Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar&#39;s Residency Road.

Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India&rsquo;s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley.

Then, during the militancy of the early 90&rsquo;s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines.

And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir.

Ahdoos&#39;s customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel&#39;s business didn&rsquo;t stop or miss a single beat.

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo&#39;s owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme.

For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

&nbsp;

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoos' owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India

Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar's Residency Road. Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India’s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley. Then, during the militancy of the early 90’s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines. And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir. Ahdoos's customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel's business didn’t stop or miss a single beat. As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo's owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme. For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

Bite of history: Srinagar's iconic restaurant turns 100

The north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is world famous for its intricately hand-woven silk carpets, which is in huge international demand. The carpet industry of Kashmir which was once the flagship of the state is sadly, however, &nbsp;facing a fast decline.

The handwoven silk carpets of Jammu and Kashmir are perhaps the most luxurious items that India showcases internationally. Each carpet is like a magic one and if though they do not fly, they have elaborate designs, vivid colour combinations, but above all, a durability which has made the Kashmiri carpet world famous for centuries.

The carpet craft arrived in the Kashmir valley in the 16th century from Persia. After the sufi saint Akhun Rehnuma went on a pilgrimage to Mecca. On his way back he learned the art of weaving carpets from the Persians. The industry expanded under the Dogra rule and the carpets became a favourite in British and European markets.

In recent years, however, this cottage industry has been in decline. in Srinagar, every second household used to have a cottage unit for crafting carpets. Now, there are only a handful of these units left in the city.

WION visited one of the last remaining carpet manufacturing units of Srinagar to try and understand what could be unthreading such a beautiful trade. Mehraj Din has been weaving carpets for three decades and says the younger generations have given up on the craft, thinning out the production.

Veteran carpet traders and exporters say the brand value of Kashmiri carpets in the international market still holds its high.

Says Mubeen Shah, a carpet exporter, &#39;&#39;There are four places in the international market which make these carpets: turkey, Iran, Kashmir and China&hellip; they make silk carpets. china make Turkish, Persian and now Kashmiri designs. Lots of retailers sell Chinese carpets as Kashmiri carpets because our brand is better.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;

As per the economic survey of Jammu and Kashmir, the total carpet exports in 2011 to 2012 amounted to 86 million dollars. but from 2016 to 2017 the exports decreased to 56 million dollars.

meanwhile, Iran - a rival in the field - has exported products worth 275 million dollars internationally.

Traders say a decreasing production isn&rsquo;t the only problem. creative designs are struggling to compete with their Iranian counterparts. The material used has also become substandard over the years. Carpet weaving units prefer low-quality Chinese silk yarn to the indigenous silk to bring down production costs.

&#39;&#39;In Iran and Turkey, they are promoting designers, individual designers. They are promoting silk carpets with their name. It is just like a brand, for example, you buy a branded watch or a branded bag. the material may not be so great but the brand adds value. The same happens in Iraq. They have developed brands for last 30-40 years and that differentiates between the very high quality and low quality in the market. By introducing new looms, our carpet designs will have better quality. We also have to use mulberry silk. People here had shifted to spun silk which is brought from Bangaluru. &#39;&#39;We need to use mulberry silk and by that will improve on quality this is a traditional industry, where there is little scope to modernise the manufacturing part of it.in other aspects there is a need for modernisation in promoting and marketing like using social media for our branding. The Kashmiri carpet has a good international value,&#39;&#39; Mubeen Shah added.

In recent years, however, this cottage industry has been in decline

The north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is world famous for its intricately hand-woven silk carpets, which is in huge international demand. The carpet industry of Kashmir which was once the flagship of the state is sadly, however, facing a fast decline. The handwoven silk carpets of Jammu and Kashmir are perhaps the most luxurious items that India showcases internationally. Each carpet is like a magic one and if though they do not fly, they have elaborate designs, vivid colour combinations, but above all, a durability which has made the Kashmiri carpet world famous for centuries. The carpet craft arrived in the Kashmir valley in the 16th century from Persia. After the sufi saint Akhun Rehnuma went on a pilgrimage to Mecca. On his way back he learned the art of weaving carpets from the Persians. The industry expanded under the Dogra rule and the carpets became a favourite in British and European markets. In recent years, however, this cottage industry has been in decline. in Srinagar, every second household used to have a cottage unit for crafting carpets. Now, there are only a handful of these units left in the city. WION visited one of the last remaining carpet manufacturing units of Srinagar to try and understand what could be unthreading such a beautiful trade. Mehraj Din has been weaving carpets for three decades and says the younger generations have given up on the craft, thinning out the production. Veteran carpet traders and exporters say the brand value of Kashmiri carpets in the international market still holds its high. Says Mubeen Shah, a carpet exporter, ''There are four places in the international market which make these carpets: turkey, Iran, Kashmir and China… they make silk carpets. china make Turkish, Persian and now Kashmiri designs. Lots of retailers sell Chinese carpets as Kashmiri carpets because our brand is better.'' As per the economic survey of Jammu and Kashmir, the total carpet exports in 2011 to 2012 amounted to 86 million dollars. but from 2016 to 2017 the exports decreased to 56 million dollars. meanwhile, Iran - a rival in the field - has exported products worth 275 million dollars internationally. Traders say a decreasing production isn’t the only problem. creative designs are struggling to compete with their Iranian counterparts. The material used has also become substandard over the years. Carpet weaving units prefer low-quality Chinese silk yarn to the indigenous silk to bring down production costs. ''In Iran and Turkey, they are promoting designers, individual designers. They are promoting silk carpets with their name. It is just like a brand, for example, you buy a branded watch or a branded bag. the material may not be so great but the brand adds value. The same happens in Iraq. They have developed brands for last 30-40 years and that differentiates between the very high quality and low quality in the market. By introducing new looms, our carpet designs will have better quality. We also have to use mulberry silk. People here had shifted to spun silk which is brought from Bangaluru. ''We need to use mulberry silk and by that will improve on quality this is a traditional industry, where there is little scope to modernise the manufacturing part of it.in other aspects there is a need for modernisation in promoting and marketing like using social media for our branding. The Kashmiri carpet has a good international value,'' Mubeen Shah added.

Jammu and Kashmir's carpet industry in decline

Srinagar Humhama CRFF headquarter ceremony hall was jam packed all top rank officials including DG CRFP were present to award the brave hearts of CRPF, all of sudden there was call from the dice, &ldquo;hero of Karan nagar operation guard Raghunath&rdquo; out of crowd a young slim blackish soldier stood up and walked towards stage with full confidence and happiness on face reaching dice he was appreciated by the CRPF chief DG and was awarded by DG commendation certificate and a cash reward of 1 lakh, Raghunath was seen encouraged and glow on his face could easily explain that what he did for his country and force is recognised.

&ldquo;It was around 4.30 in morning I had just taken the guard duty at post and it was heavily snowing the visibility was very low because it was still dark at same time I felt some suspicious movement just in few seconds I saw two persons ( terrorist) heavily armed having bags on there backs walking towards 23 battalion camp I soon smelled the danger but I thought it&rsquo;s better to challenge them in spite of informing the higher officials as time was less, I cocked my gun and fired 30-40 rounds on those terrorists the firing not only made them flee but also raised alarm in camp and everybody took position and a big attack was thwarted&rdquo; said Constable Raghunath Ghait.&nbsp;

There is all set that 27-year-old Constable Raghunath Ghait, from Nandura in Maharashtra will get an out of turn promotion, &quot;we have taken a decision to grant him ( Raghunath) out of turn promotion,&quot; said Director General (DG) CRPF RR Bhatnagar. The DG will be writing to Home Ministry to seek sanction for the clearance of the decision.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Recommendation for his promotion is done and it&rsquo;s expected that his file will be cleared soon, and then formal announcement will be made,&rdquo; said a CRPF official.

Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable.

&ldquo;This commendation card for bravery will not only boost my morale but other soldiers will also feel proud to be the part of such force where someone&rsquo;s work is recognised&rdquo; said Constable Raghunath Ghait.

It was early dawn of Monday 12th of February when terrorist tried to storm 23 battalion CRPF camp, but attack was foiled and terrorists were cornered in an under construction building and 32 hours gun battle whereby two foreign terrorist were killed but CRPF lost a Constable Mohajid Khan, a resident of Ara in Bihar, who nabbed the terrorist in the under construction building.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable

Srinagar Humhama CRFF headquarter ceremony hall was jam packed all top rank officials including DG CRFP were present to award the brave hearts of CRPF, all of sudden there was call from the dice, “hero of Karan nagar operation guard Raghunath” out of crowd a young slim blackish soldier stood up and walked towards stage with full confidence and happiness on face reaching dice he was appreciated by the CRPF chief DG and was awarded by DG commendation certificate and a cash reward of 1 lakh, Raghunath was seen encouraged and glow on his face could easily explain that what he did for his country and force is recognised. “It was around 4.30 in morning I had just taken the guard duty at post and it was heavily snowing the visibility was very low because it was still dark at same time I felt some suspicious movement just in few seconds I saw two persons ( terrorist) heavily armed having bags on there backs walking towards 23 battalion camp I soon smelled the danger but I thought it’s better to challenge them in spite of informing the higher officials as time was less, I cocked my gun and fired 30-40 rounds on those terrorists the firing not only made them flee but also raised alarm in camp and everybody took position and a big attack was thwarted” said Constable Raghunath Ghait. There is all set that 27-year-old Constable Raghunath Ghait, from Nandura in Maharashtra will get an out of turn promotion, "we have taken a decision to grant him ( Raghunath) out of turn promotion," said Director General (DG) CRPF RR Bhatnagar. The DG will be writing to Home Ministry to seek sanction for the clearance of the decision. “Recommendation for his promotion is done and it’s expected that his file will be cleared soon, and then formal announcement will be made,” said a CRPF official. Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable. “This commendation card for bravery will not only boost my morale but other soldiers will also feel proud to be the part of such force where someone’s work is recognised” said Constable Raghunath Ghait. It was early dawn of Monday 12th of February when terrorist tried to storm 23 battalion CRPF camp, but attack was foiled and terrorists were cornered in an under construction building and 32 hours gun battle whereby two foreign terrorist were killed but CRPF lost a Constable Mohajid Khan, a resident of Ara in Bihar, who nabbed the terrorist in the under construction building.

'Hero of Karan Nagar operation' CRPF braveheart Raghunath Ghait promoted

Naveed Jhatt alias Hanzullah, a hardcore Pakistani militant&#39;s escape has set alarm bells ringing. The escape of such a hardcore militant from a high security-zone has raised many questions.&nbsp;

Naveed managed to escape killing two cops who had come with him for his security. The question arises, how were Naveed&#39;s terrorist associates aware of the fact that he will be brought to the hospital that day and also about the exact timing of his entry to the hospital?&nbsp;

Was there any informer in the central jail? Or was he using a cell phone? Were the security arrangements not in place while a dreaded terrorist was being transported?

An investigation is now underway, necessary steps have been taken across the valley while an alert has been sounded, a police officer noted.

How did Naveed escape?

On a bright sunny day in Srinagar, State Shri Maharaja Singh Hospital was packed with patients when a blue labelled police bus carrying 6 prisoners and 20 police cops entered the hospital premises.&nbsp;

The prisoners were brought to the hospital for their routine checkup and while the prisoners were being taken out of police bus sound of bullet firing was heard.

At least four bullets were fired and within minutes the terrorists present in the hospital fired at the cops who guarded Naveed. One cop was fired at on his head as well as on his chest. The terrorists fired at Naveed&#39;s handcuffs and freed him. The incident happened ‪at around 11.35 am‬ and it took them only 8 minutes to free Naveed.

The CCTV footage shows the attackers running outside hospital premises and boarding a motorcycle outside. Naveed took to the road at the back of the hospital and crossed Karan Nagar while escaping.

Who is Naveed?

Mohammed Naveed Jhatt hails from Borevella, Vihadi District of Multan, Pakistan. Naveed Joined Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2010 and trained for around two years at Murredkay, the LeT headquarters. Naveed was also trained at camps at Muzaffarabad near the Shevaee Jungle and the Mansehra jungles in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

Naveed Jhatt infiltrated India in the month of Oct-Nov in 2012. Seven other terrorists were also launched in India along with Naveed through the Athmuqam Farkian area in the Kupwara Sector.&nbsp;

Naveed was caught in 2014 by the security forces when he was trying to escape dressed as a woman. Naveed then told interrogators that Hafiz Sayeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakvi were regular visitors at the MurredKay camps.&nbsp;

Naveed and a group of at least 22 other terrorists had stayed for over six months in the jungles near Bandipora from 2012 to May 2013. Naveed and Ashiq Lone - another terrorist - were sent to Pulwama/ Shopian area. Before being sent to Pulwama they were given a phone, sim cards and were taught how to operate Skype. Naveed got his instructions from Pakistan and was in touch with Abu Sajad and Abu Hanzala in Pakistan.

Attacks carried out by Naveed and his group

Naveed killed a policeman in Pulwama in 2013.&nbsp;

Naveed also carried out attacks during the 2014 Parliamentary elections killing one teacher at Nagabal.&nbsp;

Naveed has also claimed responsibility for his involvement in the following attacks:&nbsp;

1. Hyderpora attack

2. Silver Star attack

3. SHO Chadoora attack

4. CRPF &ndash; Awanitpora attack

5. CRPF (Pampore) attack

Naveed was the district commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2014. He was also listed in A+++ category in police list with a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head.

Where is Naveed and who helped him?

If the viral audio clip of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Riyaz Naikoo is to be believed, Naveed has reached him along with the terrorist who had gone to help him escape from the hospital. Riyaz Naikoo at present is in south Kashmir, mostly in Pulwama/Shopian area.&nbsp;

Naikoo&#39;s audio clip suggests that Naveed has reached south Kashmir and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group facilitated his escape. &nbsp;

The terrorists fired at Naveed's handcuffs and freed him. The incident happened ‪at around 11.35 am‬

Naveed Jhatt alias Hanzullah, a hardcore Pakistani militant's escape has set alarm bells ringing. The escape of such a hardcore militant from a high security-zone has raised many questions. Naveed managed to escape killing two cops who had come with him for his security. The question arises, how were Naveed's terrorist associates aware of the fact that he will be brought to the hospital that day and also about the exact timing of his entry to the hospital? Was there any informer in the central jail? Or was he using a cell phone? Were the security arrangements not in place while a dreaded terrorist was being transported? An investigation is now underway, necessary steps have been taken across the valley while an alert has been sounded, a police officer noted. How did Naveed escape? On a bright sunny day in Srinagar, State Shri Maharaja Singh Hospital was packed with patients when a blue labelled police bus carrying 6 prisoners and 20 police cops entered the hospital premises. The prisoners were brought to the hospital for their routine checkup and while the prisoners were being taken out of police bus sound of bullet firing was heard. At least four bullets were fired and within minutes the terrorists present in the hospital fired at the cops who guarded Naveed. One cop was fired at on his head as well as on his chest. The terrorists fired at Naveed's handcuffs and freed him. The incident happened ‪at around 11.35 am‬ and it took them only 8 minutes to free Naveed. The CCTV footage shows the attackers running outside hospital premises and boarding a motorcycle outside. Naveed took to the road at the back of the hospital and crossed Karan Nagar while escaping. Who is Naveed? Mohammed Naveed Jhatt hails from Borevella, Vihadi District of Multan, Pakistan. Naveed Joined Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2010 and trained for around two years at Murredkay, the LeT headquarters. Naveed was also trained at camps at Muzaffarabad near the Shevaee Jungle and the Mansehra jungles in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Naveed Jhatt infiltrated India in the month of Oct-Nov in 2012. Seven other terrorists were also launched in India along with Naveed through the Athmuqam Farkian area in the Kupwara Sector. Naveed was caught in 2014 by the security forces when he was trying to escape dressed as a woman. Naveed then told interrogators that Hafiz Sayeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakvi were regular visitors at the MurredKay camps. Naveed and a group of at least 22 other terrorists had stayed for over six months in the jungles near Bandipora from 2012 to May 2013. Naveed and Ashiq Lone - another terrorist - were sent to Pulwama/ Shopian area. Before being sent to Pulwama they were given a phone, sim cards and were taught how to operate Skype. Naveed got his instructions from Pakistan and was in touch with Abu Sajad and Abu Hanzala in Pakistan. Attacks carried out by Naveed and his group Naveed killed a policeman in Pulwama in 2013. Naveed also carried out attacks during the 2014 Parliamentary elections killing one teacher at Nagabal. Naveed has also claimed responsibility for his involvement in the following attacks: 1. Hyderpora attack 2. Silver Star attack 3. SHO Chadoora attack 4. CRPF – Awanitpora attack 5. CRPF (Pampore) attack Naveed was the district commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2014. He was also listed in A+++ category in police list with a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head. Where is Naveed and who helped him? If the viral audio clip of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Riyaz Naikoo is to be believed, Naveed has reached him along with the terrorist who had gone to help him escape from the hospital. Riyaz Naikoo at present is in south Kashmir, mostly in Pulwama/Shopian area. Naikoo's audio clip suggests that Naveed has reached south Kashmir and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group facilitated his escape.

LeT terrorist's escape from Srinagar hospital sets alarm bells ringing

Fifteen-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz could be called a voice of sportspeople in Kashmir who don&#39;t have one. She is a translator for 300 sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak.&nbsp;

Arwa was not trained at a special school -- she learnt from her mother, who has been hearing-impaired since birth.&nbsp;

Arwa became a translator for the hearing-impaired at the age of 11 after she joined her maternal uncle who runs an association for differently-abled sportspersons. Her uncle is also hearing-impaired.&nbsp;

The association is registered with the Jammu and Kashmir sports council. And Arwa translates everything for its members.

Arwa, who lives on the outskirts of Srinagar in the Nowgaam area, quite often misses school to accompany the association&#39;s sportspersons to their tournaments in places as far away as&nbsp;Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, helping them maintain&nbsp;contact with family&nbsp;and communicate with organisers.

&quot;Money is not all to me but I want to help people like my mother, maternal uncle and aunt, who cannot speak. They have always taught me to fight back in life despite being disabled,&quot; says Arwa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She adds, &quot;My mother and maternal uncle are very good badminton players and my mother had won many medals at state and national level. I have seen them struggling while facing discrimination in and around but the way they stood with their goal has inspired me a lot and has given me the courage to go further in this mission.&quot;&nbsp;

While other children enjoy their leisure time, Arwa works. She says it is not to easy convince the parents who, fearful for their children&#39;s security, do not wish to send them away from home.

They hold Arwa responsible for their children. Arwa however takes that risk since she believes the association&#39;s members have the talent and should be allowed&nbsp;to prove themselves.

Arwa aspires to become a doctor but her family is not in a position to support her ambition.

&quot;I don&#39;t think I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor as my father&#39;s income is very less,&quot; says Arwa. &quot;I had even changed my school at a time when we were not able to deposit fees, but I believe that prayers of the differently-abled will help me to make my future shine.&quot;

Arwa&#39;s father Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat is an autorickshaw driver. &quot;I am proud of my girl she does a tremendous job. I am trying my best to support her. Whatever I have it is for my daughter and the differently-abled children,&quot; he says.&nbsp;

Arwa&rsquo;s younger brother Abu Zar studies in class V while her elder brother Arbaz dropped out of school four years ago -- he was in class X -- after he met with an accident. Despite the hardships the family faces, they do not&nbsp;deter Arwa from her work.

&quot;She is an inspiration to others and we are trying&nbsp;to support her and also the association,&quot; the Jammu and Kashmir sports council says.&nbsp;

Arwa meanwhile says she is happy to see her support make people smile.

&quot;I will work for them till my last breath and hope that the government is also doing something for them. This will earn them a respectable life and also help me to fulfill my dreams. I will also get reward when I see the children smiling,&quot; she says.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Arwa is a translator for some 300 Kashmiri sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak

Fifteen-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz could be called a voice of sportspeople in Kashmir who don't have one. She is a translator for 300 sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak. Arwa was not trained at a special school -- she learnt from her mother, who has been hearing-impaired since birth. Arwa became a translator for the hearing-impaired at the age of 11 after she joined her maternal uncle who runs an association for differently-abled sportspersons. Her uncle is also hearing-impaired. The association is registered with the Jammu and Kashmir sports council. And Arwa translates everything for its members. Arwa, who lives on the outskirts of Srinagar in the Nowgaam area, quite often misses school to accompany the association's sportspersons to their tournaments in places as far away as Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, helping them maintain contact with family and communicate with organisers. "Money is not all to me but I want to help people like my mother, maternal uncle and aunt, who cannot speak. They have always taught me to fight back in life despite being disabled," says Arwa. She adds, "My mother and maternal uncle are very good badminton players and my mother had won many medals at state and national level. I have seen them struggling while facing discrimination in and around but the way they stood with their goal has inspired me a lot and has given me the courage to go further in this mission." While other children enjoy their leisure time, Arwa works. She says it is not to easy convince the parents who, fearful for their children's security, do not wish to send them away from home. They hold Arwa responsible for their children. Arwa however takes that risk since she believes the association's members have the talent and should be allowed to prove themselves. Arwa aspires to become a doctor but her family is not in a position to support her ambition. "I don't think I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor as my father's income is very less," says Arwa. "I had even changed my school at a time when we were not able to deposit fees, but I believe that prayers of the differently-abled will help me to make my future shine." Arwa's father Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat is an autorickshaw driver. "I am proud of my girl she does a tremendous job. I am trying my best to support her. Whatever I have it is for my daughter and the differently-abled children," he says. Arwa’s younger brother Abu Zar studies in class V while her elder brother Arbaz dropped out of school four years ago -- he was in class X -- after he met with an accident. Despite the hardships the family faces, they do not deter Arwa from her work. "She is an inspiration to others and we are trying to support her and also the association," the Jammu and Kashmir sports council says. Arwa meanwhile says she is happy to see her support make people smile. "I will work for them till my last breath and hope that the government is also doing something for them. This will earn them a respectable life and also help me to fulfill my dreams. I will also get reward when I see the children smiling," she says.

15-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz: A voice for Kashmiri sportspersons who don't have one

Gurez, a picturesque&nbsp;valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of&nbsp;Kashmir for&nbsp;the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most&nbsp;because of ill health care.&nbsp;

On 31st of&nbsp;January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in&nbsp;Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there&nbsp;to operate the facilities&nbsp;available. A junior&nbsp;doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately&nbsp;which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor&nbsp;suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift&nbsp;him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the&nbsp;continuous&nbsp;snowfall and cloudy weather.&nbsp;

At this difficult&nbsp;time when helpless parents were seeing their&nbsp;kid in unbearable&nbsp;pain and not been able to&nbsp;do anything, Indian&nbsp;army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar&nbsp;and requested for the helicopter&nbsp;to airlift the child to Srinagar.

Srinagar-based defence&nbsp;spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old&nbsp;Taufik&nbsp;suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting&nbsp;was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,&rdquo; the defence spokesman said.

He said the helicopter was then assigned to&nbsp;another assignment.

&ldquo;On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,&rdquo; the spokesman said.

And boy&#39;s life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his&nbsp;condition is stable.

Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq&#39;s father&nbsp;Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team&nbsp;of the Air Force, who undertook a &#39;risky landing&#39; to save the child&#39;s life in that bad weather condition. &#39;&#39;If Air Force personnel did not come forward to&nbsp;help, my&nbsp;child would have died. Due to their swift action&nbsp;my child survived,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;

Cursing the local administration&nbsp;he said &quot;Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure&nbsp;when the army helicopter landed, why can&#39;t they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter.

Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said &quot;We have a nice hospital which is well equipped&nbsp;but there is no one to handle the&nbsp;equipment. There are no expert technicians&nbsp;and doctors.&#39;&#39; He further complained that a&nbsp;few weeks back doctors&nbsp;were transferred&nbsp;to that place but no one joined as they are having political&nbsp;connections and don&#39;t want to come&nbsp;to&nbsp;such a remote&nbsp;area&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
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Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said, '7-year-old Taufik, who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care'

Gurez, a picturesque valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of Kashmir for the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most because of ill health care. On 31st of January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there to operate the facilities available. A junior doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the continuous snowfall and cloudy weather. At this difficult time when helpless parents were seeing their kid in unbearable pain and not been able to do anything, Indian army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar and requested for the helicopter to airlift the child to Srinagar. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old Taufik suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,” the defence spokesman said. He said the helicopter was then assigned to another assignment. “On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,” the spokesman said. And boy's life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his condition is stable. Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq's father Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team of the Air Force, who undertook a 'risky landing' to save the child's life in that bad weather condition. ''If Air Force personnel did not come forward to help, my child would have died. Due to their swift action my child survived,'' he said. Cursing the local administration he said "Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure when the army helicopter landed, why can't they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter. Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said "We have a nice hospital which is well equipped but there is no one to handle the equipment. There are no expert technicians and doctors.'' He further complained that a few weeks back doctors were transferred to that place but no one joined as they are having political connections and don't want to come to such a remote area".

Indian Air Force saves 7-year-old boy from snowbound Gurez Valley

During the firing by the&nbsp;army in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a new turning point in the case. Whereas 10 Garhwal rifle major and his unit have been made accused in the FIR lodged by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army has also has lodged his complaint with police.&nbsp;

Srinagar-based Army PRO said: &quot;We had forwarded our complaint to the police in Shopian incident and is based on the same statement that army had issued that very day. It has been mentioned in DAK PAD of police, now its to police how they name it.&quot;&nbsp;

However, the army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint.&nbsp;

The Army had issued a statement after&nbsp;the incident saying that&nbsp;&quot;On Jan 27th, 2018 at about 15:00 hours, an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting by a group of 100-120 stone pelters. Within no time, their numbers swelled to 200-250 persons. The crowd surrounded an isolated portion of the convoy consisting of four vehicles. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles and tried to set them on fire.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. The mob tried to lynch the individual and snatch his weapon. The violent crowd further closed in towards the vehicles and attempted to set them on fire. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence to prevent lynching of the JCO and burning of Government vehicle by the mob. A total of seven army men suffered injuries and extensive damage was caused to eleven vehicles. In the process two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries,&quot; the statement added.

Now, the army and state police are&nbsp;face to face after the police lodged an FIR under section 336,307,302 RPC against the army unit naming army major and his unit. The&nbsp;army had lodged a counter FIR defending itself.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;incident has&nbsp;turned into a political row now after state chief minister&nbsp;Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed said that the magisterial probe in the case will be taken to the logical conclusion.

The CM told the state assembly that the government had filed the FIR only after consulting defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

&quot;She told me that I should take action if any carelessness or anything wrong has happened,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

On the hand, the state government and its collation partners are not on the&nbsp;same page over the Shopian firing.

BJP is of the view that FIR against the army should be withdrawn as it would&nbsp;demoralise the army, however, they are condemning the incident, but the other partner PDP is of opinion that investigation should go as per law and police will investigate the case.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the state main opposition party National Conference said its an &quot;eyewash&quot;&nbsp;when the two parties which are running the government in the&nbsp;state are not of the&nbsp;same opinion.

Army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint.

During the firing by the army in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a new turning point in the case. Whereas 10 Garhwal rifle major and his unit have been made accused in the FIR lodged by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army has also has lodged his complaint with police. Srinagar-based Army PRO said: "We had forwarded our complaint to the police in Shopian incident and is based on the same statement that army had issued that very day. It has been mentioned in DAK PAD of police, now its to police how they name it." However, the army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint. The Army had issued a statement after the incident saying that "On Jan 27th, 2018 at about 15:00 hours, an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting by a group of 100-120 stone pelters. Within no time, their numbers swelled to 200-250 persons. The crowd surrounded an isolated portion of the convoy consisting of four vehicles. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles and tried to set them on fire." "A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. The mob tried to lynch the individual and snatch his weapon. The violent crowd further closed in towards the vehicles and attempted to set them on fire. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence to prevent lynching of the JCO and burning of Government vehicle by the mob. A total of seven army men suffered injuries and extensive damage was caused to eleven vehicles. In the process two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries," the statement added. Now, the army and state police are face to face after the police lodged an FIR under section 336,307,302 RPC against the army unit naming army major and his unit. The army had lodged a counter FIR defending itself. The incident has turned into a political row now after state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed said that the magisterial probe in the case will be taken to the logical conclusion. The CM told the state assembly that the government had filed the FIR only after consulting defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "She told me that I should take action if any carelessness or anything wrong has happened," she said. On the hand, the state government and its collation partners are not on the same page over the Shopian firing. BJP is of the view that FIR against the army should be withdrawn as it would demoralise the army, however, they are condemning the incident, but the other partner PDP is of opinion that investigation should go as per law and police will investigate the case. Meanwhile, the state main opposition party National Conference said its an "eyewash" when the two parties which are running the government in the state are not of the same opinion.

Shopian firing turns into political row in J&K

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Khalid Hussain

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