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.
Playing the Extremist Game
Shuhab believes that by playing the Islamic card, PDP has plunged into a whole new ocean of problems and prospects (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...
The State of Denial
Razdan recounts ground realities in the present day valley that are conveniently ignored by the Kashmiri intelligentsia(Mr. P. N. Razdan, 69, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his master's degree in Statistics from the Patna university and joined the...
The Quantity Gained is the Quality Lost
We called it once the "dirty little secret" of the Education Department because of the sheer size of B. Ed production factory in Kashmir.B Ed BluesAny wrong practice in B Ed colleges can bring disrepute to the institution of education in KashmirThe allegations made by...
A City Where Government is Equally to Blame
From police headquarters to museum complex none have building permissions‘Illegal’ sarkari buildings galore in capitalM. Hyderi (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Believe it or not, the state government has “illegally” constructed several multi-storied buildings in the city,...
Paradise (about to be) Lost?
A grim reminder of how public indifference, official malfeasance and gun culture is slowly destroying the beauty of KashmirGreen future of Kashmir under threatIndia’s ‘paradise’ — Kashmir — is threatening to lose its charming picture postcard beauty. The danger has...
Can Kashmiri Potatoes Dominate the $459 Million Chip market?
Entrepreneurs keen to launch Kashmir brand chips to serve Rs. 100 Cr market Kashmir Produces 20,000 tons of PotatoesShabir Dar (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Despite availability of indigenous raw material – potatoes – for snacks production, Jammu and Kashmir imports...
On the Education day, Know Your Educationists
A gathering at the SKICC organized by the Academic Staff College of the University of Kashmir on November 1, 2008, provided an unique setting for Kashmir's academia to gather for promoting educationNOVEMBER 11: EDUCATION DAY(Geer Muhammad Ishaq, Dr. Z. A. Chatt and...
Yet Another Opportunity to Form a Consensus is About to Evaporate
Mehmood suggests that so-called solutions to the Kashmir issue are meaningless unless there is there is an opportunity to debate pros and cons of any approach openly and fearlessly(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is...
Lack of a Proper J&K Environmental Law Means no Environmental Assessments are Mandated for Large Projects
Basharat hears from NGO's who believe new power transmission lines will harm local environment(Mr. Syed Basharat, 28, 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...
An Inspiring Story of a Young Lad
Musavirr narrates the story of a young man with a "Can DO" attitude(Mr. Musavirr Wani, 27, was born in Srinagar and attened the Burn Hall School. He graduated from the Meerut University and joined the Kashmir Times as a reporter. Loves driving his car and surfing...