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.
Alternative Transportation
Ayaz says that smart traffic management requires diversity and we need to be creative. Shafat responds (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...
The Power of Media
Peerzada discusses how far media infringes on daily lives (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 examination from the Government Higher Secondary School,...
Then it was Charisma, Today it is Corruption
Isaar laments about degenerating societal values We the Corrupt ----- and We Don't See Anything Wrong in it ISAAR KASHMIRI I was working as contractual lecturer at +2 level. For at least four months our wages were withheld and the reason was that we had not greased...
Tall on Dreams, Short on Capabilities
Kashmir is fixated on taking over some power generation projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). But where is the talent, experience and capability to run such a mega projects? The Rising Kashmir publishes author's commentary and removes it...
A Monetary Black Hole Called PDD
Rashid discloses the latest case of corruption in the J&K Power Development Department (PDD). He is not alone. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) uncovered some more nuggets. Will the Department ever go clean? State engages in wishful thinking (3...
CAG: J&K Government Equals Zero Accountability
The latest report (2010-2011) from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) points to a systematic pattern of institutional misgovernance in J&K which makes one wonder if a deliberate state wide fraud is being committed by those in power. Several reports CAG...
The Canine Paradox, Part-2
Go figure this out. Check out the two stories in the Greater Kashmir Dog Attacks on Children Show Steep Rise in Valley Srinagar: The government’s failure to check the increasing number of stray and rabid dogs in the Valley is showing dangerous ramifications on ground...
Not Dalgate, but “Dal-gate”
J&K Government takes bad governance to a new high J&K Failed to Implement Its Own Report on Dal Lake Srinagar: The IIT Roorkee report apart, the J-K government has failed to implement its own comprehensive 256-page report that was submitted in the legislative...
The Music Will Die
Veteran singers lament lack of patronage, demand a new cultural policy in the state to save Sufiana music Sufiana Music Will be no More Within Years : Veteran Singers Mukhtar Ahmed (Kashmir Images) They have been enthralling thousands with their soul-soothing voices;...
Proof That Good Life Increases Public Alienation
Kashmiris are known to be most alienated citizens of India. Yet, whether it is the VAT collection or consuming the mutton, it ranks number 1 in the country JK Highest Consumer of Mutton, Chicken: CM Jammu: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said the development of...