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.
The Tragedy of Lal Ded
The Lal Ded Maternity Hospital must be giving sleepless nights to the saint-lady of our history and folk loreLal Ded: crying for helpMuhammad Sadiq (Rising Kashmir)Health and education are the two most important components of Human Development Index of any nation. And...
The Indomitable Kashmiri Spirit
At 80, smiling Mala Begum sells vegetablesA story of real woman emancipationBaramulla: Kishore Nahid, a veteran Pakistani feminist poet once wrote – Joote Baichte, Moze Baichte – Aurat Mere Naam Nahi Hai.She was a feminist, a strong advocate of women emancipation but...
Can Government Jobs Deliver Efficiency?
Tanvir ignores the fact that even the best government bureacracies in the world do not match up to private sector for efficiency and customer-friendliness(Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, 31, was born in Srinagar and attended the Burn Hall School. He completed his Bachelor's degree...
In the First 12 Days in February, Kashmir Police Wrote 7,20,750 Citations
Kashmiris known for their recklessness are paying a having toll on roadsRecord surge in traffic violations in ValleySrinagar: A staggering number of challans imposed in a short period of time stand testimony as to how brazenly the traffic rules are violated in...
Yes, Dal will die!
An editorial in the Kashmir Images makes a compelling caseYes, Dal will die!Lot of talk is being made preservation of environment, threats of pollutions, shrinking of Kashmir’s water bodies and threats to the ecological balance. Governments – both State as well as...
“People in Kashmir Don’t Have any Concern for the Environment”
The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) says that 90% of valley hotels and restaurants do not meet any environmental standardsSPCB regrets lack of action against polluting hotels, restaurants, houseboats…Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Notwithstanding...
Society Without Respect for its Heritage has no Bright Future Either
Irfan points to a shortcoming that has made Kashmiris poorer in more ways than oneEuropeans preserve our heritage, we don’t careIrfan Naveed (Greater Kashmir)Some days back I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who lives in UK. His name is David McDowell and is...
When Water was Clean and Vegetable Land was Abundant
Zahid speaks of a time long before Srinagar turned into an asphalt and concrete jungle(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass...
Corruption in Pahalgam
Basharat finds Pahalgam's cold weather has frozen the anti-corruption drive as well(Mr. Syed Basharat, 29, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his...
Srinagar as an International Gateway
Ashraf wonders if the State is ready or even capable of capitalizing on the new tourist bonanza(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem...