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.
Can Entrepreneurship Succeed in the Land of Maximum License Raj?
Rafiuddin saheb has high hopes while doubts are for everyone to see and note all around(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and...
Corruption Without Limits
Farooq speaks about good citizenship and personal responsibility in a valley suffering from severe moral deficiencyCorruption is not confined to employees onlyDr. Farooq PeerThis is in response to Faheem Aslam’s article titled “First Deserve, Then Desire” wherein the...
Kashmir’s Troubling Work Ethic
An editorial in the Kashmir Images addresses a burning issue of the dayAntidote needed!On Friday, Aug 07, 2009, around 12:00 noon, a young girl of Rainawari area was rushed to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital after she complained giddiness. Even though...
When Locals Become Tourists
Independence Day celebrations in the subcontinent inexplicably drives valley folks to head to the hills! They cause the "system" to burst at its seams while the valley awaits its foreign visitors (two reports) Beware! 1.5 lakh visited 6000 bed-resort last...
Quality Trounces Bureaucracy
Notwithstanding various official restrictures, valley consumers continue to favor "foreign marble/granite" over local varietyValley construction agencies import Rs 400 Cr marble, graniteSrinagar: Kota stone and other glossy tiles worth Rs 400 crores are annually...
“Our Present Has Vandalized Our Past”
Afshana laments about the downward spiral of a place of sages and saints, and an abode of dignity and decency, pulled into an ugly abyss by dubious politicians from mainstream and separatist camps(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa...
Dal Lake is Turning Into Real Estate
Arif says the Dal catchments are fast degradingECO-FRAGILE ZONES TURNING INTO HUMAN SETTLEMENTSArif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Unabated constructions, deforestation and other land use changes in the Dal catchments has affected the flow of water into the...
The Case for Zojila Tunnel
Ashraf makes a strong argument in favor of the Zojila Tunnel(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem Bagh in Civil Engineering. However, he...
Let the Good Times Roll
Gowhar provides an interesting statistic regarding food preferences in Kashmir(Mr. Gowhar Bhat, 26, was born in Srinagar and attended Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kashmir University in March 2007. He...
Saving Kashmir’s Lifeline
Majeed has seen the beautiful landscape transform into a nightmare and hopes that both citizens and authorities will hear his cry for a change(Dr. A. Majeed Kak, 63, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the Government Middle...