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.
Turning a new Leaf: 30,000 Books Sold in Five Days
Sahitya Akademi book exhibition generates good response. Kudos to Ajim Hajini, the convenor of the eventUmi Salma Reshi (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The five day book exhibition cum sale organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Meezan Publishers at State...
Valley Carpet and Shawl Industry is in Deep Trouble
Carpet, Shawl Industry In Deep SlumpSrinagar: The carpet and shawl weaving industries, which have the status of being the backbone of Kashmir handicrafts, are on a sharp decline, throwing thousands of artisans and craftsmen and their families into acute financial and...
Living in Srinagar’s Green Zone, Kashmiri Aristrocats Enjoy Life by Harnessing Misery of a Common Man
Ashraf talks about recent exploiters in the garb of Indian loyalists and global collection agencies masquerading as Resistance that have ruined Kashmir(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 65, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College...
Are Kashmiris Obsessively into Excessive Socialization?
Personally I do not think so, but Afshana thinks otherwise and seems to have lined up some good reasons (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...
Central Attitude Needs to Shift From “Delhi Durbar” to “Tough Love”
Farooq Jan is right about politicians attributing lack of development to so-called motherly treatment by New Delhi, when in fact those rascals in the state are pocketing those funds. But he misses an important point that it is up to state politicians - old and new -...
Down the Memory Lane on May 27, 1964
Zahid Mohammad recalls that fateful day that did not seem all that fateful then (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...
Can a Fox Guard a Chicken Coop? Because That is exactly how Kashmir’s Forests are fast disappearing
Fayyaz in this investigative report finds the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) is also the Departmental Vigilance Officer (DVO)(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh...
Fighting Inflation by Setting a Personal Example
Dr. Beg suggests an old fashioned remedy to counter rising prices as the global economy sours(Dr. Mirza Aslam Beg, 68, was born in Sarnal, Srinagar, and received his primary education from the Hanifa School in Sarnal and secondary education from the Government School...
Not a big surprise, Wullar Lake is also dying
Unchecked pollution, encroachment eat into Wuller's flora and fauna Wullar’s fish, Nadru face extinction Arif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: Once famous for the largest fish production and rich flora and fauna, Wullar is gradually losing capacity to provide...
Public ambivalence towards Gun Culture harms Kashmiris physically, financially, and emotionally
There is no such thing as a "good terrorist attack." Kashmiris have to abandon the selective manner in which they condemn one act of violence and glorify another - case in point: Gulmarg attack is widely condemned, and not a word about attack on Amarnath pilgrims in...