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.
A Riddle called Kashmir
Ashraf lays out a panorama of predicaments regarding the solution to the Kashmir issue, but misses an obvious: Do the people really want to settle the issue for good? (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, 34, was born in village (Hutmarah) of of the District Anantnag of South...
Kashmir’s Buddhist Heritage
Iqbal takes a look back at the history of the valley (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...
Time to Ponder About the “Other Half”
Zafar wonders why there is fuss, but no policy about the Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir (Mr. Zafar Choudhary, 35, was born in Rehan village of Rajouri district. He received his post graduate degree in Journalism from the University of Jammu. Mr....
Kashmir’s Own “Babygate”
Javaid says we can not push this matter under a carpet (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. After his graduation from the...
“Public Interest” or “Personal Pockets”?
Junaid narrates a sordid story of public waste (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 graduated with a...
Cries of Blackmail Mean it is Working
Muzaffar highlights the potency of the J&K Right to Information (RTI) Act (Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 36, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School in 1993. He completed his Bachelor's degree in...
Something to Cheer About
Pervez discovers the subtle yet intense message springs glory brings to an otherwise dysfunctional city (Mr. Pervez Majeed Lone, 35, was born in Ashpora, a hamlet located in Handwara Tehsil in the Kupwara District. His primary schooling took place in government...
History Dying
The pathetic state of valley's main museum is highlighted by the Kashmir Monitor SPS Museum in Shambles, History Dying By Firdous Hassan Srinagar: Sri Pratap Singh Museum the summer capital’s main museum may soon need to be placed in a museum of its own as the...
If You Can Believe It
More people die in J&K due road accidents than due to militant activity and police actions combined. Now there is talk of putting a traffic management system (red lights) in Srinagar. Have we not heard that before? Two reports 935 People Die in Subversive Violence...
The Canine Paradox
Everyone knows that stray dogs in the valley (especially Srinagar) are posing a threat to public health and safety. So how come the Municipality is not getting rid of them? Even more puzzling, why is not public in an uproar? Two reports from the Greater Kashmir DOGS...