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.
Nund Rishi’s “Other” Friend
Iqbal narrates the tale of a pious man who belonged to the Nund Rishi-Lal Ded era (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....
Dog Tales
Ayaz' commentary on the biting issue of the day, followed by two more related articles (Mr. Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, 47, was born in Anantnag, and continues to live in the same town. He studied in various state schools, colleges and universities. He has completed his MBA,...
The Canine Challenge
The street scene is grim (first story), and Javaid offers his suggestions (second story) (Mr. Javaid Malik, 38, was born in Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Burn Hall High School, and completed his 11th and 12th grades from the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi....
Human Trafficking in Kashmir
Moral degradation is consolidating its ugly roots in the valley ‘Girl Bought for Rs 25,000, Sold for Rs 50,000 in Valley’ Wasim Khalid (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: To crack the intra-state human trafficking nexus, Kashmir police is all set to send a special team to West...
Srinagar Welcomes You – Please Stay Indoors
Welcome to the dysfunctional city Welcome to Our City Sameer Showkin Lone (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar:The dilapidated footpaths and water logged roadsides of city center, Lal Chowk, speak volumes over the misappropriation of the government money. Such is the condition...
Patrimonial Raj
The Editorial in the Kashmir Times mourns the loss of State's democratic character to dynastic fiefdoms A Family Affair The recent changes made by Dr Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, in the party hierarchy have almost gone unnoticed. While no one...
A Genius at Woodwork No More
The death of Khazir Mohammad is mourned by his friends An Artist Dies, his Lonely Creation Struggles to Live Bismah Malik (Kashmir Times) Srinagar: In a place where art exhibitions, museums and galleries have been restricted to leisure for the rich and famous, the...
Musical (Rotting) Chairs
Opposition Leader Beig Accuses the NC Government of the exact same failings that he NC accused him of when he was the Finance Minister in the PDP Government Beig Grills Govt Over CAG Report, Timing Arvind Sharma (Rising Kashmir) Jammu: Castigating the state government...
When it Comes to Corruption, J&K Legislature Plays Ignorant
The MLA from Langate cuts a comic figure in the J&K Assembly griping about one thing or the other. So how come even he ignores hard data on corruption, mismanagement and sickly governance of the state institutions exposed by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India...
Dreaming a Healthy Society
Nayeema wonders if there is scope to build a healthy society? (Ms. Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, 54, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She completed her B.Sc, B.Ed, LL.B (Hons) and Diploma in Journalism, and Masters in Education and Urdu from the University of Kashmir. Ms....