ATHWAJAN
Hong Kong based activist Shristi Bakshi, culminated her 3800 kilometre journey by foot in Kashmir’s DPS School. She started walking Kanyakumari. The walk was aimed to mobilize communities to make India safer for girls and women. Aided by her team, the project ‘Crossbow Miles’ involves conducting workshops for girls, women, police, Zilla Parishad on digital and financial literacy, health, hygiene and sanitation, leadership, knowing one’s rights and gender sensitization.
POONCH
Often cases involving forces personnels die their own death in military courts. But in a rare case, three CRPF personnel posted at Jammu’s Bantalab were suspended over rape of a 24-year-old woman inside the camp. In her complaint the victim has stated that she was taken inside the CRPF camp by three personnels when she lost her way in Jammu. There one of CRPF men raped her while other two filmed entire assault on phone. Later, they threatened her to upload the video on social media if she informs police. But she complained after the video was uploaded on a social networking site.
TURKEWANGAM
There been an alarming rise in number of civilians shot dead by government forces near encounter sites in recent times. The latest victim was Class 9 student Umar Kumar, who was shot in the chest, after protests broke out near encounter site in Shopian village. During his funeral Umar’s elder sister displayed his school uniform, which was then laid over his body before he was buried.
KATHUA
After rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, Kathua is once again in news for all the wrong reasons. In a short video clip, Liyakat Ali son of Munair Hussain, was seen stabbed to death as two groups clashed in Billawar College, Kathua. Ali was rushed to the nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead by the doctors. The two accused Abhisheikh Sharma and Honey Khajuria have been arrested.
DODA
When teacher of Kulsoom Bano, 12, a student of Haji Public School in Doda, twitted a picture of her essay, she had no idea what will happen next. The message was re-tweeted by school’s director who tagged Harry Potter author JK Rowling. To everyone’s surprise Rowling not only responded but asked for Kulsoom’s address so that she can send her a gift.
KASHMIR
April 2018 was one of the bloodiest months in Kashmir’s recent history with 51 killings including 20 militants, 18 civilians, 10 army men and 2 Para soldiers and a policeman.
The first day of the month claimed 20 lives: 13 militants, 3 army men and 4 civilians. Also April witnessed record number of shutdowns and strikes including a five-day shutdown by Joint Resistance Leadership against civilian killings in Kachdoora. Interestingly Shopian district remained shut for 13 consecutive days against the bloodbath of two Shopian villages. Besides, different district headquarters and towns remained shut for a total of 27 times.
