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.
Drug (Heroin) Trade is Alive and Well in South Kashmir
Big money, corruption, lax oversight and collective criminal farming impede efforts to halt the drug tradeExpanding poppy fields in South Kashmir flourish drug tradeAbdul MohaminPulwama: The drug trade is flourishing in south Kashmir as expanded poppy fields are...
Hurriyat Gasping for its Last Breath?
The Editorial in the Rising Kashmir asks a provocative question: Are we not better off with the mainstream politicians who have been better negotiators and fairly good strategists? (But what about corruption, lack of ethics and feudalistic character which is the...
For Every Journey, You Start With a Dream
Monisa suggests a conversation with the inner-self before embarking on the journey of life (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...
“World’s Best Saffron Grows Here” – However the end is near
Disappearing Saffron - victim of inefficient farming, government apathy and growing urbanisationSAFFRON: THE SPICE STORYNusrat AraWorld's Best Saffron Grows Here - A billboard greets you at Pampore, Kashmir's saffron heartland 15 km from summer capital Srinagar. But...
In This Global Economy Can Kashmiri Exports be Immune to Price Pressures?
Sadly, natives are resorting to quick-fix business schemes to insulate from market vagaries which will only bring ruin in the long term .....Rising prices, piracy impedes handicrafts’ growthImran KhanSrinagar: Regardless of handicraft being the only source of income...
People Seek Environmental Protection Through Laws Currently on the Books in a Land of Sycophants
Afsana speaks to a legal expert about a growing environmental and social problem in the state. Sadly, the real answer lies with the Chief Minister. Three related stories(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School....
Kashmir Celebrates the World Environmental Week by a General Confession that its Citizens are too Greedy to Care for the Environment
While the Chief Minister admits defeat on saving the Dal Lake, other Lakes are faring no better. Two reports from the Greater Kashmir Azad: Dal has Become Money-Minting Machine for Politicians Srinagar: Chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said his government had...
Government Degree College in Baramulla Leads the Way
Students in Baramulla show that they are more aware of local societal issues than their compatriots in Srinagar. Ahsan comments on the most prevalent social disease in Kashmir and a related story puts the focus on the environment. We congratulate Prof. Aijaz Hussain...
Ecological Anomaly: Why is Kashmir short on drinking water?
Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drinkApart from the myriad of ills which afflict the valley of Kashmir one thing so obvious seems to have gone unnoticed so far. Even the ongoing environmental week which has witnessed many seminars and programs related to...
Valley Hospitals are a Disgrace in Every Sense of the Word
Srinagar hospitals lack even the basic information booth and a public address systemValley hospitals lack enquiry cellsBaba Umar (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: With no enquiry cells in the Valley’s leading healthcare institutes, patients who come all the way from distant...