Welcome to Kashmir Forum
This website is special
The website reflects the work of Dr. Vijay Sazawal, who was born in undivided Jammu and Kashmir (frequently called Kashmir). Numerous attempts by global powers, regional countries, multilateral agencies, and cerebral think tanks have been unsuccessful in resolving the Kashmir issue since 1947. The insight that Dr. Sazawal brings to resolving the Kashmir issue is very different from various text-book approaches followed until now. The articles written by Dr. Sazawal expound on his belief that a solution to the Kashmir problem lies closer to home – through reformation of Kashmiri society that has produced powerful oligarchies who are exploiting public emotion and seeding alienation at the expense of victims who constitute the majority of its people. This awareness is beginning to reflect in classified cables that western diplomats in New Delhi are sending to their home capitals. See, for example, the classified assessment by Ambassador Mulford to Washington as provided by WikiLeaks. (Click here for a news item on the WikiLeaks report.)
All politics is local
The line of control (LOC) has divided the princely state, and yet political, economic and social issues on the two sides of the LOC are very similar. This fact was proven by the first and only opinion poll conducted on both sides of the LOC in September-October 2009 by the Chatham House think-tank in London. The poll addressed attitudes to key issues in the dispute, and results are equally revealing in terms of what people really want. (click here for the report)
Dialogue must begin from within
No single community or political party can claim hegemony in Kashmir. Democracy and pluralism cannot gain traction until inter-community and intra-community issues are resolved through compromise and goodwill.
Future is uncertain
And it will remain so unless and until the people of Jammu and Kashmir realize that good citizenship and personal responsibility are keys to peace and prosperity.
Suggested Links to three most relevant contemporary documents on Kashmir:
About the Author
Dr. Vijay Sazawal is a policy analyst and a commentator who specializes in local governance and intra-community issues affecting political dynamics…Read more
A selected list of policy papers on Kashmir written by the author:
- The Kashmiri Pandit Conundrun, 14th February 2016
- Resolving the Kashmir Conundrum: A Way Forward, 11th September 2013
- The Kashmir Conundrum (Published by the Greater Kashmir), 8th January 2011
- The Boiled Frog, 19th July 2010
- The Shopian Tragedy: Triumph of Politics Over Truth, 1st September 2009
- The Role of Civil Society in Kashmir, 30th April 2009
- The True Meaning of Kashmiriyat, 6th February 2009
- An Imperfect Storm: The Summer 2008 Uprising in Kashmir, 19th July 2008
See complete list of articles written by the author
A selected list of papers on Nuclear Energy written by the author:
- Assessing the Future of the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, 24th April 2016
- Nuclear Power Market in India, 21st July 2015
- Realizing Full Potential of Canada-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation, 2nd December 2015
- Progress and Challenges Related to the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, 8th August 2014
- Presentation on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Development at the NIT, Srinagar, 4th December 2009
- Presentation Marking Progress in Global Nuclear Disarmament at the University of Kashmir, 3rd December 2009
- Behind the Scenes Story Regarding the Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal, 22nd August 2007