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.
Hidden Treasures of Kashmir
Akhtar and Aijaz explore the hidden beauty of Kashmir valley(Mr. Akhtar H. Malik, 31, was born in Khag,Budgam district. He attended the Government Higher Secondary School in Khag, and completed his B.Sc. from the Amar Singh College in Srinagar. He has a Master's...
Cause and Effect
When religious opportunists politicize morality, social freedom is the first victim. Two inter-related events that happened in Srinagar and Sopore on August 24, 2009, followed by a thought provoking editrial in the Kashmir ObserverMirwaiz Paints Alarming Picture Of...
Kashmir’s Exports Suffer
Global recession is bad news for Kashmir's traditional handicraft industriesGlobal recession impacts Kashmir handicrafts, exports dip by41%Rashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The global economic slowdown has caused a dip of more than 41 per cent in Kashmiri...
State of Education in Kashmir
Naseem reflects on the poor quality of education in Kashmir(Syed Naseem Zafar, 40, was born in Sopore and raised in Bandipora. He completed his high school and higher secondary education from Government schools in Bandipora. He joined the Amar Singh College, Srinagar,...
Employment Opportunities
Shakeel-ur-Rehman provides a timely primer on standing up on one's own two feet(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora,...
The Rape of a Garden
Timber Mafia operatives, working in tandem with officials, are leaving an irreplaceable legacy for generations to come, including their own progenyWho will stem the rot?Syed Junaid Hashmi (KT)Jammu: Like the proverbial 'who will bell the cat', the endless puzzle of...
Fallout from a Heated Economy Sustained by Easy Money and Poor Planning
Only 5% of the valley can be cultivated, and even that meagre land is fast disappearing. Latest report followed by an EditorialShrinking Agriculture land concerns Kashmiri farmersSrinagar: The constant shrinking of agriculture lands in the Kashmir valley has become a...
Kashmir’s Tryst With its Own Brand of Madness
Mehmood lays out a compelling argument for reforming certain elements of a mostly rude and ill-behaved Kashmiri society once you get past his incredulous argument relating Kashmir's history and culture to a country that did not even exist a few decades back!(Mr....
Widening Gap Between Rights and Practices Involving Disabled Persons
Javed describes how the latest State Budget ignores physically challenged people of J&K(Mr. Javed Ahmad Tak, 35, was born in Bijbehara in the Anantnag district. He received his schooling from Government schools in Bijbehara, and his B.Sc. degree from the...
Kashmir’s Endemic Malignancy
Sahil is not simply idealistic but a pragmatist who believes that corruption inhibits prosperity(Mr. Sahil Showkat, 24, was born in Badripora Naina Sangam, near Awantipora, in Pulwama district. He graduated from the Government Degree College in Anantnag, and his post...