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.
First it was spurious drugs and now it is tainted blood
The depth of depravity is directly related to the age of the victim - in this case the baby is yet to be born and already merchants of death are dancing in the major maternity hospital in Srinagar4 Charge-Sheeted in Lal Ded Blood ScamSrinagar: The crime branch of the...
An Undeniable Fact: The state continues to neglect its horticulture and agriculture sectors
Tarigami expresses concern over negligence of horticulture and agriculture sector and demands introduction of Crop Insurance Scheme in the state(Mr. Mohammed Yusuf Rather, 59, was born in Tarigam village in Kulgam area of Anantnag district. He usually goes by the name...
Women Empowerment Through Women’s Self-Awareness
They are the members of the larger family known as humanity. God created them as inferior to none. Then why does our society deny justice to women? Fareeda Shouq tries to find an answer to the disturbing question of gender discriminationJustice Beyond GenderSrinagar:...
Only in Kashmir: At a College Convocation, the Chief Minister reminds students to join protest marches for employment
Mr. Azad tells students, "Today many students received degrees but unfortunately many among them would join the youth demonstrating outside the Secretariat and seeking absorption under Rehbar-e-Zerat for a meager sum of Rs 1500." The real misfortune is that the...
When public funds vanish surreptitiously at the source (Srinagar and Jammu cities) there is not much left to develop far-flung hamlets
One has to wonder: with an annual state budget of around Rs. 20,000 crores, why do villages like Patwari never see any progress?In "Khush-hal" Kashmir, Handwara village lacks all facilitiesAshiq Hussain (Kashmir Images)Handwara: While development and prosperity have...
The announcement of government to go for e-governance disappeared like the Right To Information Act in the thin air of heartless administration
An editorial in the Daily Etalaat says it the way it is. Can you handle the truth?The Kingdom of BabusAs on paper and according to law books many government departments have been created to serve the public and make the life of people easier. But the departments are...
Kashmir Hopes to Regain its Multi-dimensional Personality one Student at a Time
The Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS), that was set up by the University of Kashmir three years back as the Centre for Kashmir Studies, receives international recognition and funding from the South Asia Foundation to promote composite culture of the stateNotable...
It was a different evening at the foothills of Zabarwan—- Junoon filled the air waves
Basharat experienced it first hand .... a musical Junoon like no other(Mr. Syed Basharat, 28, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his Master's...
SASB Must Ensure Economic Spinoff for Locals While Minimizing Damage to Environment
Editorial in Rising Kashmir reminds Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that locals in the Pahalgam area need to benefit from Pilgrim TourismIgnoring locals: Pilgrim tourism must have an economic spin off for localsPilgrim tourism has of late received considerable...
Last Seen: The Ship of Fools is Sailing Down the Jhelum
Afshana looks around at jokers plying their trades and sees a theater of the absurd! (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...