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.
Diploma Churning Shops
Basharat says experts fear that flawed education syatem may lead to a major crisis(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 completed his...
Learning Kashmir’s Rich History Through Numismatics
Iqbal bring the age of Kushans to light through coins minted in the 2nd Century A.D.(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, writer, and a cultural...
Tourism Fails to Recover
Customers always take their business elsewhere if their needs are not metTourism fails to recover even as normalcy returnsSana Altaf (Kashmir Times)Srinagar: Even as normalcy has returned to Valley, the tourism sector is yet to show signs of revival after the...
The Tragedy of Living in Today’s Kashmir
Sajjad says destruction of the social order due to incessant strikes is very visible and totally unacceptable(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in...
Finding Political Gains in a Colossal Tragedy
Khayal laments about utterly poor quality of Kashmiri leadership without recognizing that in most cases people generally get what they deserve(Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, 70, was born in Srinagar. He received his schooling and college education in Srinagar, and completed...
Can There be Durable Peace in Kashmir Without Sanction of the ISI?
Rekha describes the three changing phases of alienation and insurgency in Kashmir without acknowledging permanency of the core link between Mr. Ali Shah Geelani and radical state actors in Pakistan(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university...
Neelofar and Shakeel’s Baby
Monisa shares the pain and agony of the precious life that is no more(Ms. Monisa Qadri, 23, was born and raised in Srinagar. She has been a Mallinson Girl and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She has studied mass communications and journalism...
Preservation of Mughal Gardens
Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is doing the right thingState govt, INTACH kick start the preservation drive of Kashmir's Mughal gardensSrinagar: In order to revive the pristine glory of the world renowned Mughal gardens of Kashmir valley,...
Long-Term Disaster for Near-Term Convenience
Dal Lake is dying because of major social and ecological changes in Kashmir, but Kashmiris fail to look understand that the "green bowl" will die when the lake dries outDal interiors serve as green bowlSrinagar: While the Dal lake generates a huge business by serving...
Strikes in Kashmir Produce a Mixed Score Card
While tourism and marriage season have been negatively impacted, online shopping picks up in the Valley (three stories)Strike leaves tourism shatteredSrinagar: The cool wind blowing across the Dal lake and crowded market lanes with traders hawking Kashmiri handicrafts...