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.
Nigeen Club (Lake) Going to Dogs
It is the same old sad story Mismanagement at historic Nigeen club: Dogs on prowl inside Sana Altaf (Kashmir Times) Srinagar: Kashmir may boost over the success of its tourism this year, but how far the authorities have been able to keep up the charm of tourist places...
The Gender Gap
Zeenat addresses the plight of women concerned about society reaction to remarriages (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in...
Another Historic Nag (Spring) in Dispair
Irfan describes yet another historical archeological site in the valley in shambles Tale of Kothair Spring, its Neglect Irfan Naveed (Kashmir Images) Despite the tall claims of the government in promoting J&K’s rich heritage tourism sector, many top notch heritage...
Preserving Kashmir’s Cultural Architecture
Iqbal says that preserving Sufi shrines is much more than an expression of tolerance and pluralism - it is a way to preserve Kashmir's iconic Reshi architecture (Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 51, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numastics,...
Official Claims Notwithstanding ….
Zeenat interviews Javed regarding the ability of physically challenged people in the valley to assimilate into the society (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi),...
The Orphan Care in Kashmir
Kalpana's observations are followed by a news story about the numbers (Ms. Kalpana Tikku is the Managing Trustee of "ARNIMAAL," a voluntary Organization working in the valley, that primarily deals with children. ) The Orphan Care System Bismah from Bemina is a...
The Dying Cash Crop
Jaleel says that Saffron, Kashmir's "heritage cash crop" is dying a slow death. He should know. (Mr.Sheikh Jaleel is Managing Director of Jaybee Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. in the Saffron town of Pampore, Kashmir) SAFFRON: It’s Withering! Kashmiri saffron is said to be...
Diminishing Agricultural (Fertile) Land
Kashmir may go ‘landless’ as unplanned (and mostly illegal) urbanization witnesses surge Agriculture Land Turns Into Residential Aliya Bashir (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: With government failing to stop the construction on agricultural land, Kashmir’s land is fast...
Bloodbath in the Nigeen Lake
While conspiracy theories make rounds, the bitter truth is that Kashmir's lakes are dying both literally and figuratively Nigeen Lake Fish Bloodbath: Govt blames oxygen depletion Srinagar: With lakhs of dead fish floating on the surface of Nigeen Lake,...
Why is the New SPS Museum Still in a Limbo?
Construction delays in completing the Sri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum have been exasperated by a total lack of civil society support Official Neglect Mars Heritage Preservation Bismah Malik (Tribune News Service) Srinagar: The preservation of rich cultural heritage of...