WRITE-UPS

Bhat Yasir On August 30, a group of young Sikhs flanked by a few Muslims gathered in the Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. Sikhs, a micro-minority in Jammu Kashmir have found themselves gripped in fear again following the mysterious death of a 59-year-old Sikh from north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Gurmeet Singh, a 59-year-old Government Engineer with the Roads and Building Department of Jammu Kashmir left his home around 9 P.M. on August 25. He told his wife that he was going for an official meeting and will return home soon-- but he did not. Five days after this, his dead body was found drowned in Jhelum. The death of Gurmeet Singh refreshed the wounds of the killing of Narendra Kaur in 2021, who was a government teacher, Rajinder Singh Bali, an employee of Doordarshan, who was abdu...

Saif Ali Budgami Kashmir valley has been the hub of great saints for centuries and Sufis visited the valley to preach Islam, and that aspect of the Kashmiri history and culture is still very evident, for this reason, it is lovingly named “Peer Vaer” (The land of Saints) among Ayatollah Aga Syed Yousuf Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi Budgami was one. Unfortunately this evergreen saint who beautified this land being multifarious and polymath and spent his whole life in the service of Islam, though neglected by all in one way or the other. This shining star is surely believed to have revolutionized the destiny of not only Muslims but all the people of Kashmir and Kashmir itself. The ideologue was a fearless protagonist of social justice, an establisher, savior and a sign of unity in Kashmir. The ...

Kounsar Bashir It was the winter of 2014 when crime was a rare happening in society. Newspapers across the valley reported that a 20-year-old law student had been attacked by acid. The news brought the entire valley to a standstill. Shaheena (name changed) was leaving her college when she suddenly saw two young boys inside the car. As they passed, they threw some liquid at Shaheena's face. Th 20-year-old was outside her college waiting for a bus in Nowshera Srinagar. Her colleagues were on the other side of the road when they suddenly spotted Shaheena groaning in pain. They ran towards her and took her to nearby Soura Hospital, Srinagar in an Auto. During their journey towards Soura, the duo saw her face burnt. In fact, acid was thrown on her face. The 313-page judgment by Prin...

Shah Basit An Armyman from Bandipora who was posted with 34 RR in south Kashmir's Kulgam district is among the three army troopers killed during an encounter in south Kashmir on Friday evening. Sources told The Kashmiriyat that Waseem Ahmed Dar, a resident of Bandipora was injured during cross firing in the Halan forest range. The five troopers who sustained injuries were shifted to the hospital, where three of them succumbed to their injuries. As per locals, Waseem has joined the Indian Army in 2014 and was married in the year 2021. "His wife is six months pregnant," they told The Kashmiriyat. Locals said that the deceased was a great football player and was highly known in the area for his skills. “He was as not only a brave and dedicated soldier but also a talented footba...

Mehran Bhat Though the admin had granted permission from 6 A.M, devotees started reaching Guru Bazar as early as 4 A.M. Police and paramilitary troopers were deployed across all streets in Srinagar. Throughout the way from Guru Bazar to Dalgate where the procession ended, Sunni Muslims had installed stalls for the Shia devotees who recited Nouhas (mourning poetry) and marched the streets of Srinagar. In the midst of the emotional atmosphere, the 8th Muharram procession was finally permitted to follow its traditional route after 34 years. The streets were adorned with black banners and the alleys of the capital city reverberated with elegies being recited for Imam Hussain, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. Photo: Mehran Bhat Kashmiri Muslims, historically, used to march in a big pro...

Rayees Shah Nature has kept its best secrets in Kashmir. With the mystic views, gurgling rivers, breathtaking aura, sounds of nature, and hospitable residents, Kashmir invites everyone to its land. It is also a trekkers' paradise. Gangabal Twin Lakes trek is an offbeat and peaceful trek starting from Narang. In this panoramic land, you will find peace in its utmost simplicity. The trees and farms emanate a vibe that is too fresh to ignore; you will feel a sense of belongingness in the air. Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district in Kashmir valley, is home to a hidden gem that lures tourists from around the globe – the enchanting seven lakes. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan hills, these pristine alpine lakes offer a breathtaking experience and a serene escape from the hus...

"He used to say that he was born on Eid Day and now he has left on Eid Day, the mourning son of Sampat Prakash said while preparing for the last rites of his father. At his residence in Srinagar's Harwan area, a blue turbaned Sikh, a long-bearded Muslim and a plain shaven Hindu, a burqa wearing woman, a Saree wearing Hindu and a Shalwar wearing Sikh woman is not an uncommon sight. This is the Kashmir, he fought for and spoke about till the 85-year-old Sampat Prakash, passed away on Saturday due to a cardiac arrest. From there, his pyre was shouldered by activists of Jammu Kashmir's pro-establishment parties, business fraternity, Hurriyat conference, retired employees participated in his last rites and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. Others through statements said Sampa...

Mehar Zarger As soon as my day began, I came across a notification on WhatsApp. A news from Baramulla was doing rounds in the news groups. As per the said news, a person had been arrested for placing a camera inside a changing room of a cloth store. I was taken aback and thought to myself how unfortunate it was that such incidents have started happening in Kashmir. Little did I know that something of this nature would happen to me too. After breakfast, I left my home in Shalimar for getting some essentials and groceries. Since it's been raining cats and dogs in the valley for some days now, streets are almost deserted. On my way back, I realised I was being followed by a car, in an unusually slow speed. I hurried towards home and upon this, the guy in the car started honking the hor...

Mir Tanveer Last month, 18-year-old Danish* who hailed from Srinagar's Hyderpora gelled up his hair, wore a good perfume and left his home with a friend on his bike. Upon being questioned, he told his mother that he will return soon. Danish reached the Boulevard road of Srinagar which is busy with tourist activity throughout the year. Danish was being accompanied by several bikes and they all were overtaking each other at a very high speed. eventually two of the bikes collided at a very high speed and Danish lost his life after at the hospital after having receiving injuries all over his body. Not just the Boulevard, Srinagar city and its outskirts are witnessing a dangerous trend of over-speeding, stunt-biking, drifting, zigzag, and drag races on city roads, endangering the lives of...