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.
Anatomy of the Loss: Adding up Economic Losses During Periods of Anarchy
Kashmiris do not feel the full pain of economic loss because the State budget is mostly contributed by the Indian taxpayer. Anywhere else, it would be a disaster. In Kashmir, it is "gimme time" ....Valley loses Rs 6000 Cr in 40 daysSrinagar: The ongoing agitation and...
Kashmir Simmering
Aditi talks about the resiliance of ordinary Kashmiris in the face of political leaders and media determined to push its own political agenda (Ms. Aditi Bhaduri's bio sketch is available from the webmaster.) Kashmir Simmering Kashmir is being suffocated more by the...
Economic Cost of Recent Mayhem in J&K – Rs. 20,000 Crores (Rs. 200 Billion)
The loss due to agitation in the valley is estimated at Rs. 9,000 crores and in Jammu at Rs. 10,000 croresAmarnath land row cost Kashmir valley over Rs 90 billionSrinagar: Over two months of protests, curfews and shutdowns caused due to agitations in Kashmir triggered...
Surprise! Jammu and Kashmir has been decorated with a Medal for Being “Alarmingly Corrupt”
Transparency International exposes the underbelly of Kashmir's secret weapon (corruption) that ensures a status quo among the rich and the powerful in the State JK among top 4 corrupt states: TI GK NEWS NETWORK Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is in the list of top four...
Can our Civil Society Ever March to a Different Beat Than the Wishes of the Majority?
Zahid Mohammad underlines the freedom of thought in the Indian Civil Society(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 from...
A Time to Move Forward and Forget the Past
Since we highlighted the Cabinet Decision 94/7 and the Government Order 184-FST, we also reproduce the latest agreement on the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)
The Drive to Self-Sufficiency in Power Takes off in the Puga Valley
A solution to energy crisis: Puga Geothermal Plant in Ladakh Aamir Ali (Greater Kashmir) Geothermal in Greek language means Earth and Heat. Geothermal energy is the heat produced inside earth. The Earth is composed of a number of layers known as the inner core, outer...
Creating a new career opportunity in Energy Auditing
Dr. Seemin Rubab has an excellent suggestion for today's young generation looking for careers of tomorrowENERGY AUDIT – ensuring efficient use of energyEnergy audit is the most important tool of managing energy effectively. The energy audit can be considered as the...
A Clear Case of Disinformation by the Kashmir Watch Published From Islamabad, Pakistan
Two stories - a week apart - published by the Kashmir Watch from Islamabad, Pakistan, clearly show how dis-information campaign by enemies of Kashmiri people has become both vicious and personalKashmir Watch, August 17Javed Iqbal Bhat, SrinagarThere is anger in...
There are People on the Street and Then There are People who Make the Street
RTI has the potential to plough through bureucratic red tape to actually help real people in real needGovt silent about RTI Act despite amendment in JanuarySrinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2004 was amended in January this year but till date...