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.
No, it does not have the media appeal of IKS or SASB, but few issues have a greater impact on the daily life in Kashmir than RTI
Muzaffar Bhat has a word of caution for State bureaucrats and politicians trying to restrict freedom of information in J&K(Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 33, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School in...
If Past History is any Guide, More Money for Ecology in Kashmir Translates into More Money in a few Bank Accounts of State Officials
There is neither lack of money nor lack of plans, Kashmir mostly lacks the will of purpose Rs 98 cr plan on wetlands submitted to centre GK NEWS NETWORK Srinagar: A comprehensive plan of Rs 98 crore for preservation of 24 natural water bodies and wetlands of J&K...
The Feeling is Personal and the Joy is Abundant
Afshana lets us enter her personal space so that we too can sense her exuberance on her first wedding anniversary(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...
It is all here: The Vision Document of IKS and two Intellectuals Offering their two Highly Different Perspectives
The Vision Document of the Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS) is highly intellectual and thought proviking. The document in its entirety and two intelligent contrary points of view are reproduced below THE UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS HAZRATBAL, SRINAGAR...
An Investigative Report shows how Gulmarg will end up as another ecological disaster like the Dal
Kashmir's senior journalist, Fayyaz, takes the lid off an unholy nexus between local politicians and influential businessmen intent on destroying the ecological and aesthetic balance in Gulmarg(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his...
‘Satyamev Jayte’- let the truth prevail!
An elderly citizen asks if the justice is really justReaders' Forum (Kashmir Times)Dear Editor,In a seminar held recently the army stated that out of 1400 complaints registered against the security forces since the last 20 years, only 26 complaints were found to be...
The Vanishing Heritage: Can Wullar Lake be Saved in Time?
Saleem poses the most appropriate question of the day Will Wullar be saved in time is the question of concern B. SALEEM Geologically primeval, culturally indispensable, geographically important drainage system, ecologically fragile, internationally a Ramsar site and...
For how long will they survive! Kashmir’s Leading Scholar on Ecology Pleads for Public Awareness to a Growing Catastrophe
Dal and Nageen lakes are facing grave problems that can lead to their death, warns Majeed Kak(Dr. A. Majeed Kak, 62, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the Government Middle School in Nowhatta and his secondary school education...
Another Story of a Vanishing Breed in Kashmir: This time it is the stag call Hangul
This beautiful creature of Mother Nature stands at the precipice. Before it vanishes, we will have to think of its preservation, suggests J N RainaThe Handsome HangulThe Kashmir stag, or the Hangul, being considered as one of the “living wonders” of the Elysian...
The Power of Expression is the True Weapon of the Times
Afshana demonstrates in her own unique way why the pen is mightier than a sword (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....