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.
Delhi Government Adds Another Rs. 288 Cr to J&K Lake Conservation Program
Budget for conservation has always been plentiful but, as before, greedy people with myopic vision will squander the money for personal gainsGoI’s NLCP skips Anchar Lake in Rs 386 Cr planAbid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: In a major move to conserve wetlands and...
Disaster Everywhere
An editorial in the Kashmir Observer repeats the obviousDisaster In DalFor the past many decades a tragedy of monumental proportions has been unfolding before the very eyes of Srinagar dwellers with every passing day. Quart by quart, the once pristine waters of the...
J&K State Fails to Understand Tourism 101
Charging registered local tourist guides for accompanying visitors on gondolas in Gulmarg is a bad policyGulmarg Tourist Guides’ Appeal to Chief Minister"We are a group of 25 local youth, earning our livelihood by working as tourist guides here at Gulmarg for past...
Jammu University’s Improper Junket to China Exposed
CAG Report takes the University of Jammu to task for its sloppy managementJU delivers on disappointment not excellenceSrinagar: With Jammu University boasting of achieving academic excellence, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has punctured the tall...
Bringing Objectivity and Credibility to News Reports
Hakeem discusses why journalists often lose their credibility when reporting in conflict zones where they identify with the story on a first party basis(Mr. Hakeem Irfan Rashid Madroo, 25, was born in Rainawari, Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Iqbal Memorial...
Observing the “International Any Day” Charade in Kashmir
Zahid was both an observer and a speaker at the International Women's Day symposium held recently at the Kashmir University. (Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University...
Next Disaster News: Melting Glaciers
Mixing Economic Meltdown With Glacier Meltdown in Kashmir Spells an Uncertain FutureValley headed for major water crisis as glaciers receding speedShabir Ibn Yusuf (Kashmir Times)SRINAGAR: Valley may face severe water crisis in coming summer, as the glaciers have...
Documenting Unique Kashmiri Pandit History
Rajesh describes a project to bring internally displaced Pandits closer to their roots(Mr. Rajesh Bhat, 43, was born in Sopore. He did his primary schooling in Sopore and completed a Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir....
Global Meltown Affects Yet Another Kashmiri Industry
500 papier-mâché artisans go jobless: No export order since March 2007Kashmir and MeltdownRashid Paul (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The global economic meltdown has rendered around 500 papier-mâché artisans in Kashmir jobless as the Rs 30 crore industry has failed to...
In Kashmir it’s not recession, it’s depression
Sajjad surveys the impact of global recession on Kashmir's economy(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...