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.
Preserving Kashmir’s Wetlands
Two topical reports expressing concerns about deteriorating Wetlands in KashmirWetland WealthAkhtar AlamUniversity of KashmirWetlands are considered as “kidneys” or "biological supermarkets" of the ecosystem and important features of the landscape matrix; support all...
A Perspective on Gilgit-Baltistan
Zafar discusses the schism that exists between Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through...
Surprise! Leading Separatist Voice Says There is More to Life Than Politics
An editorial in the Greater Kashmir pitches for ..... humanism and artsArt Galleries NeededIt has not only been a season of ‘mellow fruitfulness’ but also a season of intellectual blossoming. The summer capital this autumn hummed with intellectual, academic and...
Why Has LAWDA Failed to Clean up the Dal Lake?
Why has the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) failed to deliver? Experts - in and out of the government - say that wrong technology was selected under questionable circumstances. Dr. Kundangar's paper is followed by a comment from Mr. Khurshid...
The Unspoken Problem
Khayal zooms in on criminal violence in Kashmir(Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, 70, was born in Srinagar. He received his schooling and college education in Srinagar, and completed his Masters degree in English. Mr. Khayal is considered a doyen among Kashmiiri journalists,...
So What is New?
Zahid brings up scenarios that intrigue Kashmiris(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass Communication from Indian Institute of Mass...
Wanted: Jobs
Shakeel-ur-Rehman discusses rampant joblessness in an area flaunting wealth(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora, both...
The Gap Between the Rich and the Poor Keeps Growing
The second most corrupt state in India has some lucrative consumer needsCar MarketSrinagar: The car market here has witnessed a big leap for many years now and almost all the major players in the Indian automobile sector are vying to take their pie from the lucrative...
Reliving Faiz All Over Again
The night Naseeruddin Shah came to Srinagar's Broadway‘Evening of Poetry and Harmony’Mukhtar Ahmad Lone (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: It was certainly a unique combination – two legends in harmony – as internationally acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah lent his voice to the...
Finding Space For Gender Equality in Kashmir
Social Welfare Minister Sakina Ittoo speaks to Kashmir Images(The Ministry of Social Welfare is responsible for the welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of the society. The role of this ministry has become all the more...