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.
Tourism is nice, but it does not create adequate jobs in our State that has predominantly agriculture based economy
Develop leather sector in JK(Dr. Mazaffar Bhat from Chandoora, Budgam district, argues for private sector development in an agrarian economy.)LETTER PUBLISHED IN THE DAILY ETALAAT, 2 JANUARY, 2008We all know that Jammu Kashmir state has been going through a worst kind...
Impending Ecological Disaster From Loss of Forest Resources in Kashmir
Plunder of J&K Forest Wealth UnabatedAthar Parvaiz (Kashmir Times) provides a disturbing viewSRINAGAR, Jan 1: Forest fires, encroachments and illegal extraction of timber from the forests of the state have cumulatively inflicted a heavy damage on the forest...
Curse of the Good Life: Valley on the brink of food disaster because of the massive real estate boom
Conversion of Agricultural Land Into Commercial Goes UnabatedFAHEEM ASLAMSrinagar, Dec 25: The conversion of fertile agricultural land into residential and commercial is going unabated in the Valley, posing a serious threat to food security, experts have warned.The...
Fiscal Challenges in J&K: A Pre-Budget Review
Arjimand Hussain Talib treads where few Kashmiri journalists have ventured so far(Arjimand, 32, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Bangalore University....
The Dawn of a New Age in Kashmir: All Politics is Indeed Local
(Ahmed Ali Fayyaz writes about common citizens willing to make supreme sacrifice to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.)MAGAM, Dec 17: For over a decade, sponsors of Kashmir's secessionist movement interpreted all development-related demands of the...
Kashmir’s rural economy (the largest employment generator in J&K) is in shambles
Horticulture takes major blowZubair A. DarSrinagar: The engine of JK’s rural economy - horticulture - is heading for a major hit with rates of apple falling drastically - beyond 50 percent in certain grades. The situation is resultant of a desperate selling practice...
Kashmir University’s Dirty Little Secret: Scam involving B. Ed. degrees
INDIAN EXPRESS (November 30, 2007)"Guess what is one of Valley’s biggest draws? B Ed colleges where degrees come easy "Bashaarat MasoodStudents from the Valley may be flying to Bangalore, Pune and Delhi for higher studies, but it has also become the favourite...
Yet Another Example of Mismanagement and Corruption in J&K
Tip of the iceberg: A. A. Fayyaz exposes the rot in the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC)From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz(Mr. Fayyaz, 47, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He...
All Politics is Local: A citizen-activist highlights two stories of social injustice in Pulwama and Budgam
Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat from Gopalpora, Chandoora, narrates two harrowing tales of mismanagement of public services and government apathy.(Dr. Bhat, 32, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School in...
Grand Reconciliation Needs Strong Civil Society in Kashmir – Two Reports on a Meeting in Srinagar Conducted by Prof. Fida Hassnain
Intellectuals discuss future of peace processGOWHAR BHAT(Mr. Bhat, 24, was born in Srinagar and attended Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kashmir University in March 2007. He is employed as a journalist...