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.
Enlightened Society
Irfat says there is a dire need to empower women on all fronts(Ms. Irfat Ara Khan teaches in the Department of Psychology, Amar Singh College, Srinagar.)Empower HerWomen are the foundation stones of a family and society. The progress and prosperity of a nation and the...
The Worsenng Condition of Kashmiri Artisans
A featured story and an editorial in the Rising Kashmir captures the dire state of the industryKashmir Wood craft artisans fighting odds for survivalRashid PaulSrinagar: Despite governments claim that Kashmir woodcraft industry is doing well, craftsmen, the...
The B.Ed Money Machine
The reason that the University of Kashmir is turning a blind eye to educational exploitation in Kashmir is because most students in B. Ed colleges are non-localsEducation Remains Casualty Amid Mushrooming of B.Ed CollegesZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar:...
Surprise! The CM gives a Major Speech on Protecting Environment
But the speech at a Seminar could end up as rearranging furniture on the Titanic if words are not followed by swift actionCM for comprehensive environmental protection policyLeh: Expressing concern about climate change and global warming, Chief Minister, Omar...
A Disaster in the Making
There is a crisis up ahead if we keep urbanizing rural lands. Two reportsShrinking Agriculture land concerns Kashmiri farmersSrinagar: The constant shrinking of agriculture lands in the Kashmir valley has become a cause of concern to farmers of the state.The rapid...
Stealing the Green Gold
Can the forest mafia survive without the connivance of institutional support?Who Will Stem the Rot?Syed Junaid HashmiJammu: Like the proberbial 'who will bell the cat', the endless puzzle of who would put curbs on the timber mafia operating in league with officials of...
A Father’s Delight
Asifa conducts an interview with Dr. Sameetha Agha, daughter of Dr. Agha Ashraf Ali (Ms. Asifa Amin Koul was born in Srinagar. She went to the Arya Samaj School in Hazuri Bagh, and the Government Women's College on the Maulana Azad Road, both located in Srinagar. She...
Recalling a Hire who Became Family
Ashraf recalls a helper who loved BBC Radio and Vajpayee(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. He completed...
Highways To Hell
The title of the Editorial in the Kashmir Images says it allHighways To Hell Kashmir’s roads are becoming highways to hell. The staggeringly high traffic fatality rate attests to this in a pronounced manner. There is hardly any day when somebody doesn’t die on our...
Perils of Outsourcing the Resistance Movement
Wajahat argues for charismatic resistance leadership but can such a leadership really succeed where Pakistan and religious warriors have failed?(Mr. Wajahat Ahmad, 30, was born in Anantnag. He went to the Montessori school, followed by the Islamia Hanifya College,...