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.
Presrving Kashmir’s Unique Wildlife
Everybody knows that Hangul is specialHangul: Pride of KashmirFida Ali Lankar (Rising Kashmir)Hangul or Red Deer (Kashmir Stag) is mostly found in Dachigam. It feeds on broad leaves of herbs and shrubs. A large number of tourists attract Dachigam National Park because...
Committing Harakiri
Why is the Broader Civil Society silent when the state is gasping for economic revival?Grenade Incident Attempt to Paralyze Tourist IndustrySrinagar: Several tourist trade organisations and prominent citizens of society have condemned and expressed deep anguish over...
Lost City, Lost Souls
Ashraf takes a drive down the memory lane in a time and place that was once vibrant with diversity and culture but today has been reduced to ugly mansions and failing infrastructure(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling...
Victim of Circumstances
Tanveer has quite a story to tell(Mr. Tanveer Ahmed, 37, was born in Gurutta, Tehsil Sensa, in the Kotli district of Azad Kashmir. He received his school education in Luton, Bedfordshire, U.K., and completed his college education from Dunstable College and the Thames...
Increasing Drug Addiction Mixed With Decreasing Funds for Treatment is Alarming
Jehangir sounds the alarm about changing budgetary priorities and politics in Srinagar and New Delhi (Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 36, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute in Hawal, Srinagar. He studies at the Sri...
The Menace of Drug Addition in Kashmir
Iftikar says that it takes the whole community to eradicate the menace of drug addiction(Mr. Iftikar Rashid Wani, 30, was born in Bandipora. An avid chess player, he completed his M.sc. in Environmental Studies from the Guru Ghasidas University in Chattisgarh, and his...
Right to Information (RTI) Saga Continues …
Basharat says that implementing the RTI Act is proving tough but activists intend no let up(Mr. Syed Basharat, 29, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and...
State Assembly Wakes up From its Slumber to Save Dal and Nigeen
It is that classic case of doing too little, too lateEfforts needed to save Dal, Nigeen lakes’Srinagar: Stressing on the urgent need to save water-bodies including Dal and Nigeen lake, Chairman Environment Committee (EC), Legislative Assembly, Nizam-u-Din Bhat said...
The State of Governance in J&K: The Blind Leading the Lame
Harvard educated Chidambaram finds top J&K bureaucrats either ignorant or ill-informedTop bureaucrats embarrassed Government during Chidambaram’s meetingSrinagar: Incredible it may sound but it is a fact that top bureaucrats of the State are lacking even important...
Lack of Adequate Environmental Laws is Another Common Denominator on Both Sides of the LOC
Zafar describes how mega projects are being authorized on Pakistani side of Kashmir without adequate environmental assessments. He could as well be describing the situation on the Indian side of Kashmir where the approach is no different(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born...