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.
Kashmiri Artisans Should Receive a Stimulus Package as Well
Commentary in the Rising Kashmir addresses the impact on economic downturn on Kashmiri artisansKashmiri artisans hitThere is no secret about the fact that the depression in the economies world over is directly hitting businesses dependent on exports. The exports from...
Getting off the “Freebies” (like illegal tapping of electric power lines) is not easy in Kashmir
Basim Amin Bazaz comments on the dismal power situation of the statePOWER THEFTIN A state where majority of people, for a good part of every year, remain plunged in the depths of darkness, power theft indeed comes across as an intriguing issue. It’s a chronic problem...
Preserving our Culture
The Kashmir University, with the help of Indian experts including one of Kashmiri origin, is preserving rare manuscripts electronicallyKU to Digitize Local Newspapers, Rare BooksSrinagar: The University of Kashmir will soon digitize all local newspapers besides the...
Counting on Short Memories Among Your Distractors and Jihadis Among Your Strategic Assets
Firdous is optimistic that Pakistani intelligence services are finally pulling back from sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir; but is that not what General/President Musharraf promised after his January 12, 2002 speech?(Mr. Firdous Syed, 43, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda,...
Valley Hijacked by Moral Brigade?
Afshana pleads for some common sense. Public may or may not get it, but civil society surely needs to loosen up(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in...
Kashmiri Carpet Trade Takes a Hit
Carpet exports out of the valley may drop by 50% or moreEconomic meltdown melts down demand for Kashmiri carpets tooSrinagar: The centuries-old carpet industry of Kashmir is facing a severe crisis in the wake of the global economic slowdown, endangering the livelihood...
Finding the Space for Accountability in a System Where Politics is Stuffed by Money
Mehmood raises some interesting questions. But in a state where oligarchy has survived by harnessing public emotion on the singular issue of politics, where is the space to seek accountability?(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His...
Stripping the Cultural Icon Naked
Tagore Hall's dilapidated condition is a proof of Kashmiri society's fall from the graceLack of money defaces Tagore HallMudasir Amin (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Tagore Hall, the only auditorium worth its name in Srinagar which has all along been the hub of cultural...
Feudal System is Alive and Well in Academic Institutions
Mudasir argues that better education requires meritorious teachers rather than a dual track approach where contract teachers are treated by regular staff with disdain and suggests a new recruitment system that does not breed corruption and nepotism(Mr. Mudasir Wani,...
Surprise, Wazwan is Kashmir’s Native Cuisine
Tahir debunks the notion that Wazwan is an import brought to the valley by foreign travelers and notes that the cuisine finds a mention even in old sanskrit textsDiscovering WazwaanTahir SufiThe popular local cuisine has always been the result of mostly the local...