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.
It Can Only Get Worse in Kashmir
We know it is bad news when the Minister personally delivers it at the International Workshop on Climate Change, Glacial Retreat and LivelihoodJoint Efforts Needed To Protect Glaciers, Water Bodies: Environment MinisterMuddasir Ali (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: With...
So Near and Yet So Far
Tanveer recounts a personal triumph, but more than that it is a triumph that overcame boundaries and religions to score one for the humanity(Mr. Tanveer Ahmed, 37, was born in Gurutta, Tehsil Sensa, in the Kotli district of Azad Kashmir. He received his school...
Using the Shopian Tragedy to Make a Point
Even when the rape and murder of two young women in Shopian remains unproven and even less certain is if any security forces were involved, Mehmood sees political ramifications that go beyond the two unfortunate victims(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 36, was born in Srinagar....
Preserving Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife
Mubashir says without a firm political resolve it will all disappear(Mr. Taha Mubashir Husain, 37, was born and raised in Bandipore. He received his schooling and higher education all around the Wullar Lake in the Bandipore area. He has a post-graduate degree in...
Powering the RTI in Jammu & Kashmir
Arjimand sees hope and promise in Mr. Habibullah's appointment as the J&K CIC(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a...
Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side
Tajamal unlocks the mystery of the unfathomable(Mr. Tajamal Hussain, 53, was born in Safakadal area of Srinagar. He graduated from the Sri Partap College, Srinagar, and completed his MBA from the Andhra University in Waltair, followed by a post-graduate diploma in...
Women Are Equal
Behind every woman that Fida's gender sees as being part of the problem, there is a looming shadow of a man clutching to his religious beliefs for self-esteem(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the...
Leaving a Disastrous Legacy
Mehboob wonders, "Does anyone care?"DYING HERITAGEMehboob Iqbal“Unn poshi teli Yaeli van poshi” It is in the retrospect of this adage by Sheikh-Ul-Alam (R.A) that we as a Kashmiri nation are going down the mystery lane when it comes to conservationist aptitude amongst...
History is Whatever the Historian Wants it to Be
Zahid provides an interesting perspective of a multi-facted issue by picking and choosing history to his taste. The bottom line is nothing can change nor will change(Mr. Z. G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English...
Farming in the 21st Century
Iqbal finds Kashmiri farmers every bit as "modern" as their counterparts in the rest of India(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 cultural...