Zurimanz gaining popularity as tourist hotspot in J-K’s Bandipora



International Desk, Barta24.com
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Zurimanz, though obscure to most of the world until recently, has been making headlines nowadays. It has become a new tourist hotspot in Kashmir, captivating both locals and non-locals alike.

Zurimanz village is located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district which is also known as Bangladesh. Zurimanz is blessed with an enchanting natural beauty that captivates visitors upon arrival. It is the birthplace of the separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, the village offers breathtaking vistas of mountains and lush green valleys. The tranquil atmosphere and the refreshing cool breeze provide a respite from the chaos of daily life.

Situated directly on the banks of the famous Wular Lake, Zurimanz offers unparalleled access to this natural wonder. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lake’s tranquil atmosphere, indulge in boating and fishing activities, or simply relax while gazing at the shimmering waters. The proximity to the lake ensures that visitors can fully appreciate its beauty and partake in various recreational opportunities.

The captivating beauty of Zurimanz’s natural surroundings makes it an idyllic destination for nature lovers and photographers. Tourists can explore Wular Lake, which offers boating opportunities.

Zurimanz is deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture, and its inhabitants take great pride in preserving their heritage. The locals warmly welcome visitors, eager to share their customs, traditions, and folklore. The village serves as a cultural hub, where visitors can witness the richness of Kashmiri traditions firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Recognizing the growing interest in Zurimanz, the district administration has worked to develop the necessary infrastructure to accommodate tourists. Several homestays have been established to provide comfortable accommodations for visitors, allowing them to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

The availability of amenities and accommodations has made Zurimanz a more accessible and welcoming destination for travellers, further contributing to its popularity.

“As Zurimanz gains popularity as a tourist hotspot, the local community and authorities have taken proactive measures to ensure sustainable tourism practices. Efforts are underway to promote responsible travel, emphasizing the need to preserve the fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region. ” said an official

Zurimanz boasts an exquisite natural landscape that enthrals tourists. The village is enveloped by rolling hills and picturesque meadows. This pristine environment attracts nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists who yearn for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Zurmunz provides ample opportunities for adventure and recreation. The vast expanse of Wular Lake invites water sports enthusiasts to indulge in activities such as boating. Additionally, fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the abundant waters of the lake.

“District administration should also work to develop Zurmunz in a way that offers to non-local tourists a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. The villagers should be encouraged to adorn the village with traditional Kashmiri architecture, reflecting the local customs and traditions, where visitors can engage with the warm and hospitable locals, savour authentic Kashmiri cuisine, and experience the region’s vibrant culture through art, music, and handicrafts.” a local said.

Irfan Rasool (IFS), Conservator of Forests, said, “Zurmunz and its surroundings are teeming with rich biodiversity and vibrant wildlife. The Wular Lake is a haven for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The area is home to numerous avian species. Nature enthusiasts can explore the region’s diverse flora and fauna”

“Just a few years down the line Zurmunz was unknown and obscure, but with the constant efforts of the District administration, the place is becoming a tourist hotspot now. The administration is relentlessly working to build the infrastructure and other necessary facilities in the area in order to attract more tourists to Zurmunz,” he added

 

   

Hamas says 'yes' to Gaza ceasefire



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
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Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt. But so far nothing has been reported from Israel in this regard. They are looking into the matter.

On Monday (May 6), Qatar-based media Al Jazeera reported this information.

According to a statement by Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the head of Hamas' political wing, Ismail Haniya, called Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and informed him that Hamas had approved the proposal for a ceasefire agreement. Ismail Hania also said the same thing to the Minister of Intelligence of Egypt, Abbas Kamal.

Meanwhile, the residents of Gaza expressed joy at the news of Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire.

It should be noted that at least 34 thousand 737 people have been killed and 78 thousand 108 people have been injured in the Israeli attack on Gaza since October 7. And the number of dead in Israel is 1 thousand 139 people.

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Campuses can be battlegrounds around graduation ceremonies in the United States



International Desk, Barta24.com,Dhaka
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Protests against the Israeli attack on Gaza have erupted in several US universities. The student protests there have entered their second week. Last Saturday (May 4), police arrested at least 25 more pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Virginia.

Al-Jazeera reported that more than two and a half thousand students have been arrested from campuses across the United States. In the meantime, graduation ceremony in universities is approaching.

It is feared that various university campuses in the United States may turn into battlefields around graduation ceremonies in the coming days.

At 47 US universities, students are protesting against Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza. This protest has been going on since April 17. Since the beginning, the police have used excessive force to suppress this peaceful protest.

In this way, the rights activists protested the suppression of the protest and the arrest of the protesting students. They demanded to ensure the freedom of expression of the students.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for the end of this week at four universities hit by protests. The event is scheduled to take place this month or next June at several other universities, including New York's Columbia University, the epicenter of the protests.

The university authorities fear that the protesting students may disrupt the graduation ceremony. For this reason, the authorities are taking initiatives to strengthen the security system.

The protesting students have threatened that if their demands are not met, they are thinking of alternative programs including boycotting these events and walking out of the venue. In such circumstances, some universities have canceled these programs. Some are procrastinating.

The peaceful protests at the University of Virginia continued until Saturday morning. At that time a video spread among the students. In the video, police are seen detaining some protesting students from the campus lawn.

Apart from this, the police are using chemical sprays to quell the protests. After that the protest turned into a riot.

In a statement, University President Jim Ryan said that the protesters were detained when campus security informed the police that they would be protesting in tents last Friday night. However, it is not clear how many university students are among those detained.

Pro-Palestinians protest in front of the stage at the graduation ceremony at the University of Michigan. But this protest was peaceful. Campus police quickly surrounded the protesters and escorted them to the back of the stadium. But dozens of students dressed in flags, kaffiahs and graduation caps staged a university graduation ceremony.

A day later, Northeastern University and Ohio State University were supposed to hold the closing ceremony on Sunday, but the commencement ceremony was disrupted.

Meanwhile, apart from the United States, this protest has now spread to new countries. Students from France, UK, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, India, Lebanon, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Mexico have come to protest for the Palestinians.

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Israel launched a ground attack in Rafah amid ceasefire talks



International Desk, Barta24.com, Dhaka
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Israel launched a ground attack in Rafah in the midst of Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks in Gaza.

A delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas is in the Egyptian capital for ceasefire and prisoner-release talks. Sources said Ceasefire talks have progressed.

International media Al Jazeera reported in a report that despite the negotiations, Israel continued its ground attack on Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday to meet with mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States to negotiate a 40-day ceasefire, according to reports published by the United Kingdom.

The talks are at a critical stage, sources told Al Jazeera, as a Qatari technical team is working out the details of a potential deal with the Egyptians.

As technical teams indicate, we are moving into the operational side of a deal. They are monitoring the issues in detail in this agreement.

A senior Hamas spokesman, Osama Hamdan, told Al Jazeera, "It is clear that we are moving forward. There are some good points.

"So far we are still talking about the main issue, which is a complete ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza," he said. We hope to find some good and positive answers today.

Israel said it will continue to attack Rafah despite talk of a possible deal with Hamas. UN agencies and aid groups have long warned that the ground operation would spell disaster for the 15 lakh people taking refuge there.

Hamdan said, "Unfortunately, Netanyahu has made a clear statement that no matter what happens, if there is a ceasefire or not, he will continue to attack." That means there will be no ceasefire, and that means that the offensive will continue.

Al Jazeera's Ahlbara said the talks were focused on convincing Hamas that it should refrain from demanding a permanent ceasefire from Israel during the first phase of the deal because it is unlikely to happen.

On October 7, Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,100 people. During this time, more than 240 people were captured by Hamas.

Later, more than 34,600 Palestinians have died in Israel's attack on Gaza. More than 70 percent of Palestinian territory has been reduced to rubble, pushing the region toward famine.

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Attacks on environmental journalists are on the rise worldwide: UN



News Desk, Barta24.com
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According to a recently published report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, 44 environmental journalists from 15 countries around the world lost their lives in violent attacks from 2009 to 2023; And 24 people managed to return alive.

This information was reported in the report of the news agency Reuters on Friday (May 3).

According to the report, attacks on environmental journalists are increasing around the world. UNESCO representatives interviewed 905 environmental journalists from 129 countries to prepare the report.

In the interview, 749 out of 905 journalists (more than 70 percent) said that they had to face physical attacks or intimidation, threats, and pressure at some point in their lives to perform their professional duties. Many have also had to deal with the legal problems of detention and defamation cases.

Analyzing the cases of assault-harassment, it has been found that the cases of physical assault have occurred more among male journalists. On the other hand, women journalists are more victims of harassment.

Journalists have been attacked and harassed while reporting on various environmental issues. These issues include various mining irregularities, land tenure conflicts, deforestation, extreme weather related disasters, pollution and environmental damage, fossil fuel sector and its trade etc.

All of these attacks and harassment have come from individuals and groups associated with the power structure of the state. In this context, the UNESCO report said, 'Police, army, government officials and employees, people of local government authorities are responsible for these attacks and harassment. 

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