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.
Protecting Intellectual Property of Kashmiri Artisans
It is always a challenge to trademark an unique talentPashmina and Kani Shawl get GI RegistrationAbid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar:Much to the delight of the Kashmiri artisans, Union Minister for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh and Jammu and Kashmir Governor...
Public Gets What Public Wants
An Editorial in the Kashmir Images puts the blame for corruption entirely on the bureaucracy when in fact general public shares part of the blameFor how long…? Nothing seems to work here in this God-forsaken land. Each field and every sphere of human activity here is...
When Radio Kashmir Symbolized Kashmiri Psyche
Afshana notes that passing away of Machama symbolizes a loss beyond merely a Radio Kashmir artist named Pushkar Bhan(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in...
Recalling Joys of the First Snowfall of the Season
Zahid recalls of times when the first flakes of winter re-invigorated our souls(Mr. Z. G. Mohammad, 59, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass Communication...
One For Our Agrarian Roots
Musavirr provides a friendly reminder that most Kashmiris live off the land(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...
Unraveling American Intentions
Riyaz offers his perspective, but one can also argue that American efforts to mainstrean Hurriyat into relevance have been resisted by separatists(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and...
J&K and AJK Propose a Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI)
JCCI to submit recommendation to their respective governments Abid Gani Wani (Daily Etalaat)Srinagar: Azad Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AKCCI) President Zulfikar Abassi, who is leading the delegation on Wednesday, said that the commencement of trade...
The Art Of Papier Machie In Kashmir
Musavirr discusses the Art Of Papier Machie In Kashmir(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 to seek...
A real human rights challenge: Providing safe drinking water in all 10 districts of the Kashmir region
Good news- Government has just announced such a planRs 244-cr project to boost water supply Srinagar: In order to provide safe drinking water to people of the valley, the government has taken up upgradation of 167 ongoing water supply schemes in all 10 districts of...
Trans-LOC Indo-Pak Trading
Prof. Bhat summarizes the proceedings of a special session on ‘trans-LoC Indo-Pak trading’, held during an international seminar on regional economic integration, in Kashmir university, a few months back Economic justification for trans-LoC Indo-Pak trade(Prof G M...