A rustic clock crafted from reclaimed wood.Photo/Instagram

A passion beyond money

From a young age, Aziz was deeply fascinated by animals, plants, and the natural world. While others chased financial security, for him, money was never the priority — expressing himself through art was. In 2021, he took a bold step to reconnect with his inner self and envision a future rooted in creativity. That’s when he founded Stick and Bones, his official brand dedicated to transforming waste into meaningful art.

While juggling a corporate job, he spent five months in the profession before making a life-changing decision in 2024 — he quit. “Something didn’t feel right,” he recalls about his career choice.

“I committed to my passion full-time last year, turning it into a larger project. Now, I don’t just create décor from waste for the love of my craft — I also inspire countless young people who aspire to build careers in arts and crafts,” Aziz said.

The viral turning point

Despite his talent, Aziz’s work initially reached only a limited audience. He started sharing his art on Instagram, but his content was scarce, and his followers remained at 8,000.

The rustic table lamp that became Aziz’s first big hit started with a simple discarded piece of wood he found in his backyard. He chiselled it down, shaped it, and manually carved a plank of wood to serve as the base. Once the structure was ready, he carefully added lights, transforming what was once waste into a unique, functional piece of art.

“It was a surprise for everyone because no one knew that lamps could be made out of waste wood and something as basic as a wicker-wood hat, that too at home,” he recalled. This creation marked his breakthrough moment, proving that discarded materials could hold new life and purpose.

“I posted the making of it on Instagram. The reel went viral globally and brought me 40,000 followers overnight,” he added

This sudden surge in recognition changed everything. His work began inspiring young artists, encouraging them to explore sustainable art.

Defying criticism and carving his own path

As a master’s student of ichthyology, Aziz faced harsh criticism for his passion. Many warned him that he was straying off the right path and insisted that a stable nine-to-five job was the only way to secure his future.

“I still remember my parents doubting me and others laughing at what I did, telling me it was a useless dream. But I picked up the discarded animal bones and wood anyway and kept carving them with dedication, turning waste into intricate art,” he said.

But while the world questioned him, there was one person who never doubted his talent — his brother, Khaleel.

“I always believed in my brother and knew he would take things to a different level. Even though he’s my younger brother, I look up to him because he sees the world differently. He never follows trends or conventions — he simply does what he loves. Every piece of his art tells a story of its own, revealing what’s happening behind the curtain. What he is best known for is his ‘behind-the-scenes’ process, capturing the journey of creation as much as the final masterpiece,” Khaleel said.

Khaleel further added, “I’m proud that my brother earns his bread and butter through his passion. What makes it even more special is that he has kept his prices affordable, ensuring that everyone can access his art. More than just an artist — he is a storyteller, weaving narratives into every piece he creates.”

Recognition and government support

That one viral Instagram reel was just the beginning. Today, Aziz’s work has gained global recognition, inspiring many young people to turn waste into art. His unique approach has even caught the attention of the government, which has praised his innovative take on animal bone art.

Beyond simply working with waste, Aziz fuses his creations with Kashmir’s rich heritage, adding vibrant papier-mâché art to his bone carvings.

Exhibiting at Kashmir Arts Emporium

The former Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, applauded Aziz’s creativity, stating:

“His art is truly amazing and unique in a way that sets it apart. While many have been reinventing art from waste materials, what makes his work different is how he seamlessly fuses heritage into each piece. We had the honour of exhibiting his work at Kashmir Arts Emporium in 2023. I believe that all art forms hold value, but when art is sustainable, it becomes even more significant, carrying both meaning and responsibility.”

A legacy in the making

From discarded bones and fallen trees to intricate wall decor and heritage-infused masterpieces, Aziz-ur-Rehman is not just creating art, he is redefining it. With passion, resilience, and an unshaken belief in his craft, he has transformed waste into wonder.

He started on his own, without tools or a proper workspace. He built a small shed in his backyard and began buying hand tools and power tools with his pocket money. Whatever he earned, he used to buy more tools and manage his expenses.

“I have sold more than 2,000 articles, both small and large,” he says, looking back at his journey. His workshop at his home in Srinagar, is where he puts in all his effort. Every piece he makes is not just art—it’s the result of hard work and dedication. And he’s just getting started!

(Edited by Megha Chowdhury and Leila Badyari for The Better India)

(This feature has already appeared in The Better India)

Courtesy: Kashmir Times

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What happens when home is not just a place, but a feeling slipping through your fingers? This is a novel that asks not only where we come from, but where we go when the world fractures around us.

“The Hybrid Wanderers“ by Ashok Kaul is a novel that paints a portrait of Kashmir’s fractured society, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its three central characters—a Kashmiri Muslim (Shafi) who left for the USA in the 1970s, his Kashmiri Pandit friend (Sudhir) who settled in America, and a young Maulvi (Shadab) whose enigmatic presence leaves an indelible mark—the book explores themes of migration, cultural erosion, and the search for identity. In their intersecting stories, the soul of Kashmir, torn and tested, finds its reflection.

Ashok Kaul retired as a Sociology Professor from Banaras Hindu University. Kaul left Kashmir in the 1970s for higher education in Varanasi. His family endured the painful displacement faced by Kashmiri Pandits during the 1980s militancy, a tragedy that informs the novel’s exploration of loss and alienation. Kaul’s narrative reflects both the syncretic culture of Kashmir and the disruption brought by decades of violence and political upheaval.

The novel delves into three distinct phases in Kashmir’s history: the post-independence era, militancy years, and post-COVID times. The post-independence era, marked by shared existence between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits, draws inspiration from the teachings of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi. These 14th-century mystics, representing Kashmiri Shaivism and Sufism respectively, shaped a syncretic culture that valued coexistence and mutual respect. Shafi’s return to Kashmir is driven by a desire to rediscover the remnants of this harmonious past.

The militancy years depict the deterioration of societal values as violence and political unrest tore through the valley. The rise of militancy, fueled by support from Pakistan and local elites, promised prosperity but ultimately led to disarray. The Kashmiri Muslims who embraced militant activities found themselves grappling with drug addiction and shattered family dynamics.

Meanwhile, the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits disrupted the cultural and social fabric of the valley. Sudhir’s character symbolizes the displaced Pandit community, whose economic success abroad contrasts with their loss of rootedness and traditions.

The post-COVID phase captures the economic and demographic shifts in Kashmir, with an influx of migrant laborers from states like Bihar and West Bengal. Shadab Maulvi emerges as a figure of hope, admired by Kashmiri elites and migrant workers. However, his mysterious disappearance leaves unanswered questions about the changing dynamics of the region. The novel highlights the tension between the local population and migrants, reflecting the broader challenges of migration and identity.

Kaul’s writing combines sociological analysis with fiction, which makes the book insightful but demanding. The characters’ lengthy, jargon-filled monologues may resonate more with Sociology students than with casual readers. While the book provides valuable commentary on cultural and social shifts, it avoids critically examining contentious issues like the abrogation of Article 370. This lack of political depth may disappoint readers seeking a more nuanced perspective.

Despite its limitations, The Hybrid Wanderers is a timely exploration of migration, cultural identities, and societal divides. The novel serves as a reminder that the persecution and displacement of communities, whether Kashmiri Pandits or Muslims elsewhere in India, come at a cost to everyone. It cautions against the dangers of complacency in the face of injustice, urging readers to reflect on the shared losses that emerge from fractured societies.

Courtesy: The Aidem

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BARAMULLA: In a quiet neighbourhood of Baramulla, Ghulam Mohammad, a 48-year-old shopkeeper, sits outside his small grocery store, sipping a cup of nun chai.

“We have seen so much chaos,” he says, gazing at the snow-capped mountains. “Now things are better. The internet stays on, and there’s less fear on the streets.”

But as he raises his head, he whispers, “it feels like silence, not peace.”

His words echo a nagging question across the Valley: Has normalcy truly returned to Kashmir?

On the surface, the signs of normalcy are unmistakable. Internet shutdowns, once a near-inevitable response to protests and unrest, have significantly reduced in scale and frequency.

They still occur, but they are now localised and brief, rather than widespread and prolonged. Businesses are recovering, foreign and national companies have started exploring opportunities in the region, and students are back in classrooms — both physical and virtual.

“But I don’t feel completely free to express myself. With state censorship in place, no one dares to speak their mind in educational institutions or on social media. Any dissent is crushed with an iron hand, whether it comes from a student, a farmer, or a professor.”

Despite government claims of progress, many Kashmiris express lingering unease. “There’s still fear,” says Hamid. “I don’t even feel comfortable sharing a story… I always have to be very cautious about what I write or like on social media.”

This sense of caution is widespread among students. Many acknowledge the improved access to education but remain sceptical about the cost of silence.

When asked how she defines normalcy, Taskin says: “There is a difference between silence and peace. When people are compelled through force to either stay silent or make outrightly false statements, claiming that just because there is silence, there is peace, is not only misleading but dangerous.”

Another resident explains: “What seems normal to the outer eye is a soft power of oppression for the natives. What is being normalized nowadays is not what defines Kashmiri essence or how it was.” He points to the increasing drug abuse and remarks, “That doesn’t depict normalcy!”

For journalists, the narrative of normalcy is particularly challenging. A local editor, speaking on condition of anonymity, describes an atmosphere of self-censorship.

Ahead Of Elections, Global Report Points Out India Is Targeting, Silencing Critics

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Similar protests were also taken out in Kargil and Sanku towns of Ladakh region, which was carved out as a separate Union Territory when Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories after abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution in August 2019. Muslims in Kargil town and its surrounding areas observed Quds Day 2024 after the Friday prayers.

Sajjad Kargili, a prominent activist and member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) posted videos of both the protest rallies of Sanku and Kargil on his social media handle ‘X’.

An official statement of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, a body of Shia Muslims, issued in Srinagar claimed that thousands of people on Friday took to the streets in the parts of the Kashmir to voice their protest against Israel’s siege and relentless bombing on the Gaza Strip, demanding an end to the oppression of the innocent Palestinian people.

The statement claimed that The demonstrators raised Palestinian flags and held posters that said ‘From Land To The Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’ and ‘Stand in solidarity with Palestine’.

In central district of Budgam, a huge rallyhttps://kashmirobserver.net/2024/04/05/video-al-quds-day-observed-in-kashmir/ was held by the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, with scores of women and children in attendance. They called for complete stop to genocidal attacks on the people of Palestine and bombings in Gaza, where thousands of innocent people including women and children have been killed since October 7, 2023, the statement said.

Addressing the gathering, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian President Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi criticised the world community for supporting Israel in its oppression of Palestinians. He demanded that Muslim countries should come together for the Palestinian cause.

“Raising our voices for Palestinians is the responsibility of Muslims and a part of their faith,” he added.

Separately, in Magam town of Budgam district, supporters took to the streets, demanding Muslim world leaders to “break the chains of silence”.

“While Addressing the solidarity March Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian leader Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas said that this Quds Day comes during one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Palestinian people. He said “permanent humanitarian ceasefire is pre-requisite with unrestricted access for life saving aid, the release of all hostages, the protection of civilians and an end to violations of international humanitarian law.

A video of the protest rally in Srinagar was posted by ‘Kashmir Observer on its website.

Reports in local media of Kashmir said that different rallies and demonstrations were held at many places across Kashmir valley. People from the mostly Shia community participated in the rallies. The demonstrators raised pro-Palestine and anti-Israel slogans and called for an end to the Zionist occupation of the holy land.

The largest procession in Srinagar city was taken out from Gupkar shrine on Dal Lake Boulevard after the Friday prayers. Processions were also taken out in Hassanabad and Zadibal localities of the Shehr-e-Khaas in Srinagar. Similar protest rallies were taken out in Budgam town and many areas across Baramulla district.

Smaller processions were taken out from Bhagwanpora in Srinagar, Balhama, Khanda and scores of other places in Kashmir valley.

Addressing a gathering at Chattabal in Srinagar, Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause and denounced the mute response of the International community to the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a report of local news gathering agency said.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam district, a massive procession led by Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan Chief Agha Syed Hassan was carried out from Imambargah Budgam. Thousands of people participated in the procession.

Another video on Kashmir protests:

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213527/VIDEO-People-in-Kashmir-mark-Intl-Quds-Day

Similar procession was led by Agha Syed Hadi al Musawi al Safavi from Bemina Imambargah. Agha Hadi also highlighted the plight of Palestinians and the need for liberation of the first Qibla from the Zionist clutches.

Reports of demonstrations were also received from different parts of north and south Kashmir including Pattan, Mirgund and Laweypora in North Kashmir and several areas of South Kashmir.

This year Quds rallies saw a remarkable surge in attendance compared to last year, coinciding with the Israeli war on Gaza. The event drew significant crowds indicating heightened public concern and solidarity with the Palestinians.

Another short video of protest rallies in Kashmir was posted on the website by Editorji.

https://www.editorji.com/world-news/protest-in-kashmir-against-israeli-attacks-in-gaza-watch-1712324526906

Amidst the backdrop of escalating violence, where over 33,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have lost their lives so far, protestors say, the rallies carried out every year serve as an expression of support for the people of Palestine.

A demonstration was also organized in Poonch town of Jammu region to express solidarity with Palestinians. The rally participation witnessed sloganeering against Israel calling for an end to genocidal attacks in Gaza Strip.

It may be recalled that all pro-Palestine and anti-Israel protests were barred in India and unofficial campaign was launched in Kashmir to prevent people from holding such rallies. The Muslim priests in Kashmir were asked not to make any mention of the Gaza killings and Israeli attacks on Palestinian people.

Many activists and anti-Israeli protesters were either detained or prohibited from taking out processions in different part of India during the past six months. The BJP-government has taken a position contrary to previous stand of India, which advocated separate state for the Palestinians since 1930s and 1940s.

Courtesy: https://kashmirtimes.com

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SRINAGAR: More than a million migratory birds have arrived in and around the wetlands across Kashmir Valley since the onset of winter season. Mallards, gadwalls and geese are reported to have reached at Hokersar wetland, on the outskirts of Srinagar, summer capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.

“There are over 12 lakh migratory birds in various wetlands and water bodies of Kashmir at present,” Mohammad Maqbool Baba, Wildlife Warden was quoted as saying by the local news gathering agency KNO.

Ifshan Dewan, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Kashmir, said last week that the migratory birds have started arriving at the wetlands here and at present several birds including Mallard, Gadwall and almost 100-200 Geese are among the species witnessed at Hokersar wetland.

“These birds flock to Kashmir every year during the winters,” she said, adding that they flock to Kashmir from different parts of the world including Siberia, Northern Europe and Central Asian Countries where the temperature dips far below the freezing point.

The wetlands are among the main attractions for these birds as the wetlands are their habitation, she said, adding that in the previous year, Hokersar hosted half a million migratory birds and this year also, the number is very good.

Asked about the situation during freezing temperatures, she said in case the water body is frozen, the birds are being provided artificial feed, however, these birds rely on natural food only.

About the poaching incidents, she said, “I appeal to the people that these birds are our guests, so cooperate with the department in ensuring their safety here in the wetlands of Kashmir.”

The number of migratory birds this winter witnessed a slight surge rejuvenating the local wetlands and conservation parks.

The year 2022 recorded the highest numbers, with as many as 12 lakh migratory birds visiting Kashmir, according to rough estimates.

Located on the outskirts of Srinagar city, the Hokersar Wetland Reserve, which is spread over a larger surface area than the Dal Lake, is one of the prominent winter resorts and safe roosting and feeding grounds for a large number of migratory birds.

Different bird species, including Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Eurasian Wigeon, come every year to stay in lakes, marshes and at least five wetland spots in Jammu and Kashmir. They stay for about five months after flying from distant lands beyond the Hindukush mountains – from central Asia, China and Siberia in Russia.

The season also attracts hobbyists, wildlife photographers and bird watchers, many of whom frequent these spots to catch glimpses of special guests.

As the migratory birds arrive, there is a lurking threat from the poachers and hunters. The wildlife department seized more than 30 guns, including a rifle worth more than Rs 5 lakh, in the past two years. Around the same time, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, where Wular Lake is one of the main sites for bird visits, claimed to have seized as many as 11 punt guns from the poachers.

“The poaching threat remains, and we are taking steps to combat it. The poachers have also been dealt with severely to discourage further involvement,” Dewan added.

In Jammu, beginning of December witnesses migratory birds in and around Chinore Agriculture Farm, located about 30 kilometers from Jammu city, winter capital of J&K. Chinore Farm and one stream of Chenab river host close to half a million birds from other countries during winters.

The migratory birds around Chinore Farm, which is located on Ino-Pakistan International Border, also face threat from hunters and poachers, who sell them for high value in the market.

Courtesy: The Kashmir Times

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October 23, 2023, Delhi

The Telegraph reported that students from JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University detained as they try to hold protest near Israeli embassy and police had erected barricades to stop them from reaching the embassy at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The report detailed that scores of students from JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University had gathered to take part in the protest. Police had erected barricades to stop them from reaching the embassy at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. When some of the students tried to march towards the embassy, they were detained as they did not have the required permission to hold the protest, said a police officer, adding that “no one was allowed to violate law and order”.  All India Students Association (AISA) Delhi unit president Abhigyan said several students were detained and taken to a police station.

October 21, Mumbai

This protest reported on social media from Mumbai took place on October 21.

Mumbai, India
Another big protest was organized in Mumbai in solidarity with Palestine.

Free Free Palestine pic.twitter.com/U4B8T2DJ4W

— زماں (@Delhiite_) October 21, 2023

October 17, 2023

In Delhi, again, the state police, along with the Rapid Action Force had, on October 17, detained two busloads of protesters who came for a “Citizens’ Vigil” against Israel’s offensive on Gaza.

Kashmir

On the two Fridays (October 20 and before that October 13) since the war began, Muslims were barred from offering prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Kashmir. Police closed down the iconic masjid, apprehending protests in support of Palestine. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, who was recently allowed to offer Friday prayers and deliver the Friday sermon at Jama Masjid, was once again put under house arrest on October 15 and is not being allowed to step out of his house, The Wire has reported.

October 15-18, 2023, Mumbai

While the Indian Express reported that two activists say cops beat them up during protest against Israel that took place on October 13, police has denied the accusation and claimed that the protesters “assaulted” policemen. The Mankhurd police Friday night arrested two young activists who were protesting against the Israeli government. 

Police also allegedly beat up one of them in custody. While the two protesters were arrested, others were booked. The arrested activists were identified as Ruchit Lad, 28, an architect from Mulund, and Supreeth Ravish, 26, a teacher from Mankhurd (arrested under sections 353 and 332 and sections of rioting under IPC). Both are activists of Revolutionary Workers Party of India (RWPI). According to Mankhurd police, RWPI had planned to organise a protest in Matunga-Dadar area in connection with the Israel-Palestine clash. But, as they were not allowed, Supreeth and Ruchit on Friday, October 13, evening held placards in Lallubhai compound area in Mankhurd and protested against the Israel government. Other youths soon joined them.

It was when the youths were produced before the court thereafter that Ruchit –one of them–alleged that he was assaulted in the police station. “The magistrate recorded the statement of Ruchir and ordered for medical to be conducted and the report be made available Monday. The application for police custody was rejected and the activists were remanded to judicial custody,” said advocate Shahbuddin Shaikh, who represented the two accused to the IE.

Meanwhile the TISS Students’ Union in a press statement issued thereafter stated that it stands in solidarity with the two activists who have been detained by the Mankhurd Police following a peaceful protest against Israel’s violence in Palestine. The Students’ Union of TISS Mumbai stated that it stands in “unwavering solidarity and condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent arrests of two dedicated Mumbai activists, Supreeth our alumnus (MASW – PH, 2018) and Ruchir, by the Mankhurd Police. Supreeth and Ruchir were detained in the wake of their participation in a protest against the Israeli government’s ongoing violence on civilians in Palestine.” The statement also says that “the charges filed against these activists, including sections 353 and 332 of the Indian Penal Code, in addition to other related sections such as those for alleged violations of section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, are a source of significant concern. The misuse of these provisions is particularly troubling when applied to peaceful protestors and civilians. Such abuse poses a serious risk to the suppression of democratic voices and individuals advocating for justice and accountability. “The statement also points out that such actions are a violation of article 19(1)(b) and it must be vigorously protected in the interest of our nation and its welfare. 

Meanwhile in Pune, October 13, even as the war between Israel and Palestinian militant outfit Hamas is on, various organisations in Pune came out in support of Palestine on October 13. 

Activists of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India, New Socialist Alternative, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Stree Mukti League, with support from Indian Christian Womens’ Movement and Disha Vidyarthi Sanghtna staged protest at the Pune District Collectorate against the “colonial occupation of Palestine by Zionist Israel”.  According to reports in The Indian Express, protesters condemned Israel by shouting slogans of “Palestine Zindabad” and were holding several banners like “Death to Zionist Occupation, Death to Imperialism”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” They also distributed pamphlets, which claimed that the October 7 attack on Israel from Gaza was in self-defence of Palestinian citizens. “We do not support the Hamas ideology. But we support the Palestinian freedom movement,” it stated.

A delegation of protesters thereafter submitted a letter to Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam. “PM Modi is supporting Israel in the ongoing war. We condemn it. We demand that our government end all ties with Israel and stands by Palestine,” said Parmeshwar Jadhav of RWPI, part of the delegation. He told the media, “Some of our activists faced detentions by police in Mumbai, Delhi and in Andhra Pradesh. We demand their immediate release,” said Jadhav. He said no activists in Pune were detained.

 October 9, 2023, UP

First, in response to the Israel-Gaza war, several students of the Aligarh Muslim University took out a rally on October 9. This peaceful rally, organised as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians, saw four students in trouble as the police booked them under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language, etc.), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and 505(statements inducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

The state chief minister, Ajay Bisht aka Yogi Adityanath, soon after the AMU protest, directed the police to take “stern action” against actions or social media posts in support of Palestine. According to a report in the Deccan Herald, senior district police officials have been told to speak to the Muslim clerics and make it clear that “any attempt to incite passion on social media or a similar call from the religious places will not be tolerated”.

A cop, belonging to the Muslim community, posted in Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh, had merely shared a pro-Palestine post on social media. Within days, he was suspended from duty and an additional superintendent of police rank officer was appointed to carry out an inquiry about the constable and “his political inclination”. 

In similar incidents, the police in Kanpur booked two young Muslim clerics, Suhail Ansari and Atif Chowdhary, for posting content in support of Palestine on social media. While Ansari was arrested, the police raided Chowdhary’s residence.

Background

Irrespective of which parties dominate the government is in power and what the political party’s stand has been on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, protestors in many states are facing criminal action for acts of “unlawful assembly” to promote “enmity between two groups”. India’s position on West Asia – reiterated by the Narendra Modi government – on the Israel-Palestine conflict is that it supports a “negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, within secure and recognised borders, at peace beside Israel as endorsed in the relevant UNSC and UNGA Resolutions”.

It is the right to protest peacefully however which is guaranteed but appears in many instances to have been denied.

Ironically even in Congress-ruled Karnataka, the police’s actions were no different than UP, Delhi or Mumbai.

The police from the Cubbon Park jurisdiction in Bengaluru booked 11 persons, including a member of the Bahutva Karnataka (a citizen’s group), and other unnamed people for holding a solidarity gathering in support of Palestine on MG Road. While the police haven’t booked them for “promoting enmity”, the sections applied are largely for gathering without permission and for “public nuisance”. 

Related:

New York, Chicago, Madrid, Athens, Sydney, Paris, the people march for #Palestine

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Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

In Ayodhya, where the BJP government is building the Ram Mandir, a horrifying incident of violence against Dalits has emerged where Dalit women were subjected to a vicious attack by men from the Thakur community. The video of the injured women emerged on social media on September 14. 

In response to this incident, the police has stated on Twitter that they have initiated legal proceedings and is actively pursuing appropriate actions.

Despite the severity of the attack, coverage of this story has mostly remained limited to social media and alternate media so far.

This is horrifying,

Dalit women were brutally beaten by casteist Thakurs and left drenched in blood in Ayodhya of Ramrajya, UP.

Please take strict action up police. pic.twitter.com/5GUdZTiHuK

— Susheel shinde (@susheelshinde98) September 14, 2023

उक्त प्रकरण मे प्रभारी निरीक्षक तारुन द्वारा अभियोग पंजीकृत कर आवश्यक कार्यवाही की जा रही है।

— AYODHYA POLICE (@ayodhya_police) September 14, 2023

Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh

In the early hours of Friday morning, the village of Mohideenpur in Uttar Pradesh (UP) was witness to a horrifying act of violence against some members of the most downtrodden group in India. Three members of a Dalit family were killed in cold blood as they lay asleep their hut. Hori Lal, a 62-year-old farmer, his 22-year-old daughter, Brijkali, and her 26-year-old husband, Shiv Sagar, all fell victim to this brutal murder that has shaken the village and turned it upside down, according to the Mooknayak.

The incident is said to have been motivated by an alleged property dispute between Hori Lal and his neighbors, who belong to the Other Backward Classes category. 

In the aftermath of the murder grief-stricken and angry public protested the murder by setting things on fire and breaking property. The houses of the alleged perpetrators, who had fled the scene, were also set ablaze after the horrifying murder was discovered.

Law enforcement officials responded to the scene upon receiving reports of the triple murder and the developing situation as Kaushambi’s Superintendent of Police, Brijesh Srivastava, confirmed that the situation is now under control, but four suspects remain at large, their whereabouts unknown, “The names of four people have come out as the accused. They are absconding. We are in search of them. We are collecting all the information. ” 

To prevent further worsening of the aggravated situation, police presence has been deployed in the village.

Dalit Man slapped, abused for winning Sabrimala tender to prepare Unni Appam in Kerala pic.twitter.com/z2UtnweMgn

— Bahujan Lives Matter (@BahujanLives) September 10, 2023

Trivandrum, Kerala 

In Kerala, a Dalit man was slapped and abused for having secured the tender to provide sweets offered at the acclaimed Sabarimala Temple. It is noted that Dalits face violence and hurdles especially in professions where they are required to handle food. Indian society’s pre-occupation with caste has made it difficult for Dalits to work and live with dignity. 

The two accused are now facing serious charges for their alleged assault and casteist verbal assault on a Dalit man and are currently on the run. Travancore Devaswom Board had given the tender to the victim, Subi, to prepare unniyappam, a traditional sweet fritter offered at the Sabarimala temple. However, the professional success that should have been celebrated instead resulted in garnering humiliation and violence. Subi is from the Pulaya community which classified as a Scheduled Caste in Kerala. 

The incident occurred on September 2 when Subi was targeted by the accused individuals, identified as Ramesh alias Krishnankutty and Jagadeesh. These two men were enraged at the fact that a Dalit man had gotten the tender to prepare the sweet according to The Newsminute. Ramesh and Jagadeesh allegedly threatened him against entering the temple, spat on him, and slapped him across the face, all in the presence of witnesses. 

According to The Newsminute, the victim was standing in the parking lot of the Devaswom Board office in Nanthancode when the accused men confronted him and launched a series of casteist slurs and insults. According to reports by the Times of India, they also questioned how Subi could have gotten tender, and said that the temple belonged to “Hindus and not Pulayas.”

The Thiruvananthapuram police has booked Ramesh and Jagadeesh under Sections 294(b) (dealing with obscene acts and songs) and 34 (pertaining to acts committed by several persons with a common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, they were charged under Section 3(1) (s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. As of now, the police are actively pursuing the absconding accused, ensuring that justice is served in this disturbing case of caste-based discrimination and violence.

Dalit Man slapped, abused for winning Sabrimala tender to prepare Unni Appam in Kerala pic.twitter.com/z2UtnweMgn

— Bahujan Lives Matter (@BahujanLives) September 10, 2023

Kashmir

A Dalit IAS officer Ashok Parmar from Jammu & Kashmir has asserted that he has been harrassed due to his caste location of a Dalit. The officer claims to have been transferred half a dozen times in the past year, according to The Mooknayak. 

Several parties have spoken in his favour. For instance, the Congress’ spokesperson Pawan Khera has raised questions about the treatment of the officer and said that the move is to apparently hide a multi-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam in the region. They have also questioned why the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has not taken action on his complaint. 

The JJM scheme was instituted to deliver clean drinking water to all rural households via tap connections by 2024.

Khera has also further asked, “Why, in the wake of his exposé, was a Dalit IAS officer subjected to harassment and targeting? Why did those officers involved in embezzlement and financial misconduct, who burdened the public treasury and harmed our citizens, receive promotions?” 

He further questioned why, despite complaints lodged with the Home Ministry and calls for a CBI investigation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Narendra Modi government have not initiated a thorough inquiry into the multiple irregularities and alleged corrupt practices in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.

जम्मू-कश्मीर में ‘जल जीवन योजना’ के तहत 13,000 करोड़ रुपये के भ्रष्टाचार का मामला सामने आया है।

यहां G-20 की आड़ में LG-420 को छिपाया जा रहा है।

जब अशोक परमार नाम के IAS अफसर इस गबन को सामने लाते हैं, तो उनका साल में 4-5 बार ट्रांसफर और LG द्वारा अपमान किया जाता है।

वहीं अशोक… pic.twitter.com/xdFnvVQRyU

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 11, 2023

The Congress spokesperson also questioned the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, asking why they haven’t issued a show cause notice to the Lieutenant Governor’s office despite the serious allegations of harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment made by the Dalit IAS officer. He suggested that, following a proper investigation, charges under the SC-ST (Prevention of) Atrocities Act should be applicable.

A case of corruption worth Rs 13,000 crore has come to light under ‘Jal Jeevan Yojana’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

Here LG-420 is being hidden under the guise of G-20.

When an IAS officer named Ashok Parmar exposed this embezzlement, he was transferred 4-5 times a year and insulted… pic.twitter.com/Xfx8wjvMle

— Spirit of Congress (@SpiritOfCongres) September 11, 2023

The National Conference leader, Omar Abdullah has also asked for an impartial enquiry to be taken in the allegations by Parmar, according to Mooknayak.

The IAS officer has approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and has sought redressal for the harassment at the hands of the Jammu and Kashmir administration. While the J&K administration has denied the allegations by Parmar in a press conference they have held earlier. Parmar has claimed there were irregularities in the pipe supply tendering process, but  Jal Shakti Department Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra has maintained that all work allocations and pipe material procurement have been conducted transparently through the tendering process since 2019. He has asserted further that every transaction is accessible on the department’s website. 

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 

News emerged on 14 September of an elderly  Dalit man being kidnapped and beaten by a local BJP leader led gang in Chopda Kalan Village. The village falls under Sukhi Sevaniya police station limits in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The BJP leader is also said, too, have allegedly urinated on the man when he asked for water. The men took him in an SUV and beat up the Dalit man when he told encroachers to get off government land. They beat him up again and locked him in a room after that, according to Times of India. 

The Superintendent of Bhopal (rural) has said that seven people have been arrested so far.

A 39-year-old Dalit man was abducted and beaten up by a gang led by a local BJP leader, who also urinated on the victim. The incident occurred at Chopda Kalan village under Sukhi Sevaniya police station limits in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/zAFL1bciwP

— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) September 14, 2023

Bharatpur, Rajasthan

A government school teacher in Bharatpur district was apprehended by the police on Saturday for reportedly assaulting a Dalit student who was studying in 7th grade merely because the child used water from the staff’s water cooler. The boy was also assaulted with casteist slurs, reportedly. This incident occurred after the student drank water from a container reserved for the staff on Friday, according to Outlook India.

The 12-year-old victim claimed that three students took water from the container intended for the staff, however only he was the only one to be subjected to physical violence. He recounted, that after the morning prayer, students came out of the classroom. Due to some accident while filling water, students ended up spilling some water due to which there was a shortage and students had to take water from the staff’s cooler.  He continued, narrating, that two of his classmates and he filed water from the staff’s cooler in their bottles. However, he was only one who was beaten.

The victim’s brother from Bhimnagar Pahariya Ambedkar Colony, spoke to Times of India stating that, “When my brother attended school on Friday, he was brutally assaulted by the teacher for drinking water from a container meant for the staff. Gangaram also used casteist slurs and attacked the child with sticks and blows, leaving marks on his back.”

He mentioned that the victim’s father had succumbed to silicosis in 2012, and his mother had passed away from typhoid in 2013. Singh’s complaint also reportedly said that the school officials had come to his house the following day and asked to resolve the issue by providing monetary incentive of 2 lakhs.

On Saturday morning, enraged family members and villagers gathered at the government school  protesting against the incident and the accused teacher, Gangaram Gurjar. The police soon arrived at the school, rescued him from the crowd, and took him to the police station.

Superintendent of Bharatpur Mridul Kachawa l has confirmed the teacher’s detention, “The teacher has been detained, and a case has been registered based on the complaint.”

The crowd also attempted to block the state highway but was dispersed by the police. A police officer mentioned that a committee led by an official has been appointed to investigate the matter. “A committee has been established to probe the incident. Based on the committee’s findings, appropriate action will be taken.”

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The post From Ayodhya to Trivandrum, are Dalits still unsafe in India? appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a statement issued yesterday, The Kashmir Walla describes the move as an instance of “opaque censorship” and yet another severe blow to the freedom of the press in Jammu and Kashmir.

The magazine’s staff were notified by their service provider that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had blocked access to the website within India, invoking the Information Technology Act of 2000.  Their Facebook page, boasting nearly half a million followers, was taken down, and access to their Twitter account was “restricted”, citing what was described as a “legal demand.” As per the statement issued by the Kashmir Walla, all this was done while the staff were in the process of vacating their office space in Srinagar, having been served an eviction notice by the property owner.

NWMI has, in its statement, pointed out that this blocking and censorship of the magazine’s website comes at a time when Fahad Shah, the founder-editor-in-chief of The Kashmir Walla, has been incarcerated for 18 months. Shah is currently contesting various charges levelled against him, including the alleged promotion of terrorism, dissemination of false information, and incitement to violence. He has faced imprisonment on five separate occasions within four months, with three instances involving First Information Reports under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and one involving the application of the Public Safety Act.

A trainee reporter with the magazine, Sajad Gul, is also detained under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) and is currently lodged in a prison in Uttar Pradesh. Gul was arrested on January 6, 2022, after he shared a video in which a family expressed allegedly “anti-India” sentiments following the death of their family member in an exchange of fire with security forces in Srinagar.

The staff of The Kashmir Walla say that they are still in the process of comprehending the implications of this latest development. Their statement is an eloquent comment on the plight of independent media in Kashmir: “There isn’t a lot left for us to say anymore. Since 2011, The Kashmir Walla has strived to remain an independent, credible, and courageous voice of the region in the face of unimaginable pressure from the authorities while we watched ourselves being ripped apart, bit by bit.”

The deliberate targeting of The Kashmir Walla, through the arrest of its editors and contributors and now the blocking of its website and social media accounts, indicates the extent to which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government can go to muzzle the press in Kashmir.

By blocking this crucial news magazine, the government seeks to silence a critical voice and denies readers in India access to its rich repository of stories showcasing everyday life in conflict-ridden Kashmir. Regrettably, the authorities appear to have prevailed upon house-owners to terminate the magazine’s office lease.  An independent media requires a support system to flourish, and intimidation by the authorities contributes to eroding this support structure of essential services.

NWMI has also demanded that authorities desist from exerting pressure on ordinary citizens such as house owners, to prevent them renting space to The Kashmir Walla.

Further, NWMI has also demanded that the authorities stop this backdoor censorship of independent media. The Kashmir Walla must be allowed to be published freely on the internet, and access to its website and its social media platforms must be restored.

Related:

Fahad Shah PSA case quashed, charges “mere surmise” says High Court

Media freedom in Kashmir after Art.370 abrogation

Why has the NIA arrested Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj in a ‘terror funding’ case?
March 22, 2023

Delhi police cancels public meeting, still afraid of the “K” word!

New Tales in Kashmir’s New Order : The Forgotten Stories

The post Blocking of Kashmir Walla condemned: NWMI appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In yet another attack on a migrant worker in Jammu and Kashmir, a labourer identified as Muneerul Islam, who is said to hail from West Bengal, was injured when suspected terrorists opened fire upon him in the Ugergund Newa area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama area on the morning of Friday, September 2.

#Terrorists fired upon one outside labourer Muneerul Islam S/O Abdul Karim R/O West Bengal at Ugergund Newa in #Pulwama. He has been shifted to district hospital Pulwama where his condition is stated to be stable. Area #cordoned off. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 2, 2022

According to the police, Islam was shifted to the district hospital and is said to be stable. Security forces have cordoned off the area where the attack took place.

Migrant workers, Kashmiri Pandits and members of the minority Hindu community have been constantly in the crosshairs of terrorists in Kashmir, with a spate of killings taking place here since October 2021.

The first migrant worker to be targeted was Virendar Paswan, who hailed from Bhagalpur in Bihar and worked as street food vendor. He was killed on October 5, 2021.

In June, terrorists shot at two migrant labourers from Bihar – Dilkhush Kumar and Guri, who were working as brick kiln labourers in Magraypora in Chadoora. While Guri survived, Dilkhush died.

In August 2022, Mohammed Amrez became the fourth migrant worker from Bihar to be killed by suspected terrorists. The labourer hailed from Madhepura.

Related:

One killed in attack on Kashmiri Pandits in Shopian
Another migrant worker killed in Kashmir!
14 Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus killed in Kashmir Valley after Article 370 removed: MHA
Kashmiri TV artiste Amreen Bhat killed in cold blood
Kashmir: Migrant labourer shot dead by militants in Budgam
Killing three civilians, terrorists send a bloody message across Jammu and Kashmir

The post Migrant worker from West Bengal attacked in Kashmir appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M) leader and spokesperson of the Gupkar Alliance, speaks to NewsClick on Jammu and Kashmir completing three years without special status. Without warning, the Centre withdrew the constitutional protection to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on 5 August 2019. 

Courtesy: Newsclick

The post Three Years Since Abrogation of Article 370: A Conversation with Yousuf Tarigami appeared first on SabrangIndia.