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.
Indeed the State With the Highest VAT Collection is also the Richest
What statistical analyses do not convey is that such data actually confirm the enormous gap between the rich and the poor in KashmirJ&K richest State in countryNew Delhi: Almost half of Orissa’s population is poor, with 46.37 per cent of the people in the State...
From Wazwans to Masjids, Kashmir’s Forests are Being Depleted
Without proper reseeding and forest management, Kashmir has little chance of restoring its natural woods City masjids consume 40,000 quintals of fire wood Rising Kashmir News Srinagar: To keep worshippers warm, hamam’s at the city masjids consume more than 40,000...
Accepting the Rule of Law in the Second Most Corrupt State in India
Three topical reports related to land grab, environmentally detrimental construction in Pahalgam, and unplanned sprawl in Srinagar, prove once again that Kashmiri citizens are turning their paradise into a wasteland of greed and griefEncroachment of govt land goes...
Just Like the Good Old Days
Altaf believes a comeback for backyard poultry farming makes a lot of sense(Dr. Syed Mohammad Altaf Gilani, 42, was born in Srinagar. He attended the DAV School, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, and graduated from the Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar and the...
A Bridge Too Far?
What is a trip to the valley without some fireworks? An informal discussion with students and faculty at the University of Kashmir's school of journalism triggers a point and counterpoint as reported in the Greater KashmirComment by Dr. Stephen P. Cohen, South Asia...
Services Cricket Team’s Behavior was Most Unsportsmanlike
Yusuf, being both a sports coach and a sports lover, is doubly hurt and his raw emotion is showing(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 56, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed his...
The Fourth Option in Kashmir
Sajjad recalls late Sofi Ghulam Mohammad's desire for the peace option(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass...
World Heritage Week
Saleem provides a historical on Srinagar and discusses an era when heritage meant something(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 58, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the...
Illicit Drug Trade
What next? Afghanistan or Mexico style "private armies"?Drug trade flourishing in KashmirWasim Khalid (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Signifying the flourishing of drug trade in Kashmir valley, police said it recovered drugs worth 69 lakh from peddlers in 2009 and arrested...
Kashmir’s Entry Into the Hall of Shame
Editorial in the Rising Kashmir highlights growing addiction of the State to rampant corruptionHall of ShameTransparency International India (TII) in its latest survey has placed India in the 84th place in the list of corrupt nations. Instead of bettering its record,...