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.
State of Denial in Kashmir Extends to Changes in its Climate as Well
Arjimand highlights an inconvenient truth while ignoring civil society's obsession with a single point agenda that snuffs out any discourse on non-political matters(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School...
City Without a Soul
Ather pleads for preservation of Srinagar's historical buildings(Syed Ather Qayoom Rufia, 27, was born in Srinagar, and received his initial schooling from the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School, Srinagar, and Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi. He graduated as an Architect...
Impact of Waste Waters on the Vegetational Pattern of the Dal and Nageen Lakes
Professor Majeed Kak shares the Abstract of his proposal that was recently awarded a major research grant from the University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi(Dr. A. Majeed Kak, 63, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the...
Agenda for Good Governance
Ashraf suggests a way forward(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 Bagh in Civil Engineering. However, he changed his career to...
Saga of a Contemporary Woman Living an Imposed Lifestyle
Afshana gets personal with a story of a woman bifurcated between within and without(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...
Rejection of a Myopic and Decadent Leadership
Following is the text of the speech Hameeda Nayeem made on 5th January in a seminar organized to mark the right to Self-determination Day(Dr. Hameeda Banu, 40+, was born in Tral, now in Pulwama district. She received her primary and secondary education in Tral and...
Another Disaster in the Making
Basharat pokes into details about the Solid Waste and sees a disaster over the horizon(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...
The “Save Hangul” (Kashmir Stag) Project
J&K Kick Starts 'Save Hangul'Asifa Amin Koul (Kashmir Times)SRINAGAR: Following the ringing of alarm bells about the sharp decline in the number of Kashmir Stag or Hangul, the state government has kick-started its "Save Hangul" project-a long-term captive breeding...
Alarming Rise in Drug Abuse in Kashmir
Anantnag, Baramulla worst hit Alarming rise in drug abuse in Kashmir Tanveen Kawoosa (Kashmir Monitor)Srinagar: The menace of drug abuse in Kashmir seems to be raging on and on with no apparent end seems to be in sight. Worse still is the fact that the district...
Improper Disposal of Biomedical Waste is Another Disaster in the Making
Biomedical waste poses a great threat to the general health in our valleyWake up to challengeIftikar Rashid Wani (Rising Kashmir)Some days back I happened to visit one of the biggest hospitals of our valley. To my utter surprise I found heaps of garbage and littered...