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.
A firebrand Kashmiri Journalist Stumps for the Return of Natives
Arjimand attends a Kashmiri wedding in a far away city and finds something missing .... A Wedding in Exile: Kashmiri Pandits now better say good bye to a life by proxy. (Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 33, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial...
UJC Squirming for Excuses as Muslim Clergymen Declare Terrorism Unacceptable in any Shape or Form
Ahmed Ali Fayyaz reports on shifting ground realities in Kashmir and beyondClergy conclave leaves no space for ‘cause-and-consequence’ argumentDeoband fatwa ruffles feathers of Kashmiri separatists(Mr. Fayyaz, 47, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary...
One has to wonder why the Srinagar print media ignored the following story for over two weeks?
Could it be that the topic dealt with a life-and-death issue involving the minority community living in the valley? Pandits demand re-opening of massacre cases, disappearances GK NEWS NETWORK Srinagar, Feb 27: The Kashmir Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) on Wednesday...
Kashmir’s Lakes: Where Greed and Environmental Negligence Swim Together
Yes, LAWDA is corrupt and highly inefficient, but have you seen those illegal homes built by houseboat owners behind their houseboats in Dal Lake on improperly reclaimed land along with a mobile phone tower?SITUATION HOWEVER MAY IMPROVE AS HOUSEBOAT OWNERS BEGIN TO...
A Serious Commentary on Pakistani Election Results and its Impact on Kashmiri Politics
Writing on the wall could change colour, not textPak polls may shut some shops in KashmirFrom Ahmed Ali FayyazSRINAGAR, Feb 20: Developments forcing cardinal changes in Pakistan's policies vis-a-vis militant Islam and Kashmir have been taking place in quick succession...
J&K State Human Rights Commission Gets a Failing Grade
Syed Basharat provides a timely report card on the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)(Mr. Syed Basharat, 27, 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...
Corruption and the Role of RTI Legislation
Muzaffar Bhat addresses a topical issue on how corruption is institutionalized in J&K(Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 32, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School in 1993. He completed his Bachelor's...
A Young Kashmiri Laments on Fading Memories of a Pluralistic Society
KASHMIRIYAT: Is it a long forgotten concept?COEXISTENCE BY NIDA RAFIQ SHIEKH(Ms. Nida Shiekh, 22, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation from the Presentation Convent High School and completed her 12th grade from the Mallinson Girls High School, both with...
Like Phoenix, the Kashmiri Pandit Community in the Valley Rises to Assert its Voice
The Srinagar-based Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) President, Sanjay Tickoo, seeking intervention of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to investigate mass massacres of Kashmiri Pandits in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003.(Mr. Sanjay K. Tickoo, 45,...
Two Young and Determined Ladies Ask: Has SHRC Heard of the RTI?
Anjum and Shireen write to the Daily Etalaat about their recent interactions with the J&K State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) .......(Anjum Mir, 22, and Shireen Shafi, 24, represent the new youthful face of Kashmir committed to bringing social justice among its...