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.
Kashmir’s Political System Perpetuates Misgovernance
An Editorial in the Kashmir Times highlights the challengePolitical parties lack a clear vision and have vested interest to perpetuate misgovernanceOne has been hearing the talk of providing good governance parroted by different political parties in the State for...
Lack of Human Rights in its Most Unadultured Form
State of medical care in Kashmir truly deserves universal condemnation. Here is a case in point....Lack of basic facilities torments patients in B&J hospitalZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: The Valley's only Bones and Joints (B&J) Hospital is...
Sustaining Tourism in the Age of Terrorism
A professional expert addresses the issue(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 65, 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...
Splitting Hairs Over Whether it is Expression for Development or Simply an Expression as Guaranteed in a Democracy
Sajjad travels the same narcissitic highway crowded by Kashmiris but asks the traveler to reflect on issues really important(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 44, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his...
Triumph of Order Over Chaos
By relating decline in militancy with restoration of the state, Mehmood offers a new perspective on the elections(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is published by the Rising Kashmir.)Kashmir: Why did people vote?Why hope...
Thank God, Something is Finally Going Right
JK Handicraft Corp achieves 83% targetSrinagar: The J&K Handicrafts (Sales and Export) Corporation Limited has set up a sales target of Rs 1386.50 lakhs for the current financial year. The corporation has achieved 83 per cent of the sales target in the first eight...
Putting Youth Power to Work in a Constructive Manner
Riyaz forgets that Edward Saids (or Arundatti Roys) of this world also speak against the hegemony of the majority as they highlight injustices and plight of minorities. Are the youth in Kashmir getting that message?(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, was born and raised in...
Introducing the Kashmir Environmental Protection Coordination Organization (KEPCO)
Niyaz Ahmad, Chairman KEPCO, introduces the Mission Statement and a Progress Report of KEPCO(Syed Niyaz Ahmad Shah, 36, was born in Nadihal, Bandipora. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kashmir in 1995. Subsequently he obtained post...
Remembering the International Wetland Day (December 2) by Highlighting Destruction of Kashmir’s Pristine Waters
Two articles - one on the Wullar Lake and the other on the Nigeen Lake - paint a sad picture of Kashmir's fragile ecologyLack of coordinated mechanism has led to overall degradation of the lake and its resources, and turned it into a cesspool, writes Taha Mubashir...
Kashmiri Writers Conference
Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages holds a symposiumKashmiri Writers Conference adopts five point resolutionsRajouri: A five point resolution was passed during concluding day proceedings of two day State Level Kashmiri Writers Conference organized...