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.
Sex and a Single Kashmiri
Interesting take on contemporary social mores of the society Wait for Government Jobs Delaying Marriages Kashmir Monitor Srinagar : Saima is working in a private firm for the last seven years and earns Rs 4,500 a month. Saima's family has been looking for a match for...
Masters at Deception and Thievery
Yaseen addresses the troubling issue of power theft and finds that every one knows who the culprits are (Dr. Yaseen Ahmad Shah, 52, was born in Sonrigund, near Avantipora, in the Pulwama district of Kashmir. He graduated from Government Boys College in Anantnag, and...
Saleem Beg’s New Baby
Saleem is the key figure and a catalyst in bringing the new Lal Ded Museum into existence (Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 61, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the...
Traffic Management
Ashraf calls for added awareness regarding the road safety so that accidents can be avoided (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar, and from M.P. High School, Baghi...
Traditional Fruits of Kashmir
Iqbal calls for vibrant traditional fruit culture (Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 51, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numastics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural historian. Mr. Iqbal Ahmad has published 12...
“Crores Lost? So What, It is NOT Our Money”
The Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) report on the "Coalgate" may result in the fall of the government in New Delhi, but in Srinagar there is an eerie silence both from Treasury benches and the Opposition when CAG uncovers yet another fiscal fiasco. Fayyaz...
J&K Social Welfare Department is a Disgrace
Steeped in corruption and office politics, the Social Welfare Department is a poster child for poor human development in Kashmir ADMINISTRATIVE INERTIA Imran Muzaffar (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: Even as a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General pulled up...
Environmental Concerns Versus Religious Sensitivities
Some signatories below, who represent a middle ground in the Kashmiri civil society, express concerns with development work related to the Amarnath shrine Kashmir civil society express concern over Amarnath construction plans The press release below has been...
Harvesting Misfortunes For Profit
Qurat shares an open "dirty secret" in the valley Valley Orphanages are Money Minting Machines: Masoodi Tawseef Ahmad (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: Qurat Masoodi, a social activist Wednesday alleged that orphanages in Valley have become an industry for some people to...
Kashmiri Sikhs in Distress
Sikhs considering the possibility of migrating from the valley Sikhs In Kashmir Early Times Report Jammu: Miniscule minority of Kashmiri Sikhs has finally decided to take on head on the authorities in the State and at the Centre and attract attention of those who...