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.
Illegal Land Grab
Javeria wonders if authorities are part of the problem (Ms. Javeria Khurshid, 25, was born in Jammu and is a resident of Srinagar. She did her schooling at the Simin Rose Garden Montessori, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, the Gazan International School in Saudi Arabia, and the...
Patron of Arts and Heritage
Farooq Renzu champions for preservation of Kashmir's heritage (Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 56, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He completed his L.L.B. degree...
An Irretrievable Loss Both in Historical and Ecological Terms
Dr. Kundangar says that measurements recorded in our historical accounts give an idea of the loss regarding a disappearing water reservoir named Dal (Dr. Mohammad Rashid-ud-din Kundangar, 65, was born in Srinagar. He completed his Masters degree in Botany, and...
Inter-Community Relations
Harmony among valley based communities can become a reality only when everyone understands that pluralism and diversity are the most important assets of the Kashmiri identity - even more important than democracy and secularism in Kashmir. Bhushan says if we cannot...
Disappearing Forests
Naveed points to a serious issue that is not only depriving Kashmir of its assets but also its future ecological balance (Mr. Naveed Qazi, 23, did his schooling from Burn Hall School and Tyndale Biscoe, and eventually graduated in Commerce from the University of...
Income Over Ethics
This is the case of financially well-off people to whom only wage earning brides will do Kashmir's 'Insecure' Brides Sidrah Fatma (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: Such is the importance of government jobs in Kashmir that when would be in laws of Uzma (name changed) realized...
Kashmir in Washington
The glory of a 19th-century Kashmir Moon Shawl The Fascinating Journey of a Kashmiri Shawl Nafeesa Syeed Washington: Three decades ago, a woman from the northeastern United States bought a bag of textiles at a yard sale of used goods that cost around $10....
The Healing Touch
Pervez provides a close-up view of the great Janam Ashtami festival at the Khir Bhawani, Tulmulla where throngs of internally displaced Kashmir Pandits reacquaint themselves with resident Muslims (Mr. Pervez Majeed Lone, 35, was born in Ashpora, a hamlet located in...
Corruption in J&K Transport Department is Also Fatal
Corruption is more than pocketing money and breaking laws. When licenses are bought by unqualified drivers, it results in a mayhem Driving Licences on Sale Mudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor) It is no secret that road accidents today are the biggest source on unnatural...
Tourism, Kashmiri Style
Tourists put to great inconvenience as no one worries about logistics of endearing hospitality Srinagar Out of Rooms, Visitors Sleeping in Vehicles Mudasir Tariq Lone (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: As the valley is witnessing a huge tourist inflow, the hotels...