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 Flip Side of Progress in Ladakh: Increasing Crime
Crime Making Steady Inroads in Ladakh Leh: Once a crime free society, the largely insulated Himalayan region of Ladakh has now become a haven for most serious illegalities, with the crime graph surging alarmingly over the past three years. The police holds elements...
Absolutely Brilliant: An Idea called the Srinagar Stock Exchange
Aaatif wonders if J&K Government is serious enough about improving state's economy to try a radically different approach (Mr. Aaatif Ahmad Mehjoor, 25, was born in Srinagar. He received his primary education in London and Srinagar, with the final two years at the...
Is Work Culture in J&K Government Possible?
Rising Kashmir sought comments from common people whether the work culture in government offices has shown any signs of improvement. Most of them said ‘No’.Has work culture in government offices improved?Attaullah Guroo, Businessman: I don’t think the work culture in...
Leather Business in J&K is Booming
Good times return for leather businessSrinagar: Leather entrepreneurs in the Kashmir Valley are a happy lot these days, as the rawhide business is experiencing a boom.Engaged in the rawhide business since generations and living in the downtown Srinagar localities of...
Two Ninth Grade Students From Anantnag Make National News for Their Cool Invention
Tehrim Kaiser and her class mate Omar Ali invent a food storage systemKashmir students devise innovative food storage systemAnantnag: "It is not an alternative to a refrigerator which can even freeze things but our model is good enough to help in storing perishables...
Finally a State Subject Makes up the Tallest Mountain
Ram Singh is first State citizen to unfurl the flag of Jammu and Kashmir at the top of Mount EverestSRINAGAR: Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda on Thursday congratulated Constable Ram Singh of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) for accomplishing the mission...
October 8, 2005 brought about tremors of the mind as well
Afsana describes how the big earthquake shook the lid on social stigma associated with mental health but families need to provide support and not shun victims(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She...
A Timely Primer on Democracy and the Role of Leaders
Ajaz reminds politicians that Democracy is all about people and not power or privilege(The columnist, 37, writes under the name Ajaz Ahmad and lives in Srinagar.)Rulers not Leaders!Democracy prides itself on being a system of government which is all about self-rule....
Kashmir has a unique strain of cancer among the 20 to 30 patients who die daily
The Kangri Cancer is fortunately showing a downward trendThe Bad News: 20-30 people die of cancer daily in KashmirThe Good News: 15 of these can be saved with proper awareness and cureReyaz Ahmed (Kashmir Images)Sopore: Deadly cancer is spreading its tentacles fast in...
Open Letter to Kashmir’s NGO’s: Address the two top social issues facing the society today
Environment and Women Rights are the two top most issues highlighted in the following two messages Restoring the glory of Detoriating Dal Lake: This refers to the timely and detailed obituary on the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake. This is a timely warning, but...