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.
Neglecting Heritage is akin to Promoting Talibanisation
Abdul speaks for many in his letter to the Greater Kashmir(Mr. Abdul Salam Qureshi, 69, was born in Srinagar. He studied at the Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, and completed his B.Sc. in Agriculture and his M.Sc. in Pomology from the University of Jammu & Kashmir....
Thank you, Mr. Zafar Iqbal Manhas
Thank you, Zafar, for facilitating a cultural program called "Mauj Kasheer"Kashmiri youngsters enthrall audience at JammuJammu: It was an evening filled with nostalgia, pathos, sadness and tears. Yet, no element of hatred or bitterness could be felt at any moment...
Article 370
Balraj Puri looks recalls important events surrounding the controversial article of the Indian Constitution(Mr. Balraj Puri, 80, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He is a journalist, human rights...
Hurriyat’s Moving Goals
Nazir explains how the right may be there in principle but it has been sentenced to death in practice(Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 59, is a jurist. He was born in Naranthal (Jalshree) village near Baramulla and was a student at the Government Degree College in Baramulla....
How People in Denial Make “Soft Ethnic Cleansing” Work
Two related reports on dwindling Pandit Minority in KashmirValley Based Pandits Face Economic InsecurityMany mulling migration due to official apathyRashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Official apathy and lack of economic avenues has forced 29,035 Kashmiri Pandits...
Highlighting the Misfortune of Living in Doldrums
Two recent Editorials in Srinagar based broadsheets put the misery in perspectiveMess all Over (Kashmir Images)‘Conflict is development in reverse’. However, in Kashmir Valley, more than the political conflict, it is the incompetence of various governmental agencies...
Gross Injustice Through Gender Inequalities
Maroof speaks for the humanity(Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 31, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, completing Bachelors's degree in veterinary sciences (BVSc) at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal...
South Kashmir is Closer to New Delhi Than Srinagar
Kashmiris adopt the age old mantra ..... Follow the Market!For youngsters in South Kashmir, Srinagar is alien but…….Dilli Door NahinArifa Gani (Kashmir Times)Srinagar: For hundreds of youngsters in South Kashmir, Delhi is nearerand Srinagar not any closer. This is...
Contraditions in Walnut Production Figures Accentuate Dismal Performance
Official apathy mars Rs 500 cr walnut industryRabia Noor (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: There seems to be contradiction in the figures of production of walnuts in Kashmir with the government claiming that over 1 lakh metric ton was produced annually while experts saying...
A Kashmiri Scholar Writes About Global Warming
Mushtaq is concerned that global warming may lead to extinction of the mankind(Dr. Mushtaq A. Wani, 49, was born in Ajas village in the Bandipora District (erstwhile Baramulla District) and started his elementary school education in Ajas and finished at the Nadim...