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.
We Lack the Courage of Conviction
Afshana highlights a weakness that has taken its toll(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 completed her...
Should Government Salary be Hiked and why are Kashmiris only Dependent on Government Salaries?
Two reports - one by Arjimand, and the other by the Greater Kashmir - describe the Catch-22 situation in Kashmir where sarkari naukari is the only highway to good life(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial...
Overhauling the Pathetic Education System in Kashmir
Sajjad suggests the obvious(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 degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the...
Putting Community Interests Above Personal Politics
Tanvir seems to have momentarily lost his senses to suggest even for a moment that Kashmiris can rise above petty politics(Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, 31, was born in Srinagar and attended the Burn Hall School. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Information technology and...
Uneducational Experience
Riyaz says that the education system is rotting and the rotten eggs cannot be hatched(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 37, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and kashmiri. Besides working in the local press, his articles...
Srinagar in Decay
An objective report in the Kashmir Observer unfolds an inconvenient truthSrinagar In DecayThe trouble with traveling the sanitized route from Gupkar Road to the secretariat via the Boulevard every day is that one begins to harbour notions about the rest of the city...
The Misfortune of being a Female in Kashmir
Two articles in the Rising Kashmir cover a broad canvass of emotions in describing challenges facing females in Kashmir. The third and the last article from the Kashmir Images is one of hope and exuberanceFemale foeticide on rise in Valley: ReportSrinagar: Female...
Refugees in Their own Country
Pervez gives human shape to Kashmiris whom the valley has long forgotten(Mr. Pervez Majeed Lone, 32, was born in Ashpora, a hamlet located in Handwara Tehsil in the Kupwara District. His primary schooling took place in government schools in his hometown, and he...
The Audacity of Hope
Mehmood may not have thought about it, but his message applies to Kashmiri Muslims reaching out to Pandits as well(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is published by the Rising Kashmir.)Thinking of Change“There is a way to be...
The End is Near
Irreversible environmental changes are affecting KashmirWular wetland may disappear in 7 yrs: Environmentalist Mir Tariq (Rising Kashmir)Bandipora: The world famous Wular wetland reserve, according to environmentalist, may disappear from the scene in next seven years...