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 Economy of the State Cannot be Improved Without Emphasis on Agriculture
A noble soul from Badarwah reminds the State government to put emphasis on the Agriculture, followed by a related story from potato farmers in the valleyImproving economy of J&KDear Editor (Kashmir Times),This refers to the column 'Measures to improve economy'....
Missing Factor: The Text of the speech by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to the 13th Finance Commission
For a State where a majority of citizens are engaged in the Agricultural sector, the speech by the CM fell a little shortHon’ble Chairman, Shri Vijay Kelkar Ji , distinguished Members and officers of the 13th Finance Commission.I, on behalf of my cabinet colleagues...
Something to Cheer About Today While it Still Looks New
Nigeen gets its Club back but will it look the same a year from now?Restored Nigeen Club inauguratedSrinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the restored Nigeen Club here on Wednesday.The club located at the banks of Nigeen Lake was last year taken up for...
First Climate Changes, Next Official Apathy, Together a New Disaster
A heritage site has been turned into a garbage dumpHeritage springs dry up in PattanPattan: Centuries old springs in Pattan town have dried up and become reservoirs for stinking and stagnant rain water and garbage due to negligence by the state government, local...
Changing Dynamics Requires Changing Attitudes
Nazir says Kashmiris need to change their political and social habits(Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 59, is a jurist. He was born in Naranthal (Jalshree) village near Baramulla and was a student at the Government Degree College in Baramulla. Subsequently, he studied English...
For a Civil Society Obsessed With Politics, the Rest Does Not Matter
Shocking news of the day (but be forewarned that it is not about politics), followed by State government's approach - two storiesKashmir is World's Top Opiate Consumer: Report(Rising Kashmir News)Srinagar: As International Day Against Drug Abuse is being observed on...
Institutionalized Corruption
Ghulam Nabi Mir explains how certain amendments to service rules give arbitrary powers to a particular class of top level bureaucracy Encouraging SycophancyAdvocate Gulam Nabi MirThe Government, vide SRO-27,1 dated 28th July, 2007, made certain amendments in the...
Demanding Rights Without Accepting Responsibilities
Kashmiris complain about lack of power, but are not willing to pay for it eitherJ&K govt fails to meet power tariff collection targetsIshfaq Naseem (Indian Express)A month before the Jammu and Kashmir government will present the annual budget at Srinagar, the...
Barter Trade Across LOC Requires Trust and in Kashmir There is a Trust Deficit
Kashmiri traders may not admit it publicly, but Indian market prices are better than what across-the-LOC has to offerMore Kashmir based firms opt for Poonch route Jammu: More Kashmir based business firms have started giving preference to cross-LoC trade from...
Legacy from the Budshah Era
The 15th Century bridge was the first to connect two sides of SrinagarAALI KADAL BRIDGEJamsheed Rasool (Greater Kashmir)Thrusting aside its submissive meandering up to the Zaina Kadal Bridge, river Jhelum shows off its latent ferocity on reaching near Aali Kadal...