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.
A Night in Hell and Not a Gun in Sight
The bad news is that terrorism still lurches in Srinagar. The good news it that it is not because of guns. A scribe for the Rising Kashmir describes his personal ordeal in a city overwhelmed by roaming dogsWho Let The Dogs Out?Hakeem IrfanIt was the biggest in town....
Kashmir’s Roads are a Disgrace
The report in the Kashmir Images discusses how Kashmir is turning into a cesspool fed by greed and corruption ‘Not rain and snow, blame corruption for ditches and potholes of roads’ Srinagar: Though the condition of roads in entire Valley was never satisfactory, the...
Can Radio Compete as a Communication Tool in Today’s Audio-Visual-Sensual World?
Should Radio play a role in advancing civic and social responsibility? Sajjad says yes(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's...
Walnut Industry Takes a Hit as Global Economy Slows Down
Bilal reports on how a drop in demand has hit the local industry(Mr. Bilal Hussain, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar. He went to the CASET Experimental High School, and the S.P. College, Srinagar. He has a Master's degree in Finance and Control (MFC) from the...
Harmony between nature and people is the best example of Kashmiriyat
Saleem hails the efforts to minimize ecological damage from pilgrims on way to Amarnathji Shrine(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 58, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's degree from the...
Bringing J&K into 21st Century
Raies makes a suggestion and the University of Kashmir follows up on its own (two related stories)(Mr. Raies Altaf Bodha, 25, was born in Doru-Shahabad located in the Anantnag District. He attended the Sir Syed Memorial Educational Institute in Doru and received his...
Civil Disorder Yes, Civic Sense No
Kashmiris borrow books from public libraries and keep them for good. 15,846 books have taken flight that wayBook borrowing goes wrong Srinagar: If your bookshelf includes some borrowed from the government libraries it’s high time you saved yourself from the...
Kashmir’s Wetlands are Drying Out
Wetlands are disappearing due to encroachments, pollution, constructions and official apathyValley’s wetlands face grave threatSrinagar: World Wetland Day celebrated on February 2 is the right occasion to think over the causes that have brought most wetlands in the...
Incredible as it Sounds India Catches up With Kashmir on Moral Policing
Mehmood discusses human traits that do more harm than good. He should have pointed to those newly erected abominable hoardings in Karan Nagar as well(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is published by the Rising Kashmir.)A...
Saving te Pride of the Dachigam National Park
Declining Hangul population alerts wildlife experts to plan conservation measures Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Alarming decline in the population of the famed Kashmir stag or ‘Hangul’ has finally alerted the wildlife authorities who are now making a...