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.
Kashmir Embraces Open Education
Success with the State Open School in collaboration with the National Institute of Open Schooling is encouraging the state to seriously consider establishing a State Open University in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)Dr. Abdul Gani...
How State Politicians Work as a Cabal Protecting Each Other’s Vested Interests
Every year a detailed report by the CAG on misgovernance, inept management and corruption in the State is tabled during the Budget session in J&K Assembly. And yet, no politician - even from the opposition - discusses its contents.Following is an editorial in the...
Two Reports on Challenges Facing Women in Kashmir
Professor Hameeda hosts a Seminar jointly organized by the University of Kashmir, Center for Social and Development Studies and the Asian Women's Commission to mark the International Women's Day on March 7(Dr. Hameeda Banu, 40+, was born in Tral, now in Pulwama...
Another Legacy Feature is fast Disappearing from Kashmir’s Ecological Heritage
Will the real Mr. Masood Samoon please take some action? Div Com imposes ban on lopping of Chinar treesSrinagar: Taking strong note of the alleged complaints from ecologists, environmentalists, NGOs and especially media that reckless lopping and felling of Chinar is...
Creating Awareness for Survival of the Wildlife
Jehangir requests humans to appreciate the beauty of the wild and give animals the space to roam freely(Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 36, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute in Hawal, Srinagar. He studies at the Sri...
The Tragedy of Getting Sick in Kashmir
Medical care is a disgrace especially at Government run hospitalsHospitals sitting on powder-kegMehboob Jeelani (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The hospitals in Kashmir are sitting on a powder-keg and there is apprehension that the like HIV and Hepatitis B cases may...
Spring Blooms on March 20
Million Tulips Bloom At World's Largest Tulip Garden Srinagar: About 12 lakh bulbs in more than 60 colours will greet the guests in Siraj Bagh, one of the world's largest tulip garden, situated at the foot of the Zabarwan Hills, being thrown open for public from March...
The Ugly Little Truth About the Valley
Ashraf says that last year eight times more people were killed in road accidents than in militancy related incidents. Perhaps Government should forget militants and pay more attention to this Road Rage!(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He...
Pursuing Human Rights, Cafeteria Style
Two news items that you will not find in valley newspapers supporting human rights, except when it applies to the minority community83 acre land belonging to displaced Pandits encroached in KashmirJAMMU : Jammu and Kashmir government today said that 1,608 cases of...
Reconstructing Pakistan
Two regional policy analysts present various scenarios depicting Pakistan's future. It goes without saying that resolution of the Kashmir issue will require a stable (even more than friendly) PakistanPakistan: need for smart diplomacyAmitabh Mattoo & Happymon...