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.
Charting a Shaky Course in Kashmir
Afshana records the moment when Kashmir lost its moral compass and the society began to reap what it had sowed(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in...
Kashmir’s Golden Era
Iqbal says that artisans who worked on Harwan terracotta tiles seem to exhibit a high degree of sophistication(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist,...
Their Home is as Important as Yours
Aamir suggests that conflict between human and wildlife population is emerging as a major conservation issue worldwide(Mr. Aamir Bin Masood, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He graduated from the Sri Partap College, Srinagar, and pursued his Master's degree in...
Excesses of a State Indulged by Other People’s Money (OPM)
Arjimand analyzes J&K’s case to the 13th Finance Commission of India(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's...
Crisis of Confidence and Credibility
Afshana says that the biggest tragedy of changed Kashmir is that most of its intellectuals and thinkers are on the payroll of different public and private sector companies(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in...
Where Lack of Professionalism is a Way of Life
Rashid describes various deficiencies in the state official machinery to conduct professional forensic medical examinations, but the truth is that there is a lack of professionalism in all walks of life in Kashmir(Dr. Rashid Para, 41, was born in Naira village in the...
Kani Shawl Headed to Oblivion
The art of making Kani Shawl may die for want of artisansKANI SHAWLNazia Akhtar (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: A wonderful trade of Kashmir known world over for its beauty of art is currently facing difficult times with artisans leaving this trade citing low wages. The...
FROM NEGLECT TO REGRESS: Industrial Estate, Barzulla
Yet another proof that things only go from bad to worse in KashmirBarzulla industrial estate in shamblesSrinagar: For prosperity of the industrial sector, state government’s Industrial Policy 2004 promises “improved infrastructure and support services, with emphasis...
Exasperated Kashmir
Shujaat draws from experience to give some friendly advice. But are "vested interests" listening?(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...
Closing the Circle: Can Tears Turn Into Glue?
Arif writes about a night to remember at the Tagore Hall when Kashmiri children born away from Kashmir connected with natives, leading to an editorial pleading for return of pluralism in the Valley (two reports)(Mr. Arif Bashir, 25, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora,...