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.
Life in a Refugee Camp
Aditi details health issues among displaced Kashmir Pandit women languishing in refugee camps for nearly two decades (Ms. Aditi Bhaduri's bio sketch is available from the webmaster.) In Jammu's Camps, no Relief Usha Pandita, 45, feels tired even after the smallest of...
Delinking Azadi and Self-Empowerment
Abid notes that "excuses" that were made to justify unexpectedly high voter turnover during the previous State election do not apply to the Parliamentary election and hence a repeat performance would be bad news for Separatists (Mr. Abid Bashir Wani, 27, was born in...
Public-Private Partnership for Cleaning up Nageen Lake is Long Overdue
The state that enjoys per-capita consumption rate among the highest in India can afford to contribute finances towards societal issues like environmental degradation Operation Clean Up for Nageen Lake BeginsSrinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries...
Making Borders Irrelevant by Reviving the “Silk Route”
Willayat says that such a revival must also take into consideration the needs of people in the Ladakh region(Mr. Willayat Ali, 28, was born in Hagnis, Kargil district, and did his schooling from Jawahir Navodiya Vidyalaya, Kargil. He completed his Bachelor's degree...
Can we Talk About the Disposal of Biomedical Waste?
Typical Kashmiri approach of ignoring festering issues until these become unmanagable does not apply only to political controversiesBiomedical wasteThe advances made in medical science and the technological interventions in the surgeries conduct these days, have given...
Decades of Indifference to Environment Comes Back to Haunt Houseboat Owners
Sajjad brings a reality check to unpleasant side of houseboat business(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...
Srinagar International Airport Raises Expectations
The airport must become a gateway to new opportunitiesInternational airport to boost flower export businessSrinagar: The opening of an international airport has buoyed the hopes of flower growers in Kashmir as avenues for selling their produce in international markets...
Right to Infiormation (RTI) is the Right of Any Citizen
Sahil hopes the improved RTI law ushers a new era of transparency(Mr. Sahil Showkat, 24, was born in Badripora Naina Sangam, near Awantipora, in Pulwama district. He graduated from the Government Degree College in Anantnag, and his post graduation in Political Science...
Agrarian Economy Takes a Downturn
Misplaced priorities are causing havoc to Kashmir's socio-eeconomic life Agriculture declining in Jammu and Kashmir: ReportThough Agriculture and allied sector contribute 27 per cent to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during the last five years, it got the...
The Dying Cricket bat Industry in J&K
The J&K Government can and must do moreCricket bat industry dying a slow deathJammu: The cricket bat industry is battling for survival in the state. Jammu region, which boasted of 77 cricket bat manufacturing units a few years back, now, has mere 10 units, while...