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.
Disappearing Forests
Zeenat says it is business as usual for the timber smuggling mafia (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in English Literature from...
Where Dogs Rule
As hapless infants continue to die, dogs enjoy superior healthcare Govt ‘Celebrates’ Zero Mortality Of Sterilized Canines M. Hyderi (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: At a time when the state government has failed to ensure the well being of hospitalized infants at Valley’s...
It is all a Fake!
A commentary in the Greater Kashmir says it is the same old story On Fake Appointments This refers to the news “Fake Appointments scandal surfaces in Health Department” (GK, May 4, 2012). It is no way a matter of concern for those who are used to these...
Call Against Corruption Has a New Face in Kashmir
Watch out Kashmir! There is a new NGO in town determined to put a dent into organized corruption. Two reports on the march held by the Kashmir Corruption Watch (KCW) led by Rubina (Dr.Rubina Lone, 36, was born in Handwara. She did her schooling first from Wood...
Corruption Has Sucked Compassion Out of Kashmiri People
Ashraf feels that compassionate, emotional, and sentimental Kashmiri is no more (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 68, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem Bagh in Civil...
The Great Tragedy at the Pediatrics Hospital in Srinagar
The sudden public indignation and media coverage dealing with horrific deaths in the G B Pant Pediatric Hospital was prompted by simultaneous editorials in the Greater Kashmir and the Rising Kashmir in mid May 2012, and yet the author became aware of the issue during...
Kashmir’s Struggling Cottage Industry
Traditional heritage crafts and artisans are a dying breed Kashmir Cottage Industry Struggles For Survival Rising Kashmir News Srinagar:The cottage industry in the Valley which employed hundreds of the artisans in the past is on the verge of extinction. The industry...
Without a Civic Sense
To save Kashmir, we have to export Kashmiri habits out of there 67% City Dwellers Throw Waste in Water Bodies, Lanes: Report Asem Mohiuddin (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: As many as 67 percent people in Srinagar city throw away waste and garbage in water bodies and public...
Three Young Journalists Awarded Fulbright Fellowship
In spite of it all there are nice flowers blooming among weeds Three Kashmiris Scribes Bag Fulbright Fellowship Reyaz Ahmed (Kashmir Monitor) Baramulla: Three young Kashmiri journalists, including two women, have been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Master’s...
Kashmir University Shows The Way
What else would you expect from the State ranked among the most corrupt Kashmir University Buys ‘A’Ranking Srinagar: Kashmir University officials say the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) minutely scrutinises nearly a thousand parameters before it...