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.
Will Kashmir Benefit?
Riyaz seeks an answer to a wrong question. The correct question is can Kashmir be part of a solution when it doggedly insists on remaining as the India's problem?(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in...
Bringing Realism in the Endless Debate
Mr. Khan argues the need to work towards self reliance without which the dream of an independent nation is just that(Mr. Abdul Rashid Khan, is a retired senior bureaucrat who served in the J&K Government service.)Economic Independence and Political FreedomIn some...
One Among the Many
Javaid talks of aspirations of a minority in a land which has yet to come to terms with pluralism and diversity(Dr. Javaid Rahi is the National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation.)Gujjars: identity, apprehensions and demands Every pluralistic society...
Testing the Limits of Your True Potential
Feroz shows the way from gathering pity to making history(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 22, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government College in Pulwama, and is currently pursuing post graduation in...
Thinking Out of the Box
Tanveer ploughs a new ground with his vision as an eternal optimist(Mr. Tanveer Ahmad, 36, was born in Gurutta, Tehsil Sensa, in the Kotli district of Azad Kashmir. He received his school education in Luton, Bedfordshire, U.K., and completed his college education from...
Can any “Meticulous Scheme” to Save Education System Work When Name of the Game is Civil Curfew?
The Governor pleaded with the civil society during the uprising to allow schools and college to stay open - but his arguments fell on deaf ears. That was then, and this is now ...Save education - an Editorial in the Rising KashmirA meticulously designed scheme is...
Massive Asian Development Bank (ADB) Funded Project in Kashmir
Mr. Azhar describes the first project funded by the ADB in Kashmir through his agency tasked to improve State's basic infrastucture(Mr. Muhammad Azhar, 30, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is the Public Relations Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Economic...
Getting Something for Nothing
Few outsiders can or do comprehend the psyche prevalent in KashmirValley reels under darkness, PDD blames people99% consumers resort to power theft: Chief EngineerNaseer A Ganai (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: The commissioning of 450 MW Baghlihar power project it seems is...
Good News, Twice Over
Line of Commerce is functional and so is the rail trafficKashmir all set for cross-LoC tradeSrinagar: History is all set to repeat itself on Tuesday, as the Lorries containing 21 exchange items from the divided parts of Kashmir will pass through the Kaman Post in...
Bring Joy to Others
Monisa counts her blessings and advocates spreading the good cheer to the really needy(Ms. Monisa Qadri, 23, was born and raised in Srinagar. She has been a Mallinson Girl and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She has studied mass communications...