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.
Victims of a Changing Society
Tahir shares stories of victims who have suffered twice over because of rapid changes in the society (Mr. Mohammad Tahir, 26, was born in Pampore. He completed his B.A. (hons) in English Literature from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and his Master's degree in...
Saving Lives or Killing Institutions?
Zeenat does a "stress test" - checking the ability of major hospitals in the valley against a major fire, followed by the similar report on the state of ventilators in various valley hospitals (Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her...
The Widening Divide
Nayeema feels political uncertainty leads to class distinctions where one set suffers and the other enjoys the privilege (Ms. Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, 53, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She completed her B.Sc, B.Ed, LL.B (Hons) and Diploma in Journalism, and Masters in...
Helping the Agrarian Sector
Maroof calls for "equal rights" for those looking after the predominant agricultural economy of Kashmir, which incidentally has the highest job potential in Kashmir (Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 33, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary...
Kashmir’s Glorious Past
Ashraf highlights the unique and independent history of the Kashmir region, relying on some old and some recent manuscripts (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar,...
All Fresh Water Bodies are Dying
Majeed notes that public focus on Dal and Nigeen lakes is like seeing a couple of trees while missing a bigger, more threatening, aspect of the whole forest (Dr. Abdul Majeed Kak, 64, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the...
The Bygone Era
Zahid takes the reader to the time when life was at peace with calm waters of the Dal (Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 63, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass...
At Your Risk
Ifran says that the famed lake of yesteryears attracts more fear than enjoyment now DEADLY DAL LAKE Irfan Hashim (Greater Kashmir) At a time when the state government claims that attempts were being made to attract more of tourists to Kashmir, a visit to the banks of...
Truly a Black Day!
Politicians may not care, but to Kashmir's physically challenged people, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities is like no other. Javed's moving tribute followed by reports on various demonstrations held in the valley, followed by an editorial...
TAAK Reelects Tramboo
Congratulations to Rauf on his reelection as the President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) (Mr. Rauf Tramboo, 53, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his school education at the Islamia High School located at Rajori Kadal, and his college...