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 Treachery of Immense Proportions
Bashir is rightfully indignant at Government's plans to widen the Narabal Tangmarg Road (NTR) at the expense of beautiful chinars growing on both sides of the Gulmarg Road that will be cut down How Long Will The Chinars Live? Bashir Ahmad Gojree Man’s place in...
Panacea for Kashmir
Finally, Dr. Padgoankar, Chief Interlocutor on Kashmir, speaks the mantra that he heard on 23 March 2011: http://kashmirforum.org/images/kashmir-conundrum.pdf ‘People in JK Yearn for Accountability, Transparency in Governance’ Umer Maqbool (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar:...
Road Accidents Kill More Kashmiris Than Terrorists Plus Security Forces Combined
Srinagar lacks a red-light traffic management systems because authorities worry that public is not disciplined enough to follow the system. The results are obvious Road Accidents Killed 2162 in 2 yrs Umer Maqbool (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: As many as 2162 persons...
The Rich are Really Rich
A recent study by the Indian chamber of commerce, ASSOCHAM, found the greatest disparity in India between the rich and the poor exists in Kashmir. Now we have hard data that the amount of the value added tax (VAT) collected in Kashmir exceeds even larger and richer...
Protecting an Important Asset of Human Beings
Dr. Tabish provides a global perspective on basic healthcare systems, and suggests a way forward with an eye to ensure needs of the underserved and deprived sections of the society are met (Professor Syed Amin Tabish, 50, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from...
A Review of the New Drug Policy in J&K
Dr. Geer explains the strengths and weaknesses of the newly approved policy by the J&K Government (Dr. Geer Mohammad Ishaq, 39, was born in Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Shaheen Public School, and his senior secondary graduation from the Gandhi...
The Doyen of Kashmiri Drama
Betab introduces a Kashmiri cultural icon who was awarded the Padma Shri award on 26th January 2012 (Mr. Brij Nath Watal "Betab", 55, was born in Akingam, Anantnag district. He attended the Government High School in Achabal, and completed his pre-professional studies...
Valley of Drug Addicts – So Says the UN
Females constitute only 7% of Kashmir's drug addicts, and yet nearly 70% of the student community is into drugs No Help for Kashmir’s Female Drug Addicts Sana Altaf Srinagar(IPS) - Drug abuse, known to be widespread among youth in India’s northern Kashmir state, is...
The Disappearing Legacy
Javed highlights the plight of "other victims" in the subcontinent mired in conflict (Mr. Javed Naqi, 29, was born in Kargil, Ladakh. He did his schooling from Suru Valley Public School, Kargil. Javed earned a B.Sc. in General Science and a M.Sc. in Zoology...
Orphans of Destiny
Salman finds victims of conflict suffering from trauma, Stress related Diseases (Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and journalism, and joined journalism in 2004. He began his...