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.
Our mother tongue is expressive and melodious and yet it has no takers
Nida argues that Kashmiris stand to lose a lot if they let go of their mother tongue(Ms. Nida Rafiq Shiekh, 22, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation from the Presentation Convent High School and completed her 12th grade from the Mallinson Girls High...
Why the J&K State Bank Needs to do a lot More Than Simply Build More Offices and Parks
Farooq Jan peels the gloss in the J&K State Bank's "feel-good" announcements and does a post-mortem on how poorly all banks operating in J&K do in serving needs of entrepreneurs and businesses(Mr. Farooq Jan, 39, was born in Naira, Pulwama. He completed his...
“There is no other spot in Asia where the three cultural worlds of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam meet,” so said Alexander Drew in 1877
Rauf profiles Garry Weare, a well known travel writer and explorer who spent best times of his life in Kashmir(Mr. Rauf Tramboo, 50, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his school education at the Islamia High School located at Rajori Kadal, and his college...
Is Kashmir’s Civil Society Finally Waking up to Dangers of Impending Ecological Disaster?
Two eminent writers - one a seasoned journalist and the other a retired senior bureaucrat - who were very vocal in their opposition to constructing brick and mortar comfort facilities for Hindu pilgrims trekking at 10,000 ft in unpredictable weather conditions turn...
Preserving Kashmir’s Heritage by Preserving its Monuments
Governor Vohra is on the Right TrackHeritage Monuments: Vohra asks for urgent steps to preserve glorious pastSrinagar: Governor N.N Vohra has indicated the urgent need for the enactment of a suitable framework for preserving and conserving heritage monuments in the...
When Gun Culture Morphs into Crime Culture
Afshana lists usual suspects for growing crime and violence in the valley, but neglects to cap it with the moral that one reaps what one sows (Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the...
People alone can eradicate corruption from society: Prof Punjabi
Congratulations are in order for the VC of the University of Kashmir for taking the case against corruption culture to the people and to the Blog journalist Nida who won the Second Prize(Ms. Nida Rafiq Shiekh, 22, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation...
A Little Doze of Competition is Good for Improved Governance Even if it is Only a Chamber of Commerce
CCIK needs to learn from the mistakes of KCCI in order to be successful. It should focus on promotion of business without trying to have a hidden political agenda which ruined KCCIAnother Business Chamber FormedSrinagar: A group of traders who have detached themselves...
How bad was the Mughal Rule in Kashmir? Read an Eyewitness Account
Yasar looks into the travelogue of a European traveller and his account is at odds with the revisionist history of Kashmir(Mr. Yasar Mohammad Baba, 33, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his degree in Marine Engineering Communication and is presently an...
Either Way a Civil Dialogue Trumps Over Fanning Flames of Anarchy
Jammu Civil Society (unlike their counterparts in the valley) led the effort to denounce anarchy and mayhem. No one stood more tall than the old stalwart named Balraj Puri(Mr. Balraj Puri, 79, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince...