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.
The Corrupt System
Wadoo has a point about how dynastic rule has perpetuated corruption in Kashmir Electing the Corrupt G. N. Wadoo (Greater Kashmir) The election process in J&K State has all along faced a setback due to misuse of administrative machinery, biased election...
J&K Has Over a Million Unemployed
Government estimates are traditionally 50% of the actual figures since those who are long-term unemployed and not registered are not counted in official figures JK has 6 Lakh Jobless Youth Sumit Hakhoo (Greater Kashmir) Jammu: With the number of registered unemployed...
Cultural Survival
Artists find it hard to make a sustainable living for themselves and their families Introduce a Cultural Policy for the State, Singers tell Govt Mukhtar Ahmed (Kashmir Images) Srinagar: Demanding introduction of separate “Cultural Policy” for the promotion and...
Stinking Srinagar
The Editorial in the Rising Kashmir states that the city has suffered from lack of civic sense as much as it has from government apathy Shabby Srinagar Streets littered with garbage is a common sight in Srinagar city. At times with heaps of garbage lying unattended,...
Housing Needs in J&K
Ashraf discusses the acute need for functional housing in Kashmir (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar, and from M.P. High School, Baghi Dilawar Khan in Srinagar....
Hardship Has Only One Gender
Afsana highlights the failure of Kashmir's administration to provide safe drinking water and how the burden of procuring water for families has fallen almost exclusively on women (Ms. Afsana Rashid, 32, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle...
Kashmir’s Unique Flavors
Shafi brings Kashmiris closer closer to their traditions (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...
Women in Leadership Roles
Junaid affirms the importance of women's participation in strengthening society and nation (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...
Massive Irregularities Surface in Employee Class 4 Appointments
Fayyaz opens a can of worms and sees another example of institutionalized corruption in the state (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 49, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed...
Canine Power
The editorial in the Kashmir Monitor is still unclear about how to stop and reverse the situation where dogs already outnumber people. Latest estimate shows that Srinagar city has nearly 100,000 stray dogs (second story) City of Dogs Not long ago, the Srinagar...