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.
Rabbit Farming in Kashmir
Rabbit farming in Kashmir valley is emerging as a lucrative businessRabbit FarmingAsifa Amin Koul (Kashmir Times)Srinagar: Though still in infancy, rabbit farming is emerging as a lucrative business in the valley.Besides one government farm at Pattan, there are over...
The Death of Pukhribal
Zahid provides a first-person account(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass Communication from Indian Institute of Mass...
Corruption in Kashmir is More Serious Than Economic Downturn
The Chanber of Commerce finally bares the truthCCIK for transparency in utilization of fundsRabia Noor (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) has called for greater scrutiny and transparency in the utilization of central funds...
Going From Seminar to Seminar
Maroof discusses life in the "Seminar Capital" where one can spend an entire lifetime in and around seminar halls (Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 31, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, completing Bachelors's...
Taking the Kashmiri Non-Voter on a Ride
Sajjad wonders when Hurriyat's doublespeak will end(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 Media and his master's degree in Mass Communication and...
Taking the Kashmiri Voter on a Ride
Shuhab notes that the two major political parties in the valley have made a mockery of the electorate and themselves by making pivotal references to BJP(Shuhab Hashmi, 39, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed his M.A....
Saving Kashmir by Preserving its “Green Gold”
Iftikar suggests a model for preservation of forests based on experience in IndiaNeed of a Chipko MovementIftikar Rashid WaniDuring the United Nations Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in 1972 when there were hectic deliberations to formulate the strategies...
Chilling Economic Divide: The State With Highest VAT Collection is also the One With Substantial Poverty
Kashmir provides a vivid contrast among the rich and the poorPoverty: J&K not too far behind the restJammu: Contrary to popular perception that J&K state fares quite well in poverty eradication graph vis-…-vis national statistics, the indicators of regional...
My Kashmir
Rashneek takes a journey down the memory lane of a childhood long gone(Mr. Rashneek Kher, 36, was born in the Alikadal precinct of Srinagar. He did his initial schooling from Vidhya Bhavan and Angels Garden in Kashmir and joined Boarding at the Sainik School Nagrota...
Human Effort for Love and Peace (HELP)
Aditi meets a special person who is using her connections for the betterment of suffering Kashmiri women (Ms. Aditi Bhaduri's bio sketch is available from the webmaster.) Crafting New Hope in the Conflict Zone Nighat Shafi Pandit explains conflict precisely: "When two...