different species of fish, than colder water. The proof of which can lifted our economy considerably. Trout is the only fish to be exported including Trout, to the verge of extinc- be seen by the absence of this fish in Dal from the valley. tion which is an alarming situation,” said Lake and Jhelum,” Chesti said. When selection in 6 PG Traffic Dept launches courses goes vain Suheem Khanday ''He is very lucky to get admission in so many drive against courses, but he has made a mess of it. It is a asim Ahmad Khanday, a comput- blunder,” said his friend, Amir. er science graduate, was selected Wasim’s mother seems to be the most violators Wfor six post graduate programmes upset. “He has ruined his life. What kind Amir Ashraf in Kashmir University, but all in vain, as his of honour will he get as a contractor? This father wanted him to look after the family regret will remain with me throughout my o minimise accident risk and ensure smooth flow of traffic on business. life,” said his mother. roads, traffic department has launched a valley wide drive against A resident of , Wa- His teachers seem equally baffled. Ttinted car glasses and use of mobile phones while driving. Special sim qualified the entrance in Masters in “Wasim is born genius. His innovative squads have been deputed to remove black coatings and fine the offenders. Computer Application, Mass Communica- ideas always used to leave a good impression SP Traffic (South), Ghulam Ahmad Bhat said traffic police has handed tion and Journalism, Linguistics, Masters in on others in the class. But I fail to understand over 422,179 challans collecting over Rs 6 crore in its drive against viola- Library and Information Sciences and Mas- why he has skipped studies,” said his teacher. tors. ters in Social Welfare. Presently working as a contractor Wa- “The main causes of accidents are mobile usage while driving, bad ''I definitely wanted to study but the fate has sim is aiming high. His dream is to establish roads, overloading and the drivers state of mind besides some other factors played strange game with me,” Wasim said. software park in Kashmir. like inadequate maintenance of roads,” he said. His father is a contractor and runs a ''Though i had sacrificed my studies but i He said the department was taking preventive measures to bring small firm in Srinagar. ''Due to the last year’s will be a successful business man in future. I down the number of accidents. unrest, our business suffered huge losses. am still focussed on my ideas though I am a “We are adopting safety measures, invoking challans to mobile phone Now we are recovering but I felt shortage of contractor now. I was so much jubilant when users while driving, recommending widening and macadamization of manpower so I insisted him to join me. No I saw my results. Everybody was congratu- roads, erecting crash barriers and parapets,” said Bhat. doubt my son is talented; he can run busi- lating me but I didn't know I had to leave my The officer pointed out that roads were insufficient for the ever - in ness quite well,” said Wasim’s father, Ghulam studies midway,” he said. creasing number of vehicles, adding that and Kashmir is the only Nabi. Wasim is also good at sports. He has state in the country that does not have traffic signal lights. Meanwhile, Wasim’s friends are disap- played two national level chess champion- “The drive seems to be proving effective and we are hoping for the pointed over his decision to leave studies. ship in 2005. best in future,” Bhat said. MERCTIMES 8

Leprosy Hospital patients long for Govt attention Faisal Rafiq The lepers also complain lack of proper medical facilities. ocated on the banks of Nigeen “It is very hard for a person with am- Lake, Kashmir’s lone leprosy hos- putated hands and feet to do basic day- Lpital was founded by Britishers in to-day activities. The doctors, washer- 1882. The patients live in the same mud men, barbers are supposed to come here. house blocks which were built 129 years Instead I have to go to them. The scheme back. No serious attention has been paid of things here has never changed,” said so far towards the renovation of the ex- Altaf Ahmad, a leper patient. isting hospital. The patients seek attention from or- At present about 100 patients live thopedicians, nurses and barbers. “Be- along with their families in the hospital sides, special assistance for better sani- run by the government. tation should be made available for the The hospital is facing official apathy, patients by the municipal authorities,” complain the patients. Lal din, a leper said. “The condition of my living room When contacted, Director Health is not good. It is made up of mud which Services, Saleem-ur-rehman admitted creates lot of problems in summers. And lack of facilities at the hospital. He as- also we don’t have proper sanitation,” sured that necessary steps will be taken said Ghulam Muhammad Dar, a leprosy to ensure better functioning of the hos- Photos By : Faisal Rafiq patient. pital. Patron: Prof. (Dr) Riyaz Punjabi Editorial team: Adil Mushatq, Muhammad Rafi Dar, Feroz Bhat Chief Editor:Dr Shahid Rasool, Editor: Muslim Jan, Sub-Editor : Suhail Ahmad, Graphic Designer: Aga Shahi e-mail: [email protected] The opinions expressed in the write ups are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of MERC Times or the department of Media Education Research Centre