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.
Vanishing Water Bodies
Encroachments are resulting in drying of ponds The Disappearing Ponds of Kashmir Srinagar: Thirty years ago, Avend village in the south Kashmir district of Shopian was also called 'Talaab Gaam' because of dozens of fresh water ponds surrounding it. All but one of...
Guess Which is the Most Polluted City in the Country?
Sad to say, but even in comparison with Jammu city Srinagar has 25 times more population living in slums as elites squeeze poorer sections of the society to inner city pockets Srinagar - City of Slums Under the Rule of Urban Elite Jammu: It may sound unbelievable that...
Rise in Cancer Deaths in Kashmir
Massive adulteration in food supply is leading to alarming rise in cancer deaths. On the other hand improved lifestyle is reducing "kangri cancers." Two reporta Top 10 Cancers Afflict Valley Nazir Ganaie Srinagar: One of the most dreaded diseases, cancer, is emerging...
Laid Back Lifestyle
Proof that wages have gone up so high that outsourcing even at the bottom-most rung pays off Safaiwala’s Now Outsource Safai Mudasir Tariq Lone (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: It seems that outsourcing has arrived in Kashmir, that too in a big way. If over the last few...
Data About Violence Against Women
Zeenat opens a Pandora's Box ahead of the International Women's Day (March 8) with disturbing facts and figures, followed by a news item about rising suicide rates among women (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 27, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from...
Treating Women as Equals
Roshan says celebrating Women's Day is a good idea, but wonders if there ever will be a change in the society (Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School...
The Culture of Gender Inequality
In recognition of the International Women's Day (on March 8), Adfar's moving commentary on the state of women after marriage is both heart rendering and a sad reflection on society that wishes to remain passive on this issue (Mr. Syed Adfar Rashid Shah, 28, was born...
Messy Srinagar
An eye opening commentary in the Kashmir Monitor speaks for all Srinagarites .... Srinagar Crying By Citizen Journalist Srinagar: The present administration in Kashmir claims to be honest. But the officials and the ministers cannot see the the mess that has become of...
The Courage to Shift the Paradigm
Junaid takes a leap of faith with conviction that deserves an all round applause. He explains his reasons for joining murky politics of a corrupt State. However, Ghulam Jeelani is unimpressed, saying what amounts to, "been there, done that." Jeelani's comments are...
Reason for Hope?
Ayaz sees signs of an emerging civil society (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 the...