“There is no longer any such thing as fiction or nonfiction; there’s only narrative” – Edger Doctorow

“No word matters. But man forgets reality and remembers words.” – Roger Zelazny

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.

Natural Springs of Zainpura

Iqbal provides a historical perspective of Zainpura village situated on the Anantnag-Shopian road and about 11 kilometers from Bijbehara(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He...

read more

Connecting History With Tourism

The Mughal Road project is the restoration of an ancient road that could revive native interest in history and provide a new vista for tourists. An editorial in the Kashmir Images, followed by related articles in the dailyMughal RoadThe Mughal Road that connects...

read more

Pathetic State of Kashmir’s Lakes and Waterways

Musavirr provides an update of the worsening problem(Mr. Musavirr Wani, 28, was born in Srinagar and attened the Burn Hall School. He graduated from the Meerut University and joined the Kashmir Times as a reporter. Loves driving his car and surfing internet to seek...

read more

Children Caught in a Quagmire

Afsana speaks of the special children with a bleak future(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 30, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a Bachelor's degree in science, and completed her...

read more

Higher Education in the Digital Age

Wasim addresses the challenges in modern education(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 pursuing his Master's degree in political science...

read more