“There is no longer any such thing as fiction or nonfiction; there’s only narrative” – Edger Doctorow

“No word matters. But man forgets reality and remembers words.” – Roger Zelazny

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.

Not Without a Price

Mehmood raises valid concerns given that the State has hardly any infrastructure to cope with large influx of tourists (Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 39, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He has been active in journalism for over ten...

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Mental Healthcare

Zeenat sees very little emphasis by authorities on mental healthcare in a valley full of anguish and lawlessness (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and...

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Night Watchman for Adult Children

The author met numerous elderly couples in Kashmir living by themselves in homes built by their children who themselves work overseas. One couple told me, "We have become a nation of chowkidars." Abandoned by Children, Elderly Parents Struggle to Survive M Hyderi...

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Harvesting Misery – 2

Basharat comments on the Zargar Report dealing with the G B Pant Hospital tragedy (Mr. Syed Basharat, 31, 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 his...

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Harvesting Misery – 1

Medical profession in Kashmir is a disgrace, though it cannot be said that there are not some conscientious and professionally dedicated doctors Medical Mafia Kashmir is really a gold mine, and the rush is on. Everybody is busy milking the society and its systems to...

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Civil Society Wakes up – But is it for Real?

Javid reports on the KCSDS Roundtable (Dr. Javid Iqbal, 65, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes work in the Middle East for...

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In or Out, It is Dirty Air

After already scoring high as a state with one of the most polluted cities (Srinagar), J&K scores another triumph as a Smokers Heaven J&K Fast Becoming North India’s Puffing Capital Aditi Tandon (Tribune) Jammu and Kashmir is fast emerging as the...

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One Way Street

In a culture that has been skillful in taking other people's money without accountability, it is difficult to give something (anything) in return Property Tax Related Issue Evokes Mixed Response Sana Altaf (Kashmir Times) Srinagar: After being endorsed by chief...

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