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.
Consequences of Promoting Patronage Jobs Over Private Sector Jobs
Kashmir's elites loath to give up control on job creation, with attendant consequences Unemployment Woes The grave unemployment issue continues to haunt Jammu and Kashmir. Whenever the issue is raised, chief minister Omar Abdullah comes out with a routine statement...
The Race Against Time
There is very little hope ... Efforts on to Save Dal and Nigeen Lakes Ehsan Fazili (Tribune) Srinagar: An alarming increase in human population within the lake body from over 6000 to 70,000 people during the past 25 years has been a significant source of pollution in...
Civil Society in Disparage
The Kashmir Monitor says that NC, Cong, PDP all are to be blamed SAC, SHRC, SVO all Rendered Toothless? Srinagar: The state governments commitment to uphold human rights, ensure accountability of those manning state administration and penalize guilty security force...
Once Kashmir had Normalcy
Before Wahabis moved in, Kashmiris had normal yearnings Forgotten, Forbidden Cinema Culture of Kashmir Nasrun Mir (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: Iftikhar’s last cinema experience came 22 years back on a beautiful summer day of July in 1989. He still remembers the joy of...
Cannon to Canine?
Junaid points the finger at facts, and facts speak for themselves (Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 26, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He attended college in America and...
Is the Place Tourist Worthy?
Shiban raises a valid point, and goes beyond issues raised by Rauf Tramboo about why Kashmir has failed to attract foreign tourists (Mr. Shiban Dudha, 51, was born in Srinagar. He went to government schools in Chandilora (Tangmarg) and Srinagar, and matriculated from...
Do Laws Prohibit Militants From Carrying Guns?
Mehmood believes changing the law that prohibits eradication of terror faced by populace will do the trick with prowling dogs. But is Kashmir really a place where laws of the land are universally obeyed? (Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 39, was born in Srinagar. He graduated...
Reality Check Regarding Adventure Tourism
Rauf has some advice for the government regarding adventure tourism (Mr. Rauf Tramboo, 53, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his school education at the Islamia High School located at Rajori Kadal, and his college degrees - B.Com. and LLB (Hons.) - from...
Saving Jehlum
Two wonderful commentaries from Peerzada demonstrates his concern for today's environmental and social issues (Mr. Peerzada Aarif, 22, was born in Kalantara, Baramulla. He passed his 8th grade from the J & K Sainik School, Manasbal, and passed the 10+2...
First Dogs, Now Rats …
Here it is .... Rodents terrorize staff and patients in the Chest Disease (CD) Hospital, Srinagar Rats Rattle CD Hospital Shafat Farooq (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: While stray dogs have been hogging headlines, rats seem to be not far behind. Concerned by their growing...