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.
Reinventing Character amd Ethics in a Modern Age
Afshana uses the parody of a make-believe princess to drive home a point(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....
An Agenda for the Omar Abdullah Government
Amitabh Proposes an Agenda(Dr. Amitabh Mattoo, 47, was born in Srinagar. He received his education from the Burn Hall School in Srinagar, the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and earned a D. Phil in International Relations from the University of Oxford,...
Triangulating Omar’s Future
Riyaz provides an interesting perspective(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 have appeared on BBC Radio online, Himal...
Leadership Challenges in a Coalition
Shuhab describes various challenges facing the incoming Chief Minister(Shuhab Hashmi, 39, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed his M.A. from the University of Kashmir. He is a Columnist, and in his spare time enjoys...
Taking the Faithful for a Ride
An Editorial in the Kashmir Images discusses moral bankruptcy in the Separatist EliteIt seems separatist leadership in Kashmir is hellbent upon humiliating the people of Kashmir and the recent statement issued by veteran separatist leader and portions of the...
Islamic Oligarchy Sputters in Kashmir
Mehmood puts his finger in the crux of the emerging Islamic agenda in Kashmir(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is published by the Rising Kashmir.)Kashmir: Problem Islam Inc.Immediately after her release from detention,...
Reviewing Election Results from Regional Perspectives
Balraj Puri analyzes the election outcome(Mr. Balraj Puri, 80, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He is a journalist, human rights activist and a writer who has been an eye witness to the turbulent...
Analyzing BJP Success in Jammu
Rekha dissects polling results in the Jammu region(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor of Political Science, University of Jammu. During her distinguished teaching career,...
“You Don’t Get What You Deserve, You Get What You Negotiate”
Sajjad discusses challenges facing the new Administration in Kashmir. One challenge overlooked is how to successfully negotiate with Resistance Movement leaders who emerged out the gun culture(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high...
Did Ali Shah Geelani let his Nation Down by Congratulating Omar Abdullah?
Shuhab puts forth an interesting perspective and indicates there may be good reasons behind the statement by Geelani saheb (Shuhab Hashmi, 39, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed his M.A. from the University of...