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.
Another Good Reason why Kashmir Needs to Enact Environmental Protection Laws
Dairy plant spells doom to Cheshmashahi's ecologyIshfaq MirSrinagar: Establishment of dairy plant at Cheshmashahi may have boosted the milk production in the Valley but the ecology of the area is severely getting damaged, sources said.The renovation of the dairy plant...
Missing Pieces of the Puzzle: We Cannot Have a Credible Civil Society Until There is no Transparency of Funds in NGO’s
Suhail explains why little knowledge is a dangerous thing when it comes to the performance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kashmir(Mr. Sushail Masoodi, 26, was born in Kupwara in North Kashmir. He attended Government Higher Secondary School in Kupwara and...
No Surprises, the Human Development Report Highlights the Pathetic State of Literacy in J&K
The Draft Report, assembled jointly by the Universities of Kashmir and Jammu, projects a grim picture of GDI and HDI in various districtsLiteracy picture of JKSrinagar: Governor and chancellor of the Universities of Kashmir and Jammu N N Vohra attended an interactive...
Modern day Dilemma Faced by Working Mothers Everywhere
With maternity leave over and back at her job, Afshana struggles with her maternal instincts (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...
Remembering the “real” Zoonie
Yousuf recalls the spirited life of yet another Kashmiri poetess and rebel(Mr. Yusuf Jameel, 50, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his B.A. (Humanities) from the Kashmir University and went on to complete a Master's degree in Political Science from the...
Good News for a Change
Valley exports goods worth Rs 1100 crores annuallyBilal Hussain (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Chairman, northern region, Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO) Dr R K Dhawan said at a press conference held on the concluding day of 3-day workshop on ‘marketing...
Down the Memory Lane on The Bund
Can the much needed redevelopment of the Bund rejuvenate its glorious past?The Bund is memory lane Srinagar: The Bund on the river Jhelum as it flows through Srinagar has always had a special place in the city’s life. After years of gradual decay, it is now being...
With Traditional Agricultural Lands Being Used For Building Homes, Wetlands Become a New Target
The news is as disturbing as it is illogical Haigam wetland turns into paddy-field: courtesy of farmer-official ‘nexus’ Faheem Aslam (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: In violation of court directions, the Wildlife Department is encouraging some farmers to cultivate paddy in...
Of Protests and Protesters
Monisa raises an interesting question(Ms. Monisa Qadri, 23, was born and raised in Srinagar. She has been a Mallinson Girl and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She has studied mass communications and journalism from Kashmir University, and works...
Beyond Comprehension – The Dismal State of Hospital Care in Kashmir
The only elevator in Srinagar's Bone and Joint (B&J) Hospital has not worked for 26 years!B&J hospital has only one stretcher, lift defunct for 26 yearsShariq Mohammad (Daily Etalaat)Srinagar: In the Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery at Barzulla...