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.
Brave Rizwan, Bellicose Rizwan, Betrayed Rizwan
Whose blood is this and who died? Syeda Afshana tries to make sense out of tragedies that abound in Kashmir(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...
CBM at its Best: When Cross-Border Trade Replaces Cross-Border Terrorism
A. A. Fayyaz reports on a news of extreme importance to the peoples living on both sides of the Line of Control(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 47, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar....
Srinagar or Jammu: It is clear that no lessons were learnt after deadly earthquake in 2005
How many disasters will it take to end haphazard construction in our two main cities?No lessons learnt after deadly ’05 quake Jammu, March 16The state government apparently has not learnt any lessons from October 2005 earthquake, which wreaked havoc in Jammu and...
Turning the LOC into a “Line of Commerce” would bring peace and prosperity to the region
If good governance takes hold in Kashmir, the possibilities are endless. Bilal Hussain examines the future where the LoC is transformed into a Line of Commerce that brings strength and stability to the State.(Mr. Bilal Hussain, 28, was born and raised in Srinagar. He...
Does Anybody Care? (Because you should.) Today is the Chinar Day
Today is a token remembrance of a Kashmiri icon that is on the verge of slow extinction.While Jahangir Bukhari laments on the dying flames of Chinar, it may be that the government and general public are doing too little, too late.Today (March 15) is Chinar DayThe...
A Friendly Note to Houseboat Owners: Charity Begins at Home
Aleem Akhtar to concerned houseboat owners: Doctor, Heal Thyself.(Aleem Ibne Akhtar, 23, was born and brought up in Srinagar. He did his schooling at the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School and his B.A. (Economics) from Fergusson College, Pune. He went for higher studies...
Observe keenly and you will be surprised to find how much there is to see
Monisa watches the morning grind with a sharp eye and finds lessons of life all around her. (Ms. Monisa Qadri, 23, was born and raised in Srinagar. She matriculated from Mallinson School for Girls and studied bio-chemistry at the Women's College, Srinagar. She is...
A Story of Hope and Inspiration: A Woman Named Sara
Sara shows the resilience of proud Kashmiri culture. There is beauty in her spirit.A woman called Sara(Even an ordinary person can teach important lessons of the life, Syed Sibghat Geelani, encounters one such woman, who taught her some basic things.)Clad in a...
Is the Media in Kashmir Objective, Fair and Balanced? Check out What Parts of the U.S. Human Rights Report the Kashmiri Press Ignored.
The U.S. State Department Report on Human Rights Practices (2007) highlights excesses of the state and insurgents, and describes the plight of victims. However, the Press in Kashmir covered only a part of the story. The rest is at the very bottom of this Press...
It Takes Theatre to Make a Serious Point: Inter-community Dialogue is Essential in the Valley
Artistes break the ice and tread where most are hesitant to goKashmiri play reiterates need for inter-community dialogueBy Ravinder Kaul (Daily Excelsior)There have been quite a few occasions in the recent past when Kashmiri artistes, through their artistic creations,...