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.
Unlocking Traffic While Improving Environment
This former academic has some interesting ideas on promoting "old fashioned ways" to a healthy body and clean air(Mr. Abdul Gani Bhat, 65, was born in Srinagar. He attended Government Primary School in Natipora and S. P. School in Srinagar. He earned his college...
A Road to Nowhere
Musavirr narrates a tale of official apathy and bad engineering(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 internet...
Amazing How the Satan has Suddenly Become a Darling
Riyaz hopes that President-elect Obama will focus on Kashmir, when in fact Kashmir is not even #300 on Obama's priority list(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and kashmiri. Besides...
Death of a Lake
Ahansar Lake goes Dal way, LAWDA sleeping Tanveen Kawoosa (Kashmir Monitor)Srinagar: Like all major Lakes in the valley, the famous Ahansar Lake is reeling under severe water pollution thereby hastening its journey towards death, warn ecologists. Despite being equally...
Societal Indifference Towards Heritage Promotes Public Indifference Towards Future
Neglected Ruins Shakeel-ur-Rehman (Kashmir Images)Although heritage is endless in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, year after year even the best is disappearing. Take the Maharaja Palace of Gulmarg. Built by the Dogra's in the 1920s the palace is in ruins. Many reasons...
Need of the Hour: A Think Tank to Strategize for Peace and Prosperity
Sajjad covers a wide canvass of economic ills in the valley and hopes for a miracle(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...
Wither Saffron
An editorial in the Rising Kashmir raises some pertinent concerns and suggests remediesUrgent steps need to be taken to increase the production of saffron and revolutionize its marketing.The threat to cash crops, in Kashmir is now real. If trends that we are...
Yesterday’s Life Line is Today’s Sewage Line
Ather sees a tragedy unfolding right in front of people and makes some good suggestions(Syed Ather Qayoom Rufia, 26, was born in Srinagar, and received his initial schooling from the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School, Srinagar, and Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi. He...
Misplaced Priorities, but who is to Blame?
Ashraf says that in the case of Kashmir, the environment should be the first priority. So far so good. But should not the accusing finger point to the society that willingly ignores environmental damage to make way for greed?(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 65, was born and...
Jehlum, Dal, Nageen and Wular
Disturbing reports on the historical river and three prime (and formerly pristine) lakes in Kashmir. Report on Jehlum is followed by a report on the Dal Lake and the Nageen Lake, and a report on the Wular lake Jehlum beautification?River Jehlum, the life-line of...