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.
Aftermath of Amarnath
Amarnath agitation of 2008 affected industrial growth 44.42% industrial units go missing!Srinagar: The Amarnath land row which had affected among other things tourism,education and trade besides consuming more than 60 lives, also proved very costly for industrial...
When Shahr-e-Khas was a Destination for Global Merchants
Tariq Ali Mir takes you down the memory lanes when trade caravans came from places like Yarkand, Samarkand and Bukhara, taking a detour from the Silk Route to visit fabulous Safa KadalWHEN SAFA KADAL SARAI WAS TRADE CENTRE FOR CENTRAL ASIALooking at this dilapidated...
Sadly, the Place is Going to Dogs
With VVIPs insulated by Z security, it is the common man that has to bear the brunt of his barking nemesis1 Lakh Dogs Roaming in CitySrinagar: The department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Government Medical College, has introduced the intra-dermal regimen of...
Not to Worry, Kashmir is no Gaza
After securing the elite spot of highest per capita VAT in the country, Kashmir adds to its laurels by consuming gold jewelry worth 800 crores annuallyKashmir imports Rs 20 crore gold packaging material for goldRashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Packaging material...
In Kashmir Everything Turns Into a Political Mystery
Kashmir Observer reports on damaging construction that everyone wants stopped and yet no one doesKralsangri Constructions A Political MysterySrinagar: Unabated construction in the supposedly green and inviolate zone of Kralsangri on the foothills of the Zabarwan and...
Civility of Engagement
Mehmood brings a fresh perspective on an old topic(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 36, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He has been active in journalism for over ten years, and currently works at the Greater Kashmir, having worked in...
Rotten to the Core
Firdous laments on corruption in high places(Mr. Firdous Syed, 43, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda, and had his schooling in Jammu. He is currently the Chairman of the "Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development Studies," and associated with the J&K National...
Kashmir’s Receding Ice Cover
Yusuf laments about a rapidly dying glacier in the valley caused by easy human access and improper tourist management(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 56, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar,...
Return of the Native
While Razdan describes challenges inhabiting the return of Pandits back to the valley, the majority community should also get concerned about continuous trickling out of residual Pandits from the valley unable to find adequate economic and political space in Kashmir...
Not Bad, Even a Beggar Can Make Rs. 10,000 a Month
In a perverted way there is more open and fierce competition on the street than in offices that are occupied by babus running fiefdoms of inefficiency and corruption Non-State beggars to have field day on EIDSrinagar: Unsatisfied with Ramadan earnings, the non-State...