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.
Gandhara Art in Kashmir
Iqbal takes reader to Kotebal which was founded by Kushan rulers and was well known for Gandhara art as is clearly evident by the skill and craftsmanship of its floor tiles(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in...
Throwing Good Money After the Bad: Will it Make any Difference?
Rs. 5,500 million are being lavished on the new city development plan, but will it make any difference? Two related reports on why Srinagar keeps getting uglier by the dayDCM spells out city development planSrinagar: Deputy chief minister, Tara Chand, Sunday said that...
Waiting for the Next Big Idea
Afshana recounts challenges in keeping creative juices flowing(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 Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She...
Reconstructing the Tourist Reception Center (TRC)
Report that the gutted TRC building will be reconstructed along traditional Kashmiri architecture is reassuringTRC reconstruction on heritage linesArif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)After three years of dilly-dallying tactics, the government has finally decided to...
IUCN Lists Himalayan Snow Leopard as an Endangered Species
Government wakes up only after naturalists raise the issueKashmiri snow leopard listed as endangeredSrinagar: With the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) "Red List" of Threatened Animals categorizing snow leopard as “endangered species”, State...
Pandits and Kashmir’s Civil Society: Lot of Slip Between the Cup and the Lip
Zahir speaks about displaced (non-valley based) Pandits and suggests a dialogue between Pandits and Kashmir's civil society even though it has conveniently ignored the plight of valley based Pandits so far. As a displaced Pandit, Sanjay offers a counterpoint by...
Musings from Mumbai
To the envy of his colleagues shivering in the deep freeze, Bashir heads south to catch the "Bombay fever" turning him (heavens forbid!) into a sage(Mr. Bashir Manzar, 50, was born in Chack Ferozpora, near Tangmarg in Baramulla district. He matriculated from the...
Look Around You Because God’s Mercy is Everywhere
Feroz sees holiness even in unholy situations, but most of all he senses spirituality in acts of generosity big or small(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 23, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government...
Mirwaiz’s Excuse or Ruse?
Nazir says Kashmiris have a right to check the income and expenditure of Hurriyat(Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 59, is a jurist. He was born in Naranthal (Jalshree) village near Baramulla and was a student at the Government Degree College in Baramulla. Subsequently, he...
Diminishing Stature of Separatists
Khursheed does a post mortem on a movement reduced to mostly off-site leaders and part-time workers(Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Wani, 36, was in Tral in South Kashmir. He graduated with a B.Sc. degree from Sri Partap College, Srinagar, and M.Sc. (Physics) from the Aligarh...