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.
Saving Dal
Tanvir has a suggestion to slowing Dal's inevitable death based on a personal experience(Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, 31, was born in Srinagar and attended the Burn Hall School. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Information technology and management from Orissa University....
Arshi’s Dream
Arshi shares her innocent views in a world full of bigotry. Will Kashmir be an abode of tolerance once again?(Ms. Arshi Javid, 20, was born in the Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. She completed her schooling from the Tiny Harts School. Ms. Javid is pursuing a graduate...
The Ghost of Rural Kashmir
While Urban Kashmir is philosophising on Azadi, Rural Kashmir prays for the good life that city folks have We are Born to Protest!Asem Mohiuddin (Rising Kashmir)Few days ago, my boss called up and told me to cover the Bandh in Kupwara the call for which was given by...
Kashmir Carpet Trade in Doldrums
Global economic downturn takes its toll on Kashmir's premier export commodityRecession Hits Kashmir CarpetZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: What the turmoil of past two decades could not do to Kashmir’s prestigious carpet industry, has been done by the...
Exchanging Cultivating Land for Monetary Wealth
Bashir is concerned how corruption in land management and personal greed is reducing cultivatable land in Kashmir. Presently 65% food requirement of the state is being met locally as against 80% previously(Mr. Bashir Wani is the Administrator of Associated Hospital,...
Embrace the Future
Wasim's vision for the future is one that builds on information technology. How can we get there?(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...
A Tribute to a Kashmiri Wetland Master
Mohammad recalls the life and times of a great environmentalist named Dr. Chaman Lal Trisal(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...
Putting Faith in a Single Agenda Civil Society
Sajjad would like to revisit options, but a civil society that sees its world through a political prism alone is not the one that can ever deliver justice to all, especially minorities(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and...
How Much do Indians and Pakistanis Care for Kashmir?
Nazir has seen meetings on Kashmir come and go, but there is a marked trend towards growing number of non-Kashmiris in such parlays(Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 59, is a jurist. He was born in Naranthal (Jalshree) village near Baramulla and was a student at the Government...
The Besieged Hangul
Nature's Gift, Man's FollyExperts Need to Come Together for Conserving Wildlife, Ecology: GovernorAbrar Lone (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The three-day International Conference on “Conservation of Hangul and Endangered Deer Species” concluded here on Monday, 12 October...