SRINAGAR: National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, questioned the “double speak” of the Government of India regarding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. “The Centre is saying the situation has normalized in Jammu and Kashmir. One of our local IGs is saying that militancy has declined but not over. Why this double talk?” Farooq said while talking to journalists during his visit to Anantnag.
“If the indices of security have improved, then what is holding them back from holding elections? First it was security, and then it was weather. Now that the weather is clear and the security situation admittedly better. What is it then? When we visited the Election Commission, we were told that the delimitation exercise, voter lists have been completed. All they are doing is managing new excuses every day to delay Assembly elections,” he said.
Responding to a question on the removal of chapters relating to Mughal history from NCERT books, he said, “It’s sheer mockery. What are we going to tell visitors who built the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and many other fascinating buildings/structures? How will you hide the architectural and cultural insignias of Mughals spread across the country? It’s there to remain. People come and go, but history remains unchanged.”
Earlier, as per a statement to GNS, he visited Kokernag to commiserate with senior leader Choudhary Zaffar Ali Khatana on the demise of his brother Choudhary Amjad Ali Khatana. Joined by the party’s local unit and other South Zone functionaries, he expressed sympathies and condolences with the bereaved household and offered Fatiha for the deceased.
Among others, District presidents Altaf Ahmed Wani, Sajad Shaheen, senior leader Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi, Provincial Vice President Syed Tauqeer Shah, and Reyaz Ahmed Khan accompanied him on the condolence visit. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: Dr. Yasir Rather, the Incharge of the Drug De-addiction Centre at SMHS Hospital, reported that more than 44,000 individuals visited the hospital seeking treatment for drug addiction in 2022. Notably, all of these patients received free treatment at the hospital.
“There is free treatment available for drug victims at the de-addiction centre of SMHS Hospital. There has been a considerable reduction in the number of drug victims visiting the hospital, which could be due to the stringent actions taken by the police and civil administration in Srinagar,” he said.
According to a doctor at the de-addiction centre, the government has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug suppliers and traffickers, making drugs less available in the open market. He also mentioned that the SKIMS Bemina centre has provided treatment to over 1500 affected patients.
As per police sources, 20 cases have been registered in Srinagar so far and 50 peddlers have been detained under the Public Safety Act for involvement in the narco trade. Furthermore, the police have recovered 13.42 grams of brown sugar, 684.33 grams of heroin, and 3.36 Kgs of charas, along with 4734 psychotropic tablets and 38 bottles from the peddlers in Srinagar. [KNT]
SRINAGAR: Studies conducted across the world suggest that individuals who fast experience improvements in their symptoms of depression, anxiety and even stress levels.
Mental health experts note that fasting for a certain number of hours each day have a wide range of mental health benefits.
Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar said that research has found that fasting during Ramadan can have a positive psychological effect on individuals due to the feeling of connection with the community and spiritual well being.
“Studies have also shown that fasting can increase feelings of self discipline, self-control, empathy and compassion,” he said.
Additionally, fasting has been linked with improved mental health due to increased gratitude, mindfulness, and improved concentration, Dr Yasir said.
Dr Neelofer Jan Senior Resident at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir said that several studies have shown that fasting can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and also can help improve and decrease progression of various neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
“Fasting causes the human body to deplete its glucose stores. With no available glucose, body converts stored fats into ketones. Ketones further work as a fresh fuel to power-up the brain’s processes. Therefore, after the initial “brain fog” experienced during initial days of fasting, mind becomes much clearer and ability to focus is sharper. The neurons in the brain use this new fuel to enter a growth phase and create new synapses, which result in improved learning and memory,” she said.
A study published in Current Neuropharmacology in 2015 found that the short-term calorie restriction from fasting can boost anti-depressant chemicals in the brain.
Dr Nelofar said that after a few days of fasting, the body adapts to starvation and starts to release high amounts of happy hormones including endorphins, norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain.
“Some studies have also demonstrated improved sleep patterns in patients with insomnia compared to pre-fasting levels and a possible decrease in migraine due to serotonin levels going up. Depending on the length of the fast, there is also an improvement in chronic inflammation,” she said.
“Chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing illnesses, like cardiovasculardiseases, rheumatoid arthritis,lupus, certain cancers, and also major mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.”
An extremely interesting phenomena discovered during fasting is known as autophagy as the brain breaks down old and damaged cells and recycles them into new ones, Dr Neelofar said.
“Through this self-eating process, the toxins are removed from the brain delaying the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Most of these findings have been confirmed on lab animals because controlled studies on human brain is difficult,” she said. (KNO)
SRINAGAR: A man died while two others were injured in a road accident in Khur Batpora area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district last evening, officials said on Sunday.
Quoting an official, KNO reported that the accident took place Saturday evening when a speedy vehicle hit a motorcycle in Khur Batpora, resulting in injuries to 3 persons.
He said all injured were shifted to district hospital Kulgam where from two of them were referred to SKIMS Soura. “Later one among them succumbed to his injuries.”
The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Rafiq Malik son of Abdul Rashid Malik, while injured have been identified as Bashir Ahmad son of Abdul Ganie and Mushtaq Ahmad Malik son of Ghulam Qadir Malik—all residents of Khur Batpora.
Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.
SRINAGAR: A group of 25 students from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar have developed Kashmir’s first racing model, Go-kart (G-01) which will be participating in All India Go Karting Competition to be held in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu next week.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Team Garuda’s first racing model, G-01 was flagged off on Thursday by In-charge Director NIT Srinagar Prof. MF Wani and Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari. The ceremony was attended by all Deans and HOD’s of various departments.
The team of 25 students was formed by Head MED, Prof. Adnan Qayoum and they worked under the mentorship of Dr.H.S. Pali and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran from the past several months on the campus.
Go-Kart has been designed from various equipments and Bajaj Pulsar 150 Engine has been used in the vehicle. It runs on Diesel and goes extreme to 150 kilometers per hour. Trail run was conducted successfully and it passed all normal tests before going on the road.
In-charge Director Prof. M.F Wani appreciated Team Garuda’s model and stated that it is a proud movement for the entire Institute.
“It is the first time that students have developed the G-Kart model. It is just beginning and more is to come. Our students are working day and night on innovations and we are also upgrading our infrastructure on the campus,” he said.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Rakesh Sehgal said that GoKart is a new edition in Kashmir but is more popular in south Indian states.
“The trend of innovations in the Valley is evolving with advanced technology in every field and our students are performing well,” he said.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said NIT Srinagar is progressing towards nation building and is empowering students with innovation and skill development.
“The young bachelor’s across the country were working together for months to make it happen. Despite all odds, students worked hard and developed the first racing model, Go-kart (G-01). It is their gift for the entire region,” he said.
HOD MED, Prof Adnan said that the department is using the latest technologies in various fields. Youth who are fascinated with automobiles and dream of making a career in that field, he said.
“We have created a dedicated team to establish changing trends in Kashmir. The department is working on many platforms to use the advanced technologies on the campus,” he said.
Coordinator Garuda Team, Dr H.S.Pali said that it is the biggest milestone in the history of NIT Srinagar. The G-01 model is the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and collaboration by the team members of Garuda, he said.
Faculty coordinator of Team Garuda, Dr Dinesh Kumar Rajendran said it is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation that is synonymous with the NIT Srinagar community.
“We have pushed the boundaries of what is possible from students of Kashmir. The launch and demonstration of G-01 is an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our Karting model,” he said.
Dr. Dinesh said NIT Srinagar’s student team will be participating in All India Go Karting competition to be conducted by Kari Motors Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.
“The students are well trained and capable enough to make wonders in the coming days,” he said.
SRINAGAR: Weatherman on Sunday forecast mainly dry weather with possibility of “isolated thundery development” towards afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.
A meteorological department official said that mainly dry weather was expected till April 16 while generally cloudy sky with possibility of light rain was likely for three days thereafter.
Regarding the temperature, the MeT official said that Srinagar recorded a low of 5.1°C against 4.7°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°C below normal for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 4.4°C against 3.5°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of 0.5°C against minus 0.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.7°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of 6.4°C against 5.2°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 1.5°C against 1.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 2.5°C against 1.8°C on the previous night and it was 3.0°C below normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 17.4°C against 14.8°C on the previous night. It was 0.4°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 6.3°C (below normal by 1.1°C), Batote 10.2°C (above normal by 0.1°C), Katra 14.6°C (0.5°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 6.3°C (0.3°C below normal). Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 3.0°C and 0.8°C respectively, he added. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: An infiltrator was killed as the army on Sunday claimed to have foiled a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Poonch sector.
“On the intervening night of 8/9 April 2023, alert troops of Indian Army on the LoC in the Poonch Sector(JK), detected some suspicious movement of a group of individuals,” a spokesperson of defence ministry based in Jammu said in a statement .
“The individuals were challenged by Army on own side of LoC, close to the fence,” he said, adding, “On being intercepted, in the ensuing operations, one dead body has been seen and the other intruders ran into the forest area.”
He said a cordon of the area has been established and search operation is in progress. “Update will follow,” he added. (GNS)
Till orthopaedics graduated as a key biological science, Kashmir, like many other societies, would get its bone corrections from the bone setters. Nidah Mehraj meets a second-generation bone setter who remains busy for most of the days
Ali Mohammad, Kashmir bone setter at work KL Image: Nidah Mehraj
In the early morning, a group of people gathered in the yard of Ali Mohammad, a vaatan gour, a traditional Kashmiri bone setter, in Aali Kadal. Popular among his clientele as Papa, he has set aside two rooms in his house for his patients. As patients wait, a few are coming out after getting ‘treated’ for their minor fractures and bone displacements.
Ali’s yard and his two rooms are huge spaces for people to know each other. As they wait for their turn, they start understanding each other and sometimes these conversations become life-long friendships.
Papa is revered by his patients and the residents of his locality. They believe they really have recovered after being treated by him. Ali Mohammad does not charge much. He asks for the bandages and herbal medicines, which do not cost more than Rs 200. Families with low incomes and those believing in the tradition are usually the most of the crowd at Papa’s home cum clinic.
“My knee got injured badly two months ago. I wasn’t able to walk, sit or stand properly, nor could I do any household chores. I went to a doctor who prescribed various medical check-ups and medication but I didn’t recover from them quickly,” said Shaista Bhat, 35, from HMT area of Srinagar. “Then I went to Papa and in two weeks, I could see a lot of difference. I’m sure I will recover properly this week.”
In the people waiting in the yard and the rooms, there were interestingly different cases including fractures, dislocations and herniated discs. Sharing problems with each other, some of them were very tense.
A lady was sitting in the room corner with her 5-year-old son in her lap. ” I am very scared for my son. He was playing and suddenly fell from his bicycle. His back is hurting and he has been in a lot of pain,” said Zubaida Aslam, 38, a Budgam resident. Papa revealed that kid’s scapula bone is broken. “Do not worry, he would be fine very soon.”
For most of the day, Papa remained busy with patients. To some, he was putting on bandages and to a few, he gave cryo-therapy and herbal medicine mostly for massaging.
30 Years
Ali Mohammad is in practice for 30 years now. He has gained a loyal following that is across Kashmir. People come to him for bone setting, herniated disc and herpes zoster.
“I met an accident in 2011 and survived injured. I got treated by a doctor quite nicely,” Shahid Akbar, 35, a resident of Shopian said. “However, my left arm hasn’t recovered properly. I could not raise my arm up, and if I do some work with it, it hurts. In winter, my arm gets completely numb and I can’t work with it. After visiting Papa, it recovered in just a few weeks and today is my last week of keeping bandages on it.
Ali worked constantly till 2:30 pm with only a short break for Zuhar prayers. In between watching patients, he would go from one room to another to check how his new patients are behaving during his treatment. He does ask people from far-away places to get in first so that they can reach home early. While examining the injuries of people or bandaging them, Papa cracks jokes.
A female paramedic technician busy in a X-ray of a patent.
Minutes before Papa could call a day, a couple rushed in. It was Nisar Ahmed, 55, and his wife, who had come from Ali Jan Road, near Eidgah. An ironsmith, an iron tool fell on Nisar’s hand and injured his left thumb. He has not been able to work for a month now. Papa bandaged his thumb and wrapped it in gauze, warning him to not work for a week till he is fine.
Papa was about to close the door when at around 3 pm, a 27-year-old man almost crashed in. “I was doing exercise at the gym and suddenly my Scaphoid bone got dislocated,” he said. Asking him to continue his exercise, the bonesetter told him he will manage his issue.
A Skill Inherited
Ali Mohammad Guri, 67, lives in Aali Kadal, downtown Srinagar, and has been setting bones since 1984. He was 22 when he learned the skill from his father, who was a cloth merchant and a part-time bone setter. Besides, he became a disciple of Pir Gayasuddin, a faith healer in Magam. Ali sees him as his teacher.
After the death of his father, Ali Mohammad took over. He continued working at his ancestral clothes shop as well.
“I set bones as a service to people. I just take the money for the unani medicines and bandages that I also have to buy,” Ali Mohammad said. Ali said he mostly treats fractures, bone dislocations, urinal infections, herniated discs, Herpes zoster (Mal-der), and some minor injuries. “I have worked for decades as a bone setter and now I’m experienced enough to tell by touching the injured part of another person, what is the matter with him and how I should treat him.”
Even after years of experience, he tries to stay careful while treating the injuries of patients. “Whenever a patient comes to me, I clearly examine his fracture and if I feel, I cannot cure him and he needs to go to the doctor. I tell them straight away, I cannot treat this, you have to visit the hospital for this. As I believe I can never challenge the medical field with what I do,” he said.
Ali doesn’t give any pharmaceutical medicines to his patients, but Unani medicines that he either buys or makes himself. As he has also learnt this process from his father. “I usually give my patients cryotherapy and herbal medicines to massage their tendons, ligaments and the areas where they are injured. And like any other bone setter, I bandage and gauze their injured part,” he said.
His Regrets
Ali believes if the traditional bone setting is not learned by young people, the skill may vanish completely in the coming years. “I tried to teach this skill to many young girls and boys without charging anything for it. But they didn’t want to learn it,” Ali said. “The ones who learned left the skill after two to three years because they didn’t want to practice hard enough. Now, I have been teaching this skill to my son, Bilal Ahmad, 33, for the past three years, who learns it while working at our clothes, shop as well.”
Papa is so engrossed with the art that he sometimes skips lunch or even breakfast. There have been instances when people with problems visit him at inappropriate times like late at night. ” I do scold them but I cannot let them leave without treatment,” he said.
“There are times when I feel sick and am not able to do any work. People from different areas still come to visit me and I cannot let them leave without treatment. But as I have devoted my life to this work and in the service of people, I cannot hesitate to do so,” he added.
SRINAGAR: The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has witnessed a rush of nearly 2.50 lakh tourists, including domestic and foreign visitors, in the last 20 days. The garden was opened for the public on March 20, 2023, and recorded a huge influx of tourists in the first week.
According to Floriculture Officer Shayiq Rasool, 2,49,433 tourists have visited the garden since its opening. He mentioned that there has been a rise in the number of foreign tourists, with 1,248 foreign tourists visiting the garden so far compared to only 150 last year.
The officers have informed that over 50,000 locals have visited the Tulip garden so far, with a total of 51,008 people having visited the garden this year. Additionally, they reported that 197,177 tourists from various parts of the country visited the garden in the last 20 days.
Notably, a few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that Jammu and Kashmir is beautiful, particularly during the Tulip season. In response to the Srinagar District Administration’s tweet about the blooming of the Tulip garden located in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, adjacent to Dal Lake in Srinagar, the Prime Minister tweeted, “Jammu and Kashmir is beautiful, and even more so during the Tulip season.” (KNO)
SRINAGAR: According to the police statement on Saturday, both accused involved in the Baghi-e-Mehtab prostitution case and the Chanapura sex scandal case have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Both the main accused of Chanapura Sex scandal case booked under PSA as well. They are :- 1) Mohd shafi hajam S/o abdul khaliq hajam R/o karimabad Pulwama. and 2) Arshad ahmad bhat S/o mohd shaban R/o Pampore, Pulwama. pic.twitter.com/pd9CFN7JUq
The Srinagar police tweeted the names of the accused as Mohd Shafi Hajam, son of Abdul Khaliq Hajam, resident of Karimabad Pulwama, and Arshad Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Shaban, resident of Pampore, Pulwama.
