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 Hope of Kashmir
A feel good story featuring a rising social activist Qurat-ul-ain Masoodi Qurat to launch, ‘Aash – The Hope of Kashmir' Srinagar: She walked briskly into the newspaper office and in a jiffy said, “Shall we start the interview.” Qurat-ul-ain-Masoodi is full of raw...
State Women’s Commission (SWC) Rescues Failing Marriages
Ms. Shameema Firdous says demand for dowry is a major family issue in the valley Conflict Taking Toll on Valley Women Abid Bashir (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: The turmoil has taken a serious toll on womenfolk in Kashmir with post-marital feuds resulting in divorces and...
Bribing Public to Prevent a Disaster
Government is forced to take action as gender ratio in Jammu and Kashmir drops to 859 girls to 1000 boys Cash Rewards to Stop Female Foeticide in Kashmir Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Government announced cash rewards for residents who provide information about those...
Ministerial Duplicity
The Minister of Animal Husbandry wants cattle and sheep raring to create jobs in the valley; but how can that happen if you sign a "blank check" to import all the mutton the valley consumes? 15 Lakh Goats, Sheep Imported into J&K Every Year for Mutton Nearly 15...
The Politics of MFN
Zafar hopes that Pakistan keeps its promise of granting MFN to India as the region is desperate for peace and tranquility(Mr. Zafar Choudhary, 35, was born in Rehan village of Rajouri district. He received his post graduate degree in Journalism from the University of...
The Better Half
Roshan Ara reminds us that women are playing a pivotal nation building role all around the world(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School Beeru. She...
A Retrospection
Isaar addresses the moral degradation that is an outcome of undesirable changes in the society(Mr. Isaar Kashmiri, 43, was born and raised in Tral, district Pulwama J&K. He completed his matriculation from a local High School, and graduated with a Bachelor's...
Death of Innocence
Jawad narrates a sad tale of the Pampore Tragedy where a child was killed by a local (Mr. Jawad Hussain Reshi, 56, was born in Kralteng, Anantnag. He went to local government schools for his early education, and received his B.Sc. and LL.B (Hons) degrees from the...
The Green Warrior
The heart warming story of Sonaullah ParrayGreen Warrior Protects Deodar ForestsKhag: Sonaullah Parray, 50, keeps vigil through the night in the the Khag-Tangmarg region of Kashmir protecting the forests from timber smugglers. Gangs of brutal armed timber smugglers...
The Pathetic State
Editorial in the Kashmir Monitor highlights the strength of land mafia-politician nexus in Srinagar, KashmirWoes of CommercializationThe mushrooming of shopping complexes and business centres across the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir even in the residential areas...