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.
Should Businessmen be Mixing Business With Street Politics?
Price of mixing politics with business extracts a heavy toll in Kashmir, but FCIK and KCCI shamelessly co-sponsor most hartals and shutdowns while keeping their hands stretched out for more government aidLocal industry incurred losses over Rs 10000 crores:...
The Unparadise
Nida Shiekh takes a critical look at a place like no other(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 School, both with distinction....
It is Election Time and Kashmiri Politics Goes From Sublime to the Ridiculous
Zahid Muhammad makes light of the mockery that conveniently passes off as a Kashmiri politician(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...
Kashmir University Takes a Big Step in Promoting Women Science Scholars
A Red Letter day for women scientists and technologists in Kashmir KU Scholars Excel in “National Women Scientist Scheme” Srinagar: Vice chancellor Kashmir University Prof. Riyaz Punjabi Saturday called upon Kashmiri women scientists to bring about significant change...
Trust a budding Management Guru to speak about work ethic in Kashmir
Feroz discusses the need for better performance in the work place(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 22, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government College in Pulwama, and is currently pursuing post graduation...
Another Promise Being Made, Another Promise That Will be Broken
If history is any guide, YDA will go the way of Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA)J&K Govt to spend 2.5 crore for YousmargYousmarg, a picturesque tourist resort in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set for a facelift with Yousmarg Development...
Babu Raj may be loosening its grip elsewhere, but in Kashmir it is a different story
Arjimand does a post-mortem on the economic debacle in Kashmir(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 33, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Bangalore University....
The News That Matters: University Inaugurates a Silk Weaving Unit to Pursue Academic Research
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST) takes another positive leap in the research od silk reeling and weavingV-C, SKUAST inaugurates silk reeling, weaving unitSrinagar: Prof Anwar Alam, Vice-chancellor, SKUAST-K accompanied by Dr A...
A Special Sufi Festival Held in the Valley
While demoguoges are busily engaged in communal sniping, lucky are those who can shut them out with soothing music of brotherhood and unity3-day Sufi festival begins;Kashmir an abode of Sufis, SaintsSRINAGAR: A scintillating and heart rendering performance by artists...
Election Time Mania in Kashmir: Politicians and Print Media Whip up Communal Hysteria
What are exact terms of the State land transfer to the Sri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)? The answer is in the State Cabinet Decision 94/7 dated 20th May 2008Cabinet decision clear about land transferSrinagar : The Cabinet decision number 94/7 dated May 20,2008...