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.
Saving Nageen or Killing Nageen?
It remains to be seen if the Government is capable of protecting our dying lakesHi-tech resort at Nigeen to attract touristsSRINAGAR: Tourism trade may be going through a rough phase these days but the department of tourism wishes to waste no time in developing new...
It is Official – J&K is the Third Most Corrupt State in India
Transparency International (TI) announces its "Merit ListMost corrupt states: J&K at No: 3Syed Junaid Hashmi (Kashmir Times)JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir retains the dubious distinction of being among the top ten most corrupt states of India with fig leaf type relief...
A Counterpoint Against Recent Commentaries Critical of Hurriyat
Riyaz offers a counterpoint in defense of the HurriyatExpecting too much from APHC shows how little we know about others(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 36, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and kashmiri. Besides working...
A Story of Grit, Resilience and Hope
Afsana reports on a mother that is determined to see justice done even when she has to do it alone(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a Bachelor's...
When Security Personnel Form a Nexus With Local Timber Smugglers, it is Another Kind of War
The Editorial in the Rising Kashmir plays up one side of the story, but the role of local unscrupulous officials among the State Forest Department is even more dastardlyWar on forestsBSF personnel caught smuggling wood points towards a scandalous phenomenon in...
Staring at the Crossroads of Reason and Rhetoric, a Patriot Suggests a way out
Ayaat has a suggestion for for politicians - the need of the hour is mature leadership to pull us out of the crisis (Mr. Ayaat Butt lives in downtown, Srinagar.) Reason must prevail The voice of reason is not appeasement; it is an acknowledgment of reality. It is more...
Kashmiri Capitalism at its Best
A true capitalist has no ideology other than to extract financial gain from his clients Bravo ‘beggars’ With immense faith in hospitality of Srinagarites particularly during the blessed month of Ramadhan, many so-called beggars from far-flung areas of Kashmir have...
When Greed Meets Opportunity
Spurious medicines in Kashmir is a relatively recent phenomenon and can be attributed to growing lawlessness in the societySale of sub-standard, spurious medicines surges; authorities in slumberZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: An alleged nexus between...
With Tourism Having Tanked, Can the Cross Border Commerce Bring Some Hope?
As the tourist trade sinks, the hope shifts to upcoming visit by a Pakistani business delegation (two related stories)Pak business delegation to visit stateJammu: A 15-member traders’ delegation from Pakistan-administered Kashmir is scheduled to arrive in Jammu and...
With Most Private Schools Per Capita in India, Kashmir has yet to Produce Outstanding Academic Scholars on a Consistent Basis
And here is the reason why - three related stories on issues of the day disturbing the young scholarly minds in Kashmir ... School children burdened with extra classes Srinagar: The announcement of curtailment of holidays and holding of extra classes by most of the...