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.
Should Kashmiri Leaders be Cheering a Meeting With a “Missing Topic”?
Mr. Bukhari comments on the recent talks between the Pakistani President and the Indian Prime Minister where the topic of Kashmir simply did not come up(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media...
Environmental Degradation in Kashmir is Occurring on Both Sides of the LOC
Zafar says that development at the cost of destruction of environment is self defeating(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through...
Professor Hamid Ansari Speaks at the University of Kashmir
Riyaz' commentary on the Vice President's speech followed by the text of the speech by His Excellency Hamid Ansari(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 37, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and kashmiri. Besides working in...
Phrases Unfamiliar to Separatists – Can They Handle it?
Javed says that Hurriyat has to seriously work for the "socio-economic" and "psycho-educational" development of common Kashmiris(Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, 26, was born and raised in Srinagar. He received his Bachelor's degree from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar and...
“It is Impossible to Analyze DNA of a Kashmiri”
A Common man and a regular reader of GK seeks answers to a wasteland called Kashmiri politicsKASHMIR - AT THE CROSSROADSS D ShahI am a regular reader of Greater Kashmir for the past of couple of years. Journalism in Kashmir is a very risky job and both print and...
The Voice and Conscience of Disabled Community in Kashmir
Javed makes a feverish pitch, denounces the State government for denying a peaceful march on the Helen Keller Day, and meets with the Vice President (three related stories)(Mr. Javed Ahmad Tak, 35, was born in Bijbehara in the Anantnag district. He received his...
Seeking Minority Rights in a Land Starving for Pluralism
Sanjay and his associates float an advocacy group to address the shrinking economic and political space for minorities in the Valley (Mr. Sanjay K. Tickoo, 46, was born and raised in Srinagar. After graduating from Hindu High School in Sheetal Nath, Srinagar, he...
State’s Mantra: Go Where the Money is
But will anything significant be achieved? Does the sun rise from the west?Protecting Kashmir Environment: Jairam flags off Rs 2000 Cr mega projectCONSERVATION PLAN• Dal Lake : Rs 1100 Cr• Wular Lake: Rs 386 Cr• Forest protection: Rs 600 CrSrinagar: Union Minister of...
Misplaced Priorities in an Agrarian State
Proof that the State bureaucracy does not cater to the agricultural sector which is the back-bone of Kashmir's economy (and the reason why)Mission failedDirectorate of Agriculture must explain its failure to utilize the funds released under Technology MissionEconomic...
Battle Over Pashmina
It is a doggy dog world out thereIndo-Pak Battle Over PashminaNew Delhi: A new thread was added to the Indo-Pak tussle over a patent for Pashmina. At loggerheads for a while over a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the prized wool, Pakistan said it is “open to a...