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.
Changing the Mindset on Social Etiquette and Cultural Baggage
"Sheru" narrates a true story in tune with today's lifestyle where a son is the center of universe until the son-in-law shows upDaughter, not the son is importantSheru (Daily Etalaat)Srinagar: Why do woman want male babies? A pal of gloom descends on a family...
This Industry in Kashmir has an Annual Turnover of Rs. 2,000 Crores and Employs 100,000, but has nothing to do with either tourism or carpets
Kashmir's bat industry is garnering impressive economic figures but there is trouble brewing on the horizonKashmir bat industry grapples with problemsImran Khan (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The bat industry in Kashmir is facing a tough time these days despite employment...
When Ignorance is a Curse!
Afsana drops in to check the psychiatric hospital and uncovers the unspoken side of the Kashmiri culture(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a...
This is Crazy: But the Economic Census Released by the CSO Says J&K Produced Most Job Growth in 1998-2005
The good news is that many jobs were created. The bad news is that most jobs are patronage jobs that create no development and only fatten the state bureaucracy furtherJ&K produced most jobs in '98-'05New Delhi: Employment generation in the country has increased...
An Investigative Report on how the Forest Department is Looting Prime Timber Forests in Kashmir
Reyaz seeks the mastermind of the illicit plunder and comes face to face with the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Abdul Razak and the Forest Minister (FM) Qazi AfzalForest loot continues unabated in Bandipora under official patronageFM and CCF confess involvement...
Kashmir: A Call for New Realism?
Murtaza suggests that time has come for all Kashmiri separatists to drop their theatrical antics and unify to work towards the final resolution of the Kashmir issue(Mr. Murtaza Shibli, 38, was born in Bijbehara and completed his Master's degree in Media and Journalism...
No South Asian city is as Beautiful as Srinagar, then why is it going downhill like any other South Asian city?
Srinagar continues to spiral into a nightmare, laments Ajaz Ahmad. Here is something that the author missed - even though the city traffic has increased by an order of magnitude in the last decade, Srinagar is the only big city in South Asia without a functioning...
A Theatre Called Kashmir
Afshana notes that all principal actors in Kashmir - politicians, administrators, academicians, policy makers and planners - are playing havoc with the land and its people with their theatrical outlook (Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the...
Hands that make masterpieces, fail to earn decent living
Ahsana describes how poverty plagues handicraft artisans as middlemen grow rich-n-fat The tragic story of Kashmiri artisans Ahsana Rashid (Kashmir Images) Srinagar: Government’s loud rhetoric about the potential of handicrafts sector as viable economic activity aside,...
Some Snippets from the International Seminar on Regional Economic Integration at the Kashmir University
Three aspects dealing with promises, data and challenges at the two day international seminar on Regional Economic Integration among South East Asian Countries at the University of Kashmir University organized by its Department of Economics in collaboration with...