State

Ishtiyaq Ahmed Bhat– A blind youth breaking internet with his melodious singing

Umaisar Gull Ganie

(Asian News Hub) – Ishtiyaq Ahmed Bhat, 24, from Buchoo area of Kokernag belt of Anantnag in South Kashmir could not even see his dreams coming true, as he was born without eyesight to poor parents in the small hamlet.

Though to many brave people who defy all the odds, the roads do not end with a physical disability and Ishtiyaq is one of those people, who overcame many obstacles to achieve their goals.

Ishtiyaq is earning a name through his golden voice on the internet. His videos are going viral on social media and people are praising him for his splendid singing abilities.

Ishtiyaq spoke to the news agency—KNO over the phone. While remembering his struggle, he said, “‘At a young age it seemed impossible for me to do anything, but my parents supported me and helped me throughout my life, they did whatever I sought.”

“I quit studies at the age of fourteen,” he said. “I come from a poor family, it was impossible for me to continue pursuing education. I already was a burden to my parents. I quit studies and soon I realised I was born with a melodious voice.”

Ishtiyaq says he has received a little help from the Government. “I only get a Rs 1000 per month from the Social Welfare Department, but other than that, I have received no help from anyone.”

From being a bathroom singer and a street hummer, he nowadays uploads his songs to his YouTube channel, Raja Sonu- The Morning star.

“I have received no training from anyone. I listen to YouTube songs and later copy it,” Ishtiyaq said.

He said that he always had a dream to play the harmonium, but due to poverty, he could not buy any instruments. “I only have a mic system, which was purchased by my poor parents.”

“It is not impossible for anyone including the blind to pursue any dream. Though I have not achieved a lot, I can proudly say I am on the way to pursue my dream,” Ishtiyaq said.

He said that he expects that the Government will help emerging talent like him and many others from Kashmir.

State

‘Militant associate’ arrested in Kupwara; 10 grenades, 182 bullets recovered

(Asian News Hub) – Army and police have recovered ten grenades and 182 rounds of Ak-47 rifle from a militant associate who was arrested in Kralpora area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, official sources said on Tuesday.

They said army 160 Territorial Army and SOG Kralpora arrested the “militant associate” Abdul Ahad Lone based on specific information. “10 grenades and 182 Ak-47 rounds” have been recovered from his possession.They said middle-aged man was associated with Al-Badr formerly.

A police officer confirmed the arrest and said that further investigations are underway.

GNS

State

Three unidentified militants killed in Anantnag

(Asian News Hub) – Three unidentified militants have been killed in an encounter that raged between government forces and militants in Vailoo area of Kokernag belt in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday.

A senior police officer told that three unidentified militants have been killed whose identification is being ascertained while as operation is on in the area.

He said the militants turned down repeated surrender offers given to them by government forces.

Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 19 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

Pertinently, 46 militants have been killed in J&K so far this year and most of them belong to Shopian district.

KNO

State

Militant killed in an ongoing encounter at Anantnag

(Asian News Hub) – One militant has been killed in an ongoing encounter that raged between government forces and militants in Vailoo area of Kokernag belt in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday.

A senior police officer told that one militant has been killed whose identification is being ascertained while as operation is on in the area.

Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 19 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

Pertinently, 44 militants have been killed in J&K so far this year and most of them belong to Shopian district.

KNO