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.
Infrastructure Deficiencies Take Toll on Mental Health
Substance abuse runs rampant in Kashmir Drug Addicts in Kashmir in Lakhs, Treatment Insufficient Bismah Malik (Kashmir Times) Srinagar: The serious threat of drug addiction which according to Kashmir’s renowned sociologist Dr. B.A Dabla might consume the next...
Panchayat Raj in Name Only
Rekha says that the conceptualization of Panchayati Raj institutions in J&K neither properly follows the criterion of democratic governance, nor that of extension of federal structures (Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 57, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher...
A Native’s Agony
Fayyaz and his fellow residents of Budgam have thoughts of Azadi - but it is the day to day Azadi they have in mind (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 49, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College,...
Quality Health Care for Masses
Javid has his finger on location woes for building new medical facilities, whereas the real issue is whether quality health care is possible for ordinary Kashmiris in a culture that has given us Lal Ded and GMC Hospitals (Dr. Javid Iqbal, 65, was born in Srinagar. He...
The Suffering Agrarian Economy
Even a rudimentary analysis will show that Government policy enriches the rich by investing in tourism and big contracts and neglects the poor who live off the agrarian economy JK worst Performing Agriculture State Srinagar: Apart from number 2 in corruption,...
Pahalgam in Shambles
The word will not take long to spread Pahalgam in Shambles: Dilapidated Roads, Poor Sanitation, Messy Healthcare, Troubles Tourists D S Ahmad (Kashmir Times) Pahalgam: Despite being the world famous tourist destination, Pahalgam continues to face the official neglect...
Dwindling Exotic Wildlife
The only one of the kind goats in Asia, found in Kashmir, is disappearing Kashmir's Spiral-Horned Markhor Goat in Peril Rajat Ghai, IANS Srinagar : It is an animal that is as much an icon of Kashmir as the beautiful Dal Lake and its shikaras. The magnificent...
Losing the Touch
Declining arts and crafts industries impacts cultural identity as well Diminishing Arts and Crafts of Kashmir Dr. Farooq Ahmad Peer The arts and crafts of Kashmir reflect the emotional life of Kashmiris. During my childhood, I had a chance of seeing some of the most...
No Higher Cause
Saima introduces us to one of the brightest "stars of hope" for mentally and physically challenged children in Kashmir - the Chotay Taray Foundation (CTF) (Ms. Saima Qayoom, 24, was born in Srinagar. She passed her 10+2 grade from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (CBSE)....
The Nag and the Cave
Iqbal brings us close to Kashmir's historical gems (Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 51, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numastics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural historian. Mr. Iqbal Ahmad has published 12...