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.
Gulmarg Headed Towards Disaster
Corruption generates another first: night-time constructionVulgar Constructions mar GulmargTangmarg: World famous tourist destination, Gulmarg, is losing its charm due to the illegal encroachments and vulgar constructions going unabated despite a blanket ban imposed...
Ailing Education and Newer Avenues of Education
Report on the tragic state of education, followed by a report by Shakeel-ur-Rehman on new opportunities in the age of Information Technolgy(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and...
No One Employed in Kashmir Will Earn Less Than Rs. 3,300 a Month
Minimum wages of skilled and other workers revisedSrinagar: Government has revised the minimum wages of skilled and other workers with effect from October 01, 2009, a spokesperson of the Labour and Employment department said here today.He informed that the revision...
Community Based Approach in Dealing with Children Without Guardians
Arshi may not have been able to keep her promise but she is thinking of a day when there will be no need to make such promises (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...
An Incurable Malady
Fida is a concerned citizen who sees the evil of growing corruption in an atmosphere full of dishonesty and nepotism(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...
Unraveling the Mystery in Shopian
Fayyaz scores a bulls-eye with a hard hitting report on new facts that are emerging regarding the Shopian tragedy(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College,...
The Return of Kashmiri Pandits
Two mostly well-meaning editorials barely scratch the surface on actions that the civil society in Kashmir must advocate to open political, social and economic space for Pandits in the valleyReturn of KPs (Rising Kashmir)Peaceful conduct of Dusehra festival in Kashmir...
Motherland calls Kashmiri Pandit Entrepreneurs
Iftikhar describes believers who may have left Kashmir, but Kashmir has never left their soul KP expatriate to invest in J&K’s thermal projectsNew Delhi: A Kashmiri Pandit expatriate has offered to invest in thermal and renewable power projects in Jammu and Kashmir...
Wisdom may Come with Age, but Intellectuals Exist at all Ages
Muneeb examines the often held belief that young minds can never be intellectuls(Muneeb Jeelani Khan is an ex-student of Law, University of Kashmir.)Intellectual MonopolyOur intellectuals usually complaint against and show their concern about the intellectual...
City’s Oldest Water Supply Goes Dry
Dachigam Nallah goes dry and Administration sees no immediate respiteDry spell hits city’s oldest water supply plantAbdul Mohamin (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Owing to poor rainfalls this season, the capacity of city’s oldest water supply plant at Nishat has exhausted...