Introduction to KashmirForum.org Blog
Vijay K. Sazawal, Ph.D.
I launched the website and the Blog after undertaking a thorough search of literature dealing with Kashmir. Finding existing choices that varied from harsh zealotry as expressed by multiple political antagonists and religious bigots, I undertook multiple visits to the valley to make a first hand assessment of the situation as well as seek input from those on the ground – common people, civic and academic leaders of both genders, minorities, and bureaucrats both in Srinagar and New Delhi. After having spoken to government officials, political analysts and security experts specializing in South Asian affairs from three continents, it became clear to me that when Kashmiris are suffering and the world has its own set of prior-
-ities, we need to find ways to help each other. We must be realistic, go beyond polemics and demagoguery, and propose innovative ideas that will bring peace, justice and prosperity to all the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir. Above all, it is incomprehensive how violence can lead to any political closure or human justice when it simply impedes any healing, development or normalcy.
We encourage hearing from the disfranchised “silent majority” in Jammu and Kashmir. Please send your comments by contacting us. Thank you.
Not to Worry – This Episode Will be Soon Forgotten
The Center, for a change, sees through various nefarious actions of so-called pro-India legislators and politicians trying to secure personal goodwill with voters by making New Delhi a scapegoat. But this too shall pass ... ‘Reckless promises’: Centre Takes JK...
New Delhi, As Always, Will Eventually Back Down
J&K has received central funds and grants without accountability and oversight until now, in return State bureaucrats and politicians remain unsatiated and demand more Centre Stifles JK for Fiscal ‘Indiscipline’ Akshay Azad (Greater Kashmir) Jammu: Tightening...
Guess What’s Up
The rise in civilian crimes will energize civil society anywhere to engage in public outcry and government accountability, but Kashmir's one-dimensional civil society is not interested JK Crime Rate In Upward Swing Observer News Service Srinagar: In a disturbing...
A Cultural Revival or Another White Elephant?
Sometimes it is unclear if the news value comes for highlighting cultural renaissance or simply that another construction job worth crores in black and white money is coming up that will enrich pockets, if not minds, of the well-connected Tehzeeb Mahal: Kashmir...
Heritage in Peril
Amazing that Kashmiris themselves are indifferent to what outsiders see as precious architectural and cultural legacy Neglected Heritage Raouf Rasool (Kashmir Images) In the year 2008 Srinagar and Leh (old) towns were included on the New York-based World Monuments...
Strictly for Kashmiri Cuisine Aficionados
Hopefully Kashmiris will realize that the looming disaster is much more than simply shrinking water bodies and degrading environment Nadroo Production Decreases in Wular Sheikh Saleem (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: Once known for Nadroo (lotus stem) production, Asia’s...
Suffering Women
Two reports on gender inequalities in Kashmir from two women writers, followed by disturbing statistics about rape crimes committed by local Kashmiris (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 28, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and...
Tibet in Srinagar
Monisa highlights a silent minority (Ms. Monisa Qadri, 27, was born and raised in Srinagar. She has been a Mallinson Girl and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She has studied mass communications and journalism from Kashmir University, and worked...
Magician Wizardry or Election Puffery?
Junaid sees a deja vu in Chief Minister's new claims (Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 26, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He attended college in America and graduated...
Forest Area Without Forest Policy Spells Disaster
Zeenat exposes how disappearing animal species in Kashmir is yet another victim of Government apathy (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 28, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters...