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.
Lousy Health Policy
An editorial in the Kashmir Images says it allLousy health policyEveryone seems to be taking advantage of the ignorance, innocence and unawareness of the masses in Jammu and Kashmir. Exploitative elements have a free run in this land of unaccountability. And people in...
Why J&K State Will Never Prosper: Commercial Business Losses Until mid-August Amounted to About 5,000 Crores
Since Mid-August the numbers must have gone up significantly since the valley is up in arms againAgitation Costs Kashmir Industry Rs 1,500 Cr LossesSrinagar: Economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir has been severely impacted due to the ongoing agitation in the region,...
An Example of Narcissism so Intense That Only the Chosen can Decide if Others Deserve Sympathy or Spite
Afshana attempts to look at the world through a window framed by a mirror(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 Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree....
Lost in the Shuffle: An Appeal to Restore Peace and Harmony
Memories are Short - We have gone through such mayhem before without any impact other than more pain and suffering!Eminent citizens of the country have appealed for restoration of harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. The following is their statement:—“We are deeply pained by...
A “Must Read” Story of Love, Dedication and Promise Across the LOC
Tanveer has a personal story to tell that holds a promise for the future that all Kashmiris can share(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...
Kashmir has its Share of Declining Societal Values in a Changing World
An editorial on social evils and a commentary on marriages bring home some of the issues that affect our societyLook Inwards (Kashmir Images)Talking about social evils has, of late, become a fashion in Kashmir. Organizations are being launched to fight against these...
Blockade or Whatever …. the Indomitable Spirit Lives!
Ajaz proves that we Kashmiris can hold on to our humor as well as Russians to their vodka ...Invitation Cancelled! Dr. Ajaz A. BabaWait! No need to get alarmed, all you with bared teeth and barely restrained salivary glands! This is not yet another wedding invitation...
An Architect sees beauty of the past where others see an eye-sore of today
An architect wonders why our government does not care about protecting historical buildings, but in reality nothing is possible without public interest( Syed Ather Qayoom Rufai, 26, was born in Srinagar, and received his initial schooling from the Tyndale Biscoe...
A Teacher Affects Eternity
Afshana talks about the profession of teaching before it became just another job(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 Srinagar where she received a B.Sc....
Exhibitionism or Extravagance: Sadly it is a Common Denominator Among Pillars of our Society
Firdous speaks of feasts for beasts that Kashmiri societies relish whether in the valley or outside(Mr. Firdous Syed, 42, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda, and had his schooling in Jammu. He is currently the Chairman of the "Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development...