Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust, Kargil, Ladhak, Jammu & Kashmir

Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust. Kargil, Ladhak, Kashmir. 

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Kargil, Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir, Kargil, the remotest district of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir State, comprises of approximately 125,000 people, 85% of which belong to the Shia Muslims. The position of Kargil can be well judged by the fact that it became known to many of the people after the Kargil-war. In such a state of backwardness, Kargil was groping. The Shia Muslims of this area through stricken with poverty and very weak economically, have been living a very simple but honest, loyal and God fearing life. Kargil is educationally a backward district but surprisingly enough as far the number of religious Maulanas is concerned in proportion to its population, it tops the list in the whole country. But Maulanas being not conversant with modern education remained confined to their own limited areas. It was a time when the religious Maulanas were against modern education, thinking it harmful to religion. But Maulana Iftikhar Ansari had different views. During my interview Maulana Iftikhar Ansari said that my father started to introduce modern education but other Maulvis were against. Thanks to the victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran which brought about tremendous changes in the thinking of the people throughout the world emancipating them from narrow mindedness, pessimism and superstition etc. enlightened and inspired by the glorious

By the Islamic Revolution a private school namely Shaheed Mutahhary Public School was established under the guidance of a religious Ulema who though belong to a poor family but being overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility, took bold step without caring the ridicules and criticism of the people. The step, taken with a sincere and selfless motive, took no time to become a focus of attention and attraction of all types of society. Islamic studies is taught right from primary to high classes.

Kargil District is cut of area from the world. The only road that connects with Kasmir District is open only for 4 to 5 months. The rest of the month is closed because of the danger sand and snow avalanche close the dangerous road Zoji la. This road is the only means to supply all basic needs of the people like vegetable, consumer items, medicine, etc.etc. Because it is mainly Shia Muslim dominated area, less attention is given to development of the country although Kargil is pro India Government, and they do not believe in Pakistani dominated Azadi of Kashmir. Kargili believe that that does not fulfill the interest of citizen of Jammu & Kashmir.

KARGILI SHIA: The profound influence the clergy wields over the community is more starkly visible in Shia dominated Kargil, a geographically isolated area , 205 Kms north of Srinagar.  Here clergy continues to shape the destiny of people. The spectacular rise of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), a voluntary organization comprising mostly youth had created an upheaval of sorts for the socio-political order of the desolate and impoverished district of Kashmir nestled in Himalayas.

Influenced by the Islamic Revolution of Iran, IKMT embarked on an ambitious plan to intervene in the socio- economic life of the people by introducing variety of programmes ranging from water shed management to modern education and even an Islamic bank.

It also became active in the local politics.  2001 census threw up a new reality. Ladhak known as Buddhist land the world over suddenly was transformed into a Muslim majority area with 52 percent population subscribing to Islam. With eighty five percent of Muslims in Kargil adhering to the Shia faith, the community now had a decisive say in the political affairs of the whole of Ladakh region.

The rise of Buddhist movement in Leh and adjoining areas demanding separation from Muslim Kashmir kindled a political awakening in an otherwise docile population of Kargil further strengthening the support base for the IKMT.  IKMT dominated the first Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council created by the government for running the regions affairs.

The traditional clergy, increasingly marginalised  by this new and seemingly revolutionary fervor gripping the local youth, saw it as a challenge to its established hegemony over the community and began opposing it. Their hold over the populace to steer it in a particular direction, for example at an election time, began to slip and the course of events began increasingly to be determined by the youth influenced by the revolution.

This signified a major divide in the Shia community in Kargil already deeply entrenched over doctrinal matters like on the issue of Taqleed (6). While Imam Khomeini Trust, comprising of Iranian educated young clerics, followed Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini on the issue of jurisprudence, 40 year old Islamia School Trust followed Iraq based Ayatollah Abol Kasim al Khoe and today Ayatullah Sistani; Khomeni’s contemporary who opposed the concept of Vilayat-e-Faqih, (Rule of Islamic Jurists) as propounded by the latter.

There have been consistent efforts from well meaning people to bring the warring factions together but only with limited success.  The divisions on religio-political basis are exploited to the hilt by interested national and regional political parties, negating the benefits of new demographic realities.  The district’s proximity to the Line of Control that divides Kargil from its parent region, Baltistan now in Pakistani control, is another major reason for the regions backwardness.  The population is outnumbered by the military as the district lies on the strategic fault line between India and Pakistan thus mired in political uncertainty.

As it is, the Shia community in Kashmir had been suffering discrimination on innumerable counts including on account of its pro-Pakistan leanings in the post 1947 period.  Any advances made by the community can be attributed to universalizing of state-sponsored education, a less discriminatory recruitment system to government services, and the individual efforts of artisans and craftsmen who have struggled hard for a semblance of economic well-being.  The socio-economic condition of the community can best be gauged by the backwardness and misery in Bemina and around the Dal Lake, predominantly Shia areas in the middle of a bustling growing city. Though a gradual change is discernable now, the residue of the past, where the community, particularly in the rural areas, bore the brunt of government neglect, is still starkly visible.
In Kargil-war Indian and Pakistan war, Kargili defended their country supporting Indian Army, thus Indian could maintain victory against Pakistani. Today Kargil District of Jammu & Kashmir is peaceful place with security than Srinagar. music at night.” Sheikh Mohammed Hussein (Zakiri).

“But the point that tortures us mentally as well as spiritually is that after passing matriculation, these innocent and immature students are bound to seek admission in different schools mostly out of district, in cities like Jammu, away from their homes, without any guide. It has been experienced and observed that these youngsters fall prey to self-interested and wicked people who under proper planning, use every kind of devices to drag them into such gatherings and parties of boys and girls who are prepared for dance and music at night.” Sheikh Mohammed Hussein (Zakiri).
Zakiri ads "Before I die I want to see two things in my life. 1. To build and establish Imambargah in Kargil, that can fulfill the needs of Shia Communities in the absence of Imam Mahdi a.s. 2. Boys and Girls Hostel in Jammu to protect our Shia outsprings from Hinduand Buddhist influence.

Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust is working in different field of Kargil District. IKMT is run by Intellectuals, Civil Servents, Doctors, Politicians and Accountants. Majority of intellectuals and youths support the organization morally. They see the organization the hope and future of Shia Community of Kargil that is isolated from the world. It has different wings namely;

Brother Asgar Ali Karbalaie is the hope of thousands of Shia Youths in Jammu & Kashmir. Brother Asgar Ali Karbalaie former Chairman/Chief Excutive Coucillor Ladhakh Autonomus Hill Dev. Council of Kargil.
 

He is the personality in Jammu & Kashmir who devoted his whole life to Unite Shia Communities and work for the development of areas where Shia Community live. Brother Ali Asgar Karbalaie is facing lots of challenges from different Shia groups who think by awakening the Shia communities can be dangerous. Brother Ali Asgar Karbalaie is Founder Member & Trustee of Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust, Kargil. Founder member & patrol of Mutahhary EDucational Society, Kargil.
Email: aakarbalai@gmail.com.

Azadari in second coldest place in the world
By: Sajjad Kargili

KARGIL: The procession of Ashura was held with full zeal and zest by all the people of Kargil. The participants recited Nohay and did chest beating. The 10th Muharram procession organized by Imam Khomayni Memorial Trust (IKMT) Kargil held at Public Park where IKMT had established procession terminus. From Islamia School the procession started walking towards Qatligah Hussaini. After reciting Ziyarat-e-Ashura, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai addressed to all the participants and threw light on the philosophy of Ashura-e-Husaini (A.S) and also on the Mission of Imam Hussain (A.S.)

In his speech, he stressed the world community to follow the message of Imam Hussain (A.S.). Mr. Karbalaie while speaking on Kashmir issue said that we support the recommendation of Justice Sageer Committee report of non-dividing of the state and also rejection of U.T. Status to Ladakh. He stressed upon the Government, Ladakh though, the third region of the state, should be given third provincial status with all financial and administrative powers, beside this he said on quite diplomacy issue that the people of Kargil shall be taken into confidence, said Mr.Karbalaie.

1. Mottahari Public School and Muttahari Hight School, Kargil.

http://www.meskargil.com/contactus.php 

Schools were opened by the state Govt. after independence to impart education to the children of this frontier district but the logistical constraints and inability to get qualified teaching staff were the major road blocks for achieving the goals. The age old tribal mindset was also a factor for classical approach of the society towards education. This along with misconceived propagation of a section of half learned clergy that modern education contradicts the Islamic way was factor depriving the masses of education particularly the female child. The status of education upto 1980s remained very grim.



Cautioned by this alarming situation a batch of youth, imaginative and dedicated people headed by spiritual leader rose to the occasion to take the challenge head on. They founded an educational institution with the name and inspiration from great Islamic scholar Murtaza Mutahhary. They formed a core group and assigned themselves the following task:-
1.    To raise the standard of education by imparting quality education and for this purpose to set up a network of standard schools in the district for modern education alongside Islamic teachings.
2.    To promote awareness among local population as well as the clergy community about the need of Modern Education along with religious knowledge.

SETTING UP THE 1ST MUTAHHARY PRIMARY SCHOOL AT KARGIL:-

The Ist project was a humble beginning in this direction starting a junior school with the name & style “Mutahhary Public School Kargil” in the heart of Kargil town in 1984.

The initial response was very encouraging. But the resource were very meager at this stage. Some educationist and teachers came forward with their selfless and voluntary services. With their co-operation the institution grew on expected lines and the school was recognized by the state Govt. upto primary level.

The students of first batch has now attained administrative and professional positions after excellence in their academic carrier. The school which is situated in heart of the town of Kargil has presently having roll of more then 300 students both boys and girls covering from LKG to 7th standard. There are 15 teaching staff including the principal besides non teaching staff. Today apart from the school it runs a full fledged High School in the District Head quarter.

For More Information visit Photo Gallery:

http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/MuttahariPublicSchoolKargil#

MUTAHHARY SCHOOL and Branches in different Areas:
By the year 2009, the MES Kargil manages Mutahhary School branches and affiliated schools at the following locations/villages of the district.
1. Mutahhary Public High School Kargil.
2. Mutahhary Public Primary School Kargil.

3. Mutahhary Public High School Baroo.
4. Mutahhary Public High School Baroo Colony.
5. Mutahhary Public School Goma Kargil.
6. Mutahhary Public School Pashkum.
7. Mutahhary Public School Saliskote.
8. Mutahhary Public School Kanoor.
9. Mutahhary Public School Drass.

10. Mutahhary Public School Akchamal.
11. Mutahhary Public School Fokar.
12. Mutahhary Public School Sanjak.
13. Mutahhary Public School Stikchay
14. Mutahhary Public School Choskore.

MUTAHHARY HIGH SCHOOL:-

In order to coop up with  the growing demands of quality higher Education in the District the organization decided in early  nineties to establish a High School work on procurement of land and infrastructure were  started immediately and the High School stared in 1974. Today it has about 120 students studying in classes from 8th to 10th standard. It is situated in the vicinity of the town at an open plateau of Khurbathang presently there are 7 teaching and 2 non teaching staff. The school is having its own premises and school building.

For more information
http://hashimokera.blogspot.com/2010/06/mutahhary-education-society-kargil.htmlvisit photo Gallery:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/MuttahariHighSchoolKargil#

2. Baqeriya Clinical and Laboratory, Kargil, Ladhak, Kashmir

In order to channalise the services of devoted and dedicated younger generation in the field of social service so as to extend a helping hand towards the needy people, the educated youth of Kargil (doctors, engineers and teachers) formed an organization called Baqirya Health Care and Research Centre Kargil in December 2007 to provide free medical consultancy, conducting free medical camps, medical awareness programs and to help Govt. organizations in implementing various National health programs. The organization will also conduct seminars, workshops and conferences on various health issues in collaboration with national and international health centre, institutions and organizations.

The centre will extend health services to all needy people without any discrimination of cast, creed or faith as per its organizational aims and objectives for the last more than two years.











Free Medical Consultancy:-
Specialized free medical consultancy is provided to the needy and poor rural as well as urban population on every Sunday at Baqirya Health Care & Research Centre at Bemathang Kargil located about 1.5 km from the main city. The health centre remains open between 100:00 am to 2:00 pm on every Sunday. So for 2243 out door patients have been treated and given free medical consultancy by the doctors at this centre. The patients also include seasonal labourers from Bihar, Nepal and other states besides locals.
Interview with Volunteer Doctors at Baqeriya Clinical & Laboratory, Kargil from Hashim Okera on Vimeo.
The centre has established a diagnostic and multi auto analyzer lab facility in the heart of Kargil town in which nominal fee charges from the patients and free service provides to the poor and deserving patients.

3. IMKMT Medical Camp -

Regular Medical camps are carried every month.
It carries regular Medical camps to different remote areas. It is run by dedicated volunteer doctors and they give free medicine.

The volunteers & the team of doctors also visited in remote villages of district Kargil once in a month or once in two months interval during the summer months. Till date this forum has conducted eight free medical camps in the remote and farflung areas of Kargil viz Batalik, Drass, Shakar, Lotsum, Parkachik, Taikat, Namsuru and Chiktan located about 70 to 80 Kms from district headquarter where more than 3500 patients have been treated/consulted. More over free medicines were also distributed among the patients besides free on spot laboratory tests also provided in these medical camps.   
 
Seminars:-

The organization conducted seminar on the subject (Hepatitis B and its remedial measures) at Syed Mehdi Auditorium Hall located in the heart of Kargil town. All the leading Govt/Private Public School has been invited to participate in the seminar. Many doctors spoke on the topic and aware the students about its symptoms and its remedial measures. The students were also given chance to enquire about the dreaded disease from doctors by putting questions before the panel of experts.   

Dedicated Volunteer Doctors who serve the Kargili people every Sunday and always ready for Medical Camps to go out at remote areas to provide their free services. All high level of Doctors provide voluntary services.
1. Dr. Munwar Hussain Wazir (MBBS, D.O) Eye sepcialist District Hospital Kargil.
2.Dr. Ahmad Ali (MBBS, MD) Dsitrict Hospital Kargil

3.Dr. Moh'd Mussa (MBBS, MS Orthio) District Hospital Kargil
4. Dr. Ibrahim Khan (MBBS). District T.B.Officer, Kargil.
5. Dr. Asif - Hussain (MBBS) Block Medical Officer, Shargola, Kargil.
6. Dr. Sajjad Hussain (MBBS) Medical Officer, Dist.Hospital Kargil.
7. Dr. Moh'd Abas Block Medical officer, Kargil
8. Dr. Ghulam Moh'd (MBBS, MD) Child Sperialist, District - Hospital, Kargil.

9. Dr. Zahra Baoo (MBBS.DGO) Gynaeocolgist, District Hospital, Kargil
10. Dr. Fatima Banoo (MBBS) Lady Assitant Surgeon Dist Hospital Kargil.
11. Dr. Villayat Ali (MBBS, MD) Physician Speicalist, Dist Hospital Kargil.

For More Information visit
http://hashimokera.blogspot.com/2010/06/baqeriya-health-care-and-resarch-center.html
Photo Gallery
http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/CAMPFOKAR#
http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/CAMPTEKAT#
http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/CAMPCHIKTAN#

http://picasaweb.google.com/hashimokera/CAMPBATALIK#

4. Women's Wing.

Women wing is the poorest wing in the organization. They are not active because they do not have fund to start any project or program for needy Women.

 5. Hawza e Sayyida Fatima al Zahra a.s.

6. Welfare for the destitute families IMKMT supports destitute families in Kargil District. They support both Sadats and non Sadats. But unfortunately they do not have enough resource to filfill the needs of Shia Communities.

7. Incomplete Girls Hostel

Note: Imam Khomeyni Memorial Trust is doing very good job within very limited resources. They are really lacking financial support. Baqeriya Medical Center Muttahari Public School . My recommendation, since Kargis District is cut of area, we should extend all kinds of International support to this Organization to carry on their work smoothly.


Immediate requirements: 1. A bus that can help transport the high school students from different areas to the school. 2. To help complete construction of Girls Hostel. 3. To help build a hostel for Hawza Fatima al Zahra a.s. 4. To renovate and extend the Baqeriyya Clinical and Laboratory Center. 5. Any Financial help to empower women project.