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.
Yes, We Can
Farooq shows how a conscientious and professional civil servant can make a big difference. A few more like him and Kashmir would become a destination of choice for all(Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, 46, was born in Anantnag. After completing his initial schooling in his...
Dying Dal – Victim of Brazen Mismanagement
Mohammad Kundangar blames it all on sheer mismanagement(Dr. Mohammad Rashid-ud-din Kundangar, 62, was born in Srinagar. He completed his Masters degree in Botany, and Doctoral/Postdoctoral degree in Hydrobiology through the University of Kashmir. He served as a...
Tackling Corruption in Kashmir is Like Stopping Lava Flow From a Volcano
The related stories - editorial on institutionalized corruption, corruption in stealing electricity by common citizens, and finally an award for top performance as a one of the most corrupt statesTackling Corruption (Editorial in the Kashmir Images) Few years back the...
Trouble in the Ranks
Wasim believes a divided party is no party at all(Mr. Wasim Hussain, 29, was born in Srinagar. He attended Government High School and the Gandhi Memorial College, both in Srinagar. He has completed graduation and is pursuing his Master's degree in political science...
Medical Care is Lousy, but Would the Civil Society Care?
If NGO's dealing with social and human development would worry less about politics and more about their civic charter, may be the life would be better for sick Kashmiris needing hospital careIn Kashmir Hospital Labs go DefunctIshfaq Mir (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar:...
Amorphous Character
Afshana comments on changes that have set in Kashmir during the last 20 years(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc....
Is it not Already Too Late?
Fida pleads (once again) to fellow Kashmiris to save dying lakes or else be prepared for a disaster(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary School in Sopore. He obtained his...
The Glorious History of Devsar Village in South Kashmir
Iqbal says that while Devsar may be a village today, but once it was the center of Buddhist art(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a...
The Toothless SVO
Let us be frank - the State Vigilance Organization (SVO) is a disgraceDelayed Probe: Half of tainted officers retireSanjeev Pargal (Daily Excelsior)Jammu: Strange it may sound that close to half of the Government officers, booked by the State Vigilance Organisation...
In Afghanistan it was Taliban, in Kashmir it is the State Government
Will the Buddha Statue in Sanko (Zanskar) go the Bamiyaan way?Tallest Buddha sculpture at Sanko crying for attentionIrfan Naveed (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: The tallest statues of Buddha at Bamiyan in the Hazara province of Afghanistan have been lost forever, but Jammu...