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.
The Dal Conservation Authority
Mohsin believes that restoring Dal to its pristine beauty should be a priority for the government, and suggests creation of the Dal Conservation Authority(Mohsin Wani, 24, was born in Srinagar, received early schooling in Srinagar and graduated in computer sciences....
Reconstructing Kashmir Destroyed by the “Big One”
Zafar feels that shattered hopes of one and half million Kashmiris living in the earth-quake affected areas have again been lifted by the heartening news that China will reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of Pakistan controlled Kashmir(Mr. Zafar Iqbal,...
Changing the Paradigm is a Hartal Infected Culture
A commentary in the Rising Kashmir reflects on Kashmiri mass hysteria to shoot first and ask questions laterAsrar story triggers rethink on social response to crime‘We should think before we protest’Srinagar: By Police standards Asrar Mushtaq’s murder was a plain case...
Can a Solution Work if the Problem is Partially Defined?
To Ashraf the glass is half full. To many, the glass is half empty and what is not addressed in his approach is the shadow of terrorism that has loomed large over Kashmir for two decades, and a subtle but steady erosion of minority rights creating fertile ground for...
Tragic Ending to a Music Composer and Lyrical Master
Huma remembers a great artist and a loving parent whose mysterious death continues to haunt the familyRemembering melodious Ghulam Nabi SheikhHuma SheikhFew days before his death, Dad was singing a sing, which was recorded in 2003, to a group of students and family in...
Kashmir’s Apple Cart is Stuck!
Three related stories on good news-bad news related to Kashmir's apple industryKashmir’s apple clock struckRashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Apple production in the State, which involves around 25 lakh people, has shown serious symptoms of stagnation for past four...
The Village That Time Forgot
Let the ghost of Rajiv Gandhi prevail!Kumkari – a forgotten village in KashmirKupwara: Believe it or not but it is true that there is a village in Kupwara which is still without power and water supply, not to speak of other basic amenities.And the villagers of this...
The Pathetic State of J&K’s Historical Archives
Yet another example of public indifference exposing the shallow character of people aroundBird droppings, dust, moths ruining historical documents in archives depttAsifa Amin Koul (Kashmir Times)Srinagar: Heaps of dust, bird droppings and fodder for moths and...
Revitalizing Kashmir’s Economy
Shakeel-ur-Rehman has an interesting idea(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, both in the Tangmarg Tehsil. He...
Development is Freedonm
Sajjad discusses the role and importance of the regional rural bank, called the Grarameen Bank, in Kashmir's future development(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his...