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.
What Planning?
Saleem expresses hope that city planners (in this case, the Srinagar Development Authority) will hear him - but in a city of a million without any traffic lights, crossing zones or dedicated footpaths, is he dreaming or what?(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 60, was born and...
Secondary Issues Are Hiding the Core Problem
Najib says at the core is a humanitarian problem that unfortunately is overwhelmed by secondary issues that have turned the Jammu-Kashmir issue into a resource and land grabbing exercise between two neighboring countries(Sardar Muhammad Najib, 33, was born in...
The Unholy Nexus Destroying Pahalgam
Basharat updates on the court proceedings dealing with the most prominent case among the 174 illegal recent construction cases in Pahalgam (only 3 recent constructions have been legal). The case against the Grand Mumtaz Hotel demonstrates the growing nexus among land...
“But Dogs Are Outside My Home Fence”
Altaf says that growing population of stray dogs is yet another manifestation of the Kashmiri culture of keeping their interiors clean at the expense of exteriors where all kinds of home garbage is dumped (Mr. Altaf Bashir, 23, was born in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. He...
Moment for Introspection
Rashid believes that recent religious conversions in Kashmir were not coerced and reflect a growing malaise in the society as a wholeNeed For an Inward LookRashid Ahmad (Kashmir Monitor)A video posted on social networking website Facebook has become the subject of hot...
Tackling Drug Addiction
Moazum bemoans the lack of adequately equipped detoxification centers in Kashmir(Mr. Moazum Muhammad is a journalist working for the Greater Kashmir)DRUGS: Sure Dose to DisasterTen patients visit drug de-addiction centre on a routine a day for rehabilitation therapy....
People in Distress
Action Aid says Kashmir lacks facilities to treat people with mental diseasesValley in Psychiatric Mess, Patients Suffer for Want of FacilitiesShahnawaz Majid (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: While perpetual armed conflict in Kashmir has led to increase in psychological...
The Irrepressible Kangri
Kashmiris may have iphones, but they have not outgrown the kangriKashmiri 'Kangdi' Most Popular Heating EquipmentSrinagar : With winter approaching, people of Kashmir are preparing themselves to face the cold weather.The most important tool they use is what they call...
Once Kashmir Was Known For Its Terracotta
Terracotta discoveries from the past displayed the vast richness of Kashmiri art that is close to extinction nowPottery, a Dying Art FormMudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor)Baramulla: Hit by rising costs of essential commodities and lack of market interest, Kashmiri...
Aab Chu Dazaan (Water in Flames)
When the irreproachable Khawaja speaks, Kashmiris listen and sometimes even read(Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 54, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He completed his...