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Thursday, June 12, 2025

Tufail Matoo: Kashmir’s Youngest Victim of Violence?

Tufail’s Schoolbag: The Weight of a Nation’s Sorrow

Srinagar: June 11, 2010, is now etched into the memory of the Kashmir conflict; a day that marked a generational shift in how Kashmiris opposed Indian rule. The Baton of ‘resistance against Indian rule’ was handed over to a new generation. The day marked a beginning of a famous 2010 summer intifada in which streets of Kashmir-mostly in Srinagar’s downtown- became battlegrounds between pro-freedom youth and government forces. The street stamina was overpowered by state stamina by coming down hard on the protesters, resulting in the death of 120 Kashmiris, mostly youth.

The first casualty of 2010 summer was a teenager: Tufail Mattoo. The lone son of his family, Mattoo’s name is a synonym to the bloody summer. The son of a handicraft businessman- Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo, Tufail was killed by government forces’ tear gas shell that hit his head. Mattoo senior handed over a Rs 10 note to his son as bus fare when he was going to a tuition centre. Tufail was preparing for a medical entrance test. Mattoo didn’t know that the Rs 5 coin that was with Tufail would remain as “souvenir” for him and his son wouldn’t return. He was at home when some neighbours rushed to him with the news that shattered his life, forever: his son had been killed.

Tufail was hit by a teargas shell fired at him from a close range by the J&K police on June 11, 2010, near Gani Memorial Stadium –about 8 km from his home in Saidakadal.

His skull was bust open with the tear gas shell and he died on the spot with the five-rupee coin in his right hand. Tufail’s death led to widespread protests triggering months’ long anti-India summer uprising during which men in uniform killed nearly 120 people, mostly youth. Witnesses in the locality said the police started chasing Tufail when they saw him. As he began to run, the police fired a teargas shell at him hitting him in the head. He died, instantly.

The autopsy of Tufail also confirmed that he was killed by a teargas shell which damaged his brain and skull, busted the police claims that it was a case of “mysterious death”.

The then Chief Minister of J&K state, Omar Abdullah, appointed a retired judge Justice ML Koul to probe the civilian killings of 2010. The Koul Commission report was handed over to the present Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in December 2016 in which it was recommended that a CBI enquiry should be ordered in Tufail’s case. The report has not been made public, however.

In December 2012, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the J&K Police, which had first investigated the case, had also closed the investigation by declaring culprits “untraced”.

On the eighth death anniversary of Tufail, who is buried in Martyrs’ graveyard Eidgah, people from all walks of life came and paid tributes to him.

In February 2015, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered a fresh probe into Tufail Mattoo killing. It was after Amnesty International called on Jammu and Kashmir Government in June 2013 to reopen the investigation into 2010 killing of Tufail Mattoo.

On the long-drawn battle of Mattoo, political commentator Gowhar Geelani maintained that the trigger that led to the 2010 summer uprising was the extra-judicial killings in Machil in which three civilians were lured for a job and killed in fake encounter by Indian army along the Line of Control (LoC).

“Later, a young teenage student Tufail Mattoo became a reference point. His killing by government forces in a way was a paradigm shift in seeing a new generation of Kashmir at war with the state and the idea of India in Kashmir. And the government at war with a new generation. A new generation which has a new vocabulary, that way it was pretty significant in Kashmir narrative,” he said.

Geelani said that denying justice in Tufail Mattoo’s case is a telling commentary on “how India operates in Kashmir and how brazenly it shields perpetrators and gives a free license to armed forces to commit rights violations, and also encourages the guilty personnel to believe they can get away with anything”.

An FIR was filed 11 days after Tufail was killed after the family had run from pillar to post and pleaded with the magistrate to order police to do it.

“I don’t see any progress in the case, the reason is police haven’t done a fair and proper investigation and when police are themselves involved in the crime how can one expect a fair investigation,” said noted human rights activist and lawyer Parvez Imroz. “Tufail’s father is a brave man who is fighting for the justice for last eight years but you have to understand that government forces are enjoying impunity in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where they get easily,” he added.

Human rights activist Khurram Parvez said that Tufail Mattoo was brutally killed at a time when the anger was already brewing up among the people against the killing of three innocent Kashmiris in a fake encounter by Indian Army. “In Srinagar city, such kind of killing also took place after a long time where a child who was coming back from tuition centres was killed by government forces so this killing became the news and people in large number came on roads to protest against the forces repression in Kashmir.”

“Everybody thought that there is no one safe in Kashmir and at that point of time it led to a huge public mobilisation,” he added.

Ashraf has attended more than 50 court hearings in past 8 years and he has lost all hopes on Judiciary. “I tried my best to give the opportunities to the state government for delivering justice by arresting the culprits but unfortunately they, in turn, shield them and they not only murdered the justice but their so-called democracy as well, they have been doing it in Kashmir since three decades.”

Khurram observed that since 2010 the street protest continues in Kashmir. “Whenever there is the killing of a civilian or even we can see when a militant is being killed in an encounter people start protesting in a large number. The uprising is ongoing.”

“The protest trend is not according to calendar given by Hurriyat (Conference) now; the trend is according to the killings be it a civilian or a militant,” he added.

“There is no will shown by the side of the government to investigate any crime whether it’s killing of Tufail Mattoo, rapes, torture and disappearances. They are reluctant to provide justice to the people, therefore, they are not allowing any investigation which means there is complete unwillingness of Government of India and from the state government to allow process of justice, they don’t allow these processes to function as a normal process where accountability can be created so they have given absolute impunity to armed forces and there is no deterrence and therefore these crimes are getting repeated again and again,” he maintained.

“So, his killing was actually the trigger that became the reason for the summer uprising,” he added.

Noted journalist and editor Najeeb Mubarki said that Kashmir is a cotton balefire, where enforced ‘normality’ never douses the smouldering embers and which only needs a spark to rage once again.

“Tufail’s killing in 2010 was one such spark, there have been others since and, given the fact of neither the political conflict being resolved or even the killers being ever given punishment, unfortunately, there will be other such sparks in the form of killings or other abuses. But Tufail also became a symbol, that of Kashmiri youngsters being killed by a brutal military regime calling itself a democracy and of a younger generation becoming the spearhead of resistance against the state of utter brutality,” said Mubarki.

Ashraf said, “When 120 youth were killed after my son’s killing, the parents of those youth decide not to fight the case because they were aware that they will not get the justice from the government. I decided to fight the case as I was believing and I was a staunch supporter of democracy…Today when they meet me, I told them that your decision of not fighting the case was right as justice seems to be elusive to me as well,” he said.

Referring to notes from his son’s case file, Ashraf said that it takes a lot of time for the common people to even register an FIR.

“Our application was rejected by the Police and they accepted it only after court’s direction and when it comes to probing, they do it in a way that culprits are saved and the court hearings are stretched so long that the victim gets exhausted and he ultimately gives-up the case” he explained.

“Investigation in Kashmir is a cruel joke; they do it to hush-up the case that is why I rejected the recommendations of the Justice Koul Commission of Inquiry, which had recommended a CBI investigation into the killing,” he said.

“I am the father of the victim and the points I had raised in my letter before the (Koul) commission were not even touched and thus the real perpetrators had been let off,” he alleged.

He is buried at two places, his body is buried at martyrs graveyard in the old city and the fragments of his brain that lay scattered on the ground were gathered by locals and buried nearby. “This haunts me all the time,” says Ashraf.


Sunday, June 8, 2025

Janata Ki Baat, Patrika Ke Saath

Public Patrika
Address: Bihar Arwal , Patna New City, India, 804402
Mob: 079821 35880
e-mail: publicpatrika1213@gmail.com


Public Patrika 

Install new version of Google

Google is an essential tool for quick results & personalised content. I appreciate it's powerful search engine, making it easy to stay informed. The integration with other helpful Google Services like Gmail, Drive, Maps, News, Photos, Meet, Pay, Gemini & many more, making it seamless & everyday life easier on the go. However, I have some concerns about data & privacy about how it is collected. Overall, I believe it's an incredible resource for learning & productivity, as long as users are aware.

You can install or update your Google search application from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox


Saturday, June 7, 2025

All India Progressive Farmers Alliance (AIPFA)

India is a predominantly agricultural country, with farmers constituting 50% of its population. The issues faced by the farmers range from state to state and crop to crop, but in general, procurement of produce, fluctuating market prices, and production losses due to the vagaries of nature are the most potent issues that lead to agitations and suicide deaths among farmers. 

In addition, the lack of timely credit from the institutions, leading to higher-cost private loans, spurious inputs that fail crops, and a poor social security net, are the key concerns. But their issues and agenda remain largely unattended, even though various farmer groups and social and political outfits do voice their concerns. 

Medicinal plants of Kashmir

Attn:-  FPO/FPC/Cooperative societies/NGOs/Farmers

The  Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal herbs & fruit plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution.

Availability : Planting materials/seeds
Apple, Apricort, Kiwi, Goji berry, Ginkgo biloba, Almond, Peach, Pear, Elderberry, Howthorne berry , Hazel tree, Zaitoon, Sweet Chestnut, Walnut seed fruit plants are available
Spices : Chilli, Saffron, Garlic, wild Garlic
Fruit : Sweet Chestnut, Hazelnut, Chilgoza pine
Berries : Howthorne berry, Red Gojiberry, Black Gojiberry..
Minerals : Shilajit (Mount Atai)
 
Write us at : jkmpic@gmail.com
Home: https://jkmpic.blogspot.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB 40 GPO Srinagar Kashmir JK 19 0001
WhatsApp: 9858986794

Organized efforts at the national and state levels for setting their agenda, coordination across groups, and taking up research-based advocacy for farmers have been lacking for a long time. 

ICFA has been organizing meetings of farmer bodies from time to time, and with that experience, it has created the All India Farmers Alliance to take on board all the key farmer organizations towards addressing the long-felt need. AIPFA has about 30 farmer organizations out of 40 or more significant entities working on a national level. AIPFA intends to broaden its ambit to include more organizations working on various levels for farmers. AIPFA has a national convener and four regional conveners, and its board includes representatives from all major farmer associations. 

Organizations interested in joining this Alliance may contact us.

The Story Behind Ginkgo Gulzar: Kashmir’s Green Sanctuary

Ginkgo Gulzar

Ginkgo Gulzar" most likely refers to Sheikh Gulzar, a renowned figure in the world of medicinal plants, particularly known for his work with Ginkgo biloba in disputed state of Kashmir. He is the Head of the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre.

Here's what's known about Sheikh Gulzar's connection to ginkgo:

Expert on Ginkgo biloba:

Ginkgo Gulzar is deeply involved in the study and cultivation of Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, in the Kashmir region.

Promoting Ginkgo's benefits:

He is known for sharing his knowledge and insights into the medicinal properties of ginkgo, particularly its potential for improving memory and focus.

Ginkgo House:

His work is based at "Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre" in Pampore, Southeren Kashmir, which is the location of the Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre.

Public figures:

He is a well-known figure in Kashmir, frequently sharing his thoughts and information about medicinal plants and their use, including on LinkedIn.

He is also known for promoting the use of ginkgo tea as a natural way to boost memory and focus.

In essence, "Ginkgo Gulzar" is used to identify and associate Sheikh Gulzar with his expertise and work on Ginkgo biloba, particularly in the context of Kashmir's medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.

Experience Kashmir Through Its Farms: A New Way to Travel

Agro Tourism in Kashmir is an emerging and promising sector that combines agriculture with tourism, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle, farming activities, and natural beauty of the region. With its scenic valleys, diverse flora, and rich cultural heritage, Kashmir is ideally suited for agro-tourism development.
Himalayan Herbal Resorts Srinagar


Where Nature Meets Agriculture: Agro-Tourism in Kashmir

Ferula communis in Kashmir—also known as Giant Fennel—is a tall, aromatic herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia, including the Himalayan regions. In Kashmir, it is gaining attention both for its striking visual presence and its traditional medicinal value.

Ferula communis in Kashmir
Botanical Name: Ferula communis
Common Name: Giant Fennel

Local Significance : Though not as widely cultivated, it grows in sunny, dry alpine zones and is part of Kashmir’s diverse medicinal and wild flora.

Visual Beauty : Towering yellow umbels and thick, hollow stems make it a scenic plant, often compared to natural sculptures. It stands out dramatically against Kashmir’s rolling hills and meadows.

Availability : 50, 100, 250 seeds pkt
WhatsApp : +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com


Friday, June 6, 2025

Top Environmental Funding Opportunities in India

Explore the latest environmental grants and funding programs available in India for 2025. From climate resilience to biodiversity conservation, these opportunities are ideal for NGOs, social enterprises, and grassroots initiatives driving sustainable change.
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Environmental Funding Opportunities in India
More info : https://ebooks.fundsforngospremium.com/top-environmental-funding-opportunities-in-india-download-ebook/

Elderberr cultivation in cool regions of India

The  Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal herbs & fruit plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution.

AppleApricortKiwiGoji berryGinkgo bilobaAlmondPeachPearElderberryHowthorne berry , Hazel treeZaitoonWalnut seed fruit plants are available 

Write us at : jkmpic@gmail.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB 40 GPO Srinagar kASHMIR JK 190001
WhatsApp: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705

Why the World Trusts Pakistan for Genuine Himalayan Salt

Pakistan is the world's largest exporter of Himalayan salt, primarily sourced from the Khewra Salt Mine, one of the oldest and second-largest salt mines globally. This mine produces the distinctive pink Himalayan salt, renowned for its unique color and mineral content.

According to trade data, Pakistan leads the world in Himalayan salt exports, accounting for approximately 878% of the global market share. From November 2023 to December 2024, Pakistan exported 13,789 shipments of Himalayan salt, marking a 18% growth compared to the previous year. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Writer-South Asia)

Wild Beauty: The Untamed Plants of Kashmir’s Forests

Heeng in KASHMIR
Ferula asafoetida, commonly known as asafoetida, is a plant that produces a resin used as a spice and medicinalherb. The seeds of Ferula asafoetida are not commonly used; it's primarily the gum resin that is valued. 

Asafoetida has a strong, pungent aroma and is used in various cuisines, especially in Indian cooking, for its unique flavor and digestive benefits.

The resin is typically ground into a powder and added to dishes in small amounts. It's known for its ability to add a savory, umami quality to food, somewhat akin to garlic or onion but with a distinct flavor profile. In addition to its culinary uses, asafoetida has been used in traditional medicine for its purported digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you're interested in growing Ferula asafoetida or using its seeds, they would need to be sown in a well-drained soil and require a sunny location. However, it's more common to purchase the resin or powdered form rather than working with the seeds directly.

Availability: 25,50, 100 seeds pkt
WhatsApp: +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, Kashmir, Jk 190001

Amnesty for All: A Step Toward Global Justice

Amnesty  International 
Amnesty International is a global human rights organization that advocates for a world where everyone enjoys human rights. They work to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, focusing on areas like the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of expression, and freedom from discrimination. Amnesty International supports international justice mechanisms like the International Criminal Court and calls for national governments to address impunity and ensure justice, truth, and reparation for victims of human rights violations

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Kashmir to Middle East: Trade Ties Strengthening Through Exports

In a first, Indian Airlines on Saturday ferried 151 tonnes of cherries, 7 tonnes of Shilajit, 5100 kg of Saffron, 11 tonnes of medicinal herbs from directly Kashmir to Middle Eastern countries. The move has brought smiles to growers in Kashmir, whose produce will now reach middle east countries in just 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Remembering Aryan Razdan: A Bright Kashmiri Soul Gone Too Soon

Remembering Aryan Razdan: A Bright Kashmiri Soul Gone Too Soon

By: Abdul Qayoom Ganie
Aryan Razdan, a 19-year-old Kashmiri Pandit student from Budgam, tragically died by suicide on May 19, 2025, in his hostel room at Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali. He was a second-semester BBA student.

According to reports, Aryan was caught using his mobile phone during an examination. Following this incident, he returned to his hostel room, where he was later found hanging. Police investigations revealed the presence of anti-depressant medications in his room, suggesting he may have been experiencing mental health challenges.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has raised serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Aryan's death. They allege that Aryan faced severe mental harassment by college authorities after the cheating incident, which may have contributed to his decision to take his own life. Furthermore, JKSA claims that Aryan's hostel room was cleaned before police arrived, and his mobile phone and laptop were taken without the family's knowledge, raising suspicions of evidence tampering. The association has called for a transparent and time-bound investigation into the matter.
This incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the need for educational institutions to provide adequate mental health support to students. It also underscores the importance of ensuring fair and compassionate treatment of students facing disciplinary actions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it's crucial to seek help. In India, you can contact the iCall helpline at +91 9152987821 or the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860 266 2345. Remember, you're not alone, and support is available.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Afghanistan soil should not be used against Pakistan by Indian proxy groups.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday (13th of the twin month) stressed the need for wider cooperation with the Islamic Emirate and warned that Afghan soil should not be used against Pakistan by Indian proxy.

According to Pakistani media reports; He made these remarks during his visit to Peshawar with Pakistani generals and senior government officials.

Senior Federal Security and Defense Ministers and ISI Chief were accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir in this trip.

Pakistan's Prime Minister in his speech to a gathering of prominent tribal leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stressed Pakistan's firm resolve to eradicate "expatriotic and Indian-backed terrorist groups".

He said in the meeting: "The bravery, determination and undefeated spirit of Pashtuns is a proud page of our national history. "He called on the tribal leaders to unite to expose and break down extremist ideologies."

Shahbaz Sharif also promised in this assembly that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be maintained "at any cost" and asked the youth of this state to play a constructive role in promoting national unity, development and stability of Pakistan.

The Islamic Emirate has not yet said anything about Shahbaz Sharif's statements.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Seeds from Hiroshima atomic bomb ‘survivor trees’ planted at Kashmir

JK SeedBank  and Arboretum has received ginkgo,seeds from trees that withstood the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as part of a project to raise second-generation hibaku (survivor) trees around the world as symbols of peace.
Availability: Ginkgo trees/cuttings
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com


 

 

Kashmir: First Parcel Train with 24 Tonnes of Cherries Departs for Mumbai

https://jkmpic.blogspot.com
SRINAGAR: A parcel train carrying 24 tonnes of fresh cherries departed from Katra station in Jammu and Kashmir to Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus on Saturday, in what the Northern Railway’s Jammu division described as a “historic” initiative, according to media reports.

The refrigerated parcel van, attached to a goods train, is expected to reach Mumbai within 30 hours. The dispatch was originally scheduled for June 3 but was advanced to accommodate two additional loading requests, one from Katra and another from Jammu station in the coming days.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said the move followed extensive coordination among railway authorities, fruit growers’ associations, and the horticulture department. He termed the departure of the first cherry-laden train as a significant step in boosting freight connectivity for the region’s perishable produce.

Fruit growers in Kashmir welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the Kashmir Valley would soon be directly connected to the railway network, allowing seamless transport of perishable goods to key markets.

For years, cherry growers have relied on costly air cargo due to the fruit’s short shelf life. This rail-based transport method, now formally initiated through a VP (parcel van) indent, provides a more affordable alternative, potentially expanding market access for small and marginal growers.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

The Ultimate Kashmir Houseboat Directory: Where to Stay on Dal & Nigeen Lakes


Kashmir's houseboats are a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and natural beauty, offering a serene experience on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. Here are some visual highlights and resources to explore these floating marvels:

Visual Highlights of Kashmir Houseboats
1. Traditional Wooden Architecture
Kashmiri houseboats are renowned for their intricate wooden carvings and traditional designs. These structures often feature:

Boats Geek

Carved Cedar Wood : Exteriors adorned with detailed patterns.
Walnut Wood Furniture: Handcrafted interiors showcasing local artistry.
Khatamband Ceilings: Geometric wooden patterns unique to Kashmiri design.

2. Scenic Backdrops
Set against the majestic Himalayas, these houseboats offer picturesque views:
Spacious Bedrooms: Often equipped with en-suite bathrooms.

Dining Areas: Serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine.
Sun Decks: Perfect for enjoying sunrise and sunset views.

This directory provides detailed listings of houseboats categorized by location and type. It includes information such as the name of the houseboat, owner's name, location, category, Ph, e-mail  addresses..

Kashmir Houseboat Directory is must for every business house, travel portal, public sector, export/import houses, govt. establishment, travel agents & tour operators and general discerning traveler.

These resources provide a comprehensive visual journey through the enchanting world of Kashmir's houseboats, reflecting both their cultural significance and the serene beauty they offer to visitors.

Pricing : INR : 5500 (Available in e-mail format)

WhatsApp: 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com