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 Tragedy Called Srinagar – Part 1
Yet another story of an ancient city with citizens who lack both a sense of history and a sense of civicsSrinagar: one big garbage dumpMutaharra A W Deva (Rising Kashmir)Environmental pollution has increased alarmingly alongside human population, urbanization,...
Between the Devil (Hurriyat) and the Deep Sea (New Delhi)
Riyaz provides an assessment of the first polling day in the Valley(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, 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...
Does Voting by Minorities Matter?
In the electoral battle among elephants, Mahesh raises an interesting question about rights and aspirations of minorities(Mr. Mahesh Kaul, 29, was born in Ghat Jogi Lankar, Rainawari, Srinagar. He completed his Master's degree in Tourism Management (MTM) and is now...
Even the School Meal Program is Mired in Corruption
On one hand the school staff claim the meal assistance is trivial and on the other hand they are caught making money for personal gainThe drama called mid day meal schemeManohar Lalgami (Daily Etalaat)Srinagar: Like many other schemes in fore in Jammu Kashmir , the...
Uniquely Kashmiri
Kangri is an old and trusted heat source especially when electric power is intermittant CHILLY WINTER AND KANGRIFarzana Syed (Kashmir Images)Kashmiris have their own way of fighting the bitter cold of winter. It is a traditional fire pot called Kangri. In absence of...
A Journalist’s Dilemma
Sajjad addresses the grey area when a reporter becomes the subject(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 44, 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...
Life After Elections
Shuhab shares his perspective of a game called "Back to the Future"(Shuhab Hashmi, 38, 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...
The Kashmiri Durbar
Privileges enjoyed by ex chief ministers are envied by one and allVIP protocol for former CMs• G N Azad : 26 vehicles, 4 houses• Farooq Abdullah : 6 vehicles• Mufti Syed : 6 vehicles, 2 houses• G M Shah : 3 vehicles, 2 housesECI considering complaint against Azad’s...
A Personal Billboard?
Nida sees walking billboards all around her(Ms. Nida Rafiq Shiekh, 22, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation from the Presentation Convent High School and completed her 12th grade from the Mallinson Girls High School, both with distinction. She recently...
The Heart of the Problem
Shoaib suggests that electric power shortage in the valley is directly connected with power theft. He is not speculating as he knows it first hand. The analysis that the Greater Kashmir would not publish in its entirety is provided below(Mr. Shoaib Mushatq Shah, 28,...