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.
Stealing Mother’s Gold
It is pathetic when those paid to protect State assets themselves become looters Forest Official is Smuggling Timber Sameer Showkin Lone (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: While government claims to have achieved success in tightening noose on timber smugglers, now it...
Kashmir’s Newspapers Lack Objectivity
The CM publicly admits what everyone knew all along The Newspapers Fail to Differentiate Between News and Views (Kashmir Times) Srinagar: Indicting newspapers for paid news and presenting views as news, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said newspapers were...
Drug Addiction is a Growing Concern
Rehana discusses a growing and disturbing threat to health and well being of Kashmiris (Ms. Rehana Akhtar, 40, was born in Batamaloo, Srinagar. She received her B.Sc. in Basic Sciences and her M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Kashmir....
Domestic Violence
Zeenat provides an update on the "hidden violence" in the valley (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in English Literature from...
Reality Crushs Idealism in Kashmir
Nayeema shares a true experience of a believer who saw his dream shattered by valley elites unwilling to change the status quo (Ms. Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, 54, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She completed her B.Sc, B.Ed, LL.B (Hons) and Diploma in Journalism, and...
The Downside of Tourism
Fida takes Menaka Gandhi's advice to heart (Mr. Fida Iqbal, 49, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary School in Sopore. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Floriculture and...
Reflecting on Material Greed
An "eyebrow raising" editorial in the Kashmir Images, published from Srinagar Control Yourself The amount and extent of institutionalized corruption in Jammu and Kashmir quite reasonably justifies its position at number two in the Transparency International’s list of...
The Only State Where Bureaucrats Routinely Ignore Politicians
This is no surprise given that J&K is a state where accountability is nonexistent J&K Babus do Not Care Much About Legislative sanctity, Says Report Syed Junaid Hashmi (Early Times) Jammu: Putting a question mark on sanctity of Legislative Assembly, committee...
Chronic Corruption Equals Infrequent Electricity Supply
Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) is a text book case of gross mismanagement PDD Losing Rs 1800 cr Revenue Every Year ET Report Jammu: The State of J&K is losing Rs 1800 crore as revenue due to mismanagement in Power Development Department (PDD)...
Manasbal Goes the Dal Way
Aijaz looks at the dire condition of the Manasbal Lake and sees a large eco-system in neglect and decay just like in Dal and Anchar lakes (Mr. Aijaz Hassan Ganie, 35, was born in Anantnag. He graduated from the Gandhi Memorial College in Jammu, and completed his M.Sc....