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.
Drug addiction among Kashmiri Youth
Aarif laments about a lack of serious societal commitment to eradication of drug addition among young boys and girls in Kashmir (Mr. Peerzada Aarif, 22, was born in Kalantara, Baramulla. He passed his 8th grade from the J & K Sainik School, Manasbal, and passed...
Line or Curse (LOC)
Zafar highlights a legacy of the past (Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 34, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by the Mirpur Educational...
Destroying Culture
When there is no respect for fellow humans, how can monuments fare any better? Mughal Monuments Under Illegal Occupation Imtiyaz Sofi, Kashmir Images Srinagar: The Mughal Sarai in Shadimarg village of south Kashmir district of Pulwama, occupied by locals for decades,...
National Backbone
Ashraf presented the following paper at a meeting of the Institution of Engineers India, J&K State Center, a few years back (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta,...
A Land Where Human Development is Zero
A sad editorial in the Greater Kashmir, followed by an equally sad commentary in the Rising Kashmir unveils the depth of depravement in Kashmir Unclaimed Baby An unclaimed baby is lying in GB Panth Hospital Srinagar for last several days. The ill-fated baby girl was...
Contaminated Food Supply Chain
After the "Milkgate", the High Court is looking for answers Is food in J&K safe? Srinagar: The High Court has directed the state government to report to it about the steps taken with regard to implementation of Food Safety Standards Act of 2006 file compliance...
Indiscipline Begins at Minister’s Electrical Meter
Junaid says the J&K Power Development Department (PDD) has a novel approach of throwung brickbats to commoners, bouquets to VIPs J&K Mantris, Babus, Netas do Not Pay Electricity Bills Syed Junaid Hashmi (Early Times) Jammu: Brickbats for commoners and bouquets...
Kashmir Abounds in Materialism, Census 2011 Proves It
In a decade, J&K has seen the number of automobiles increase by 210 percent, televisions by 51 percent, and homes by 30 percent. But how about human development? Census 2011: 30.16 % increase in houses in J&K in 10 years Zaheer Khan (Kashmir Times) Srinagar:...
A Dream Worth Aspiring
Dr. Tabish discuss global standards for delivering quality healthcare. But is that possible in Kashmir? (Professor Syed Amin Tabish, 50, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from Government Medical College Srinagar, and did his postgraduation from the All India...
Nature Tourism
Ayaz discusses the scope of eco-tourism in the State (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, and is a Certified Associate of...