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.
The Tragedy Called Jhelum
Zeenat's commentary on Jhelum is a sad reflection of the present (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in English Literature from...
It is Maintenance, Stupid!
Fida knows that building anything in Kashmir is possible since the Central Treasury is all too happy to bankroll any project. The question really is whether Kashmiris have the nurturing culture to maintain and care for anything once it has been built and put to use...
Consolidating Gains
Zafar calls for civility on both sides of the LOC so that the promise of unfettered trade is realized (Mr. Zafar Choudhary, 35, was born in Rehan village of Rajouri district. He received his post graduate degree in Journalism from the University of Jammu. Mr....
Does Anyone Believe in a Free Lunch?
Because Kashmiris do believe in receiving something for nothing in so far as having unmetered (free) access to electricity is concerned. Two reports 99% of Kashmiris Power Thieves: PDD Wasim Khalid (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: There is no respite in power curtailment in...
Slum City or Eyesore?
Sameer is not sure if Srinagar can be labelled as a slum, but an editorial in the Rising Kashmir reminds that Srinagar is already the fourth dirtiest city in India (two reports) Srinagar May Turn Into Slum City: Experts Sameer Showkin Lone (Kashmir Monitor)...
Drug Mafia
Playing with public health system is possibly the worst human rights abuse which is conveniently relegated to a lower priority in Kashmir Drug Mafia Nexus Grounds Fair Price Shop Project in JK Akshay Azad (Greater Kashmir) Jammu: The government’s proposal to...
Verinag Goes the Dal Way
Government shares some responsibility, but in the end Verinag can only be saved by people who wish to save it TOURIST SPOTS ON VERGE OF EXTINCTION Verinag: Many tourist spots in this area are facing extinction threat due to the lackadaisical approach of the...
“Brick Mafia”
Necessity being the mother of invention, yet another mafia comes into existence to extract their share from wealthy Kashmiris Illegal Brick Kilns Mushrooming in Budgam' Srinagar: Even as the authorities have threatened action against the black marketing of bricks and...
A DNA Malignancy Called Corruption
Bashir speaks for many who wonder if it is a malady which has been left untreated for so long that it is incurable now (Mr. Bashir A. Bashir, 62, was born in Srinagar. He passed his higher secondary schooling from Baghidilawar Khan, and graduated from...
Kashmir’s Proud Linguistic History
Tahir loves his culture and wants to talk about it (Mr. Tahir Majeed Mir Lolabi, 21, was born in the famous Lolab valley of Kupwara district.He did his schooling from Islamia Model High School Diver Lolab & Govt.Higher Secondary School, Tekipora, Lolab.He has...