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.
Corruption Everywhere
Javid points to glaring examples of corruption in the State Administration and the State Assembly, indicating that every one who can milk the system usually does (Dr. Javid Iqbal, 65, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in...
The Hubris
Thanks to Raman, now we know that the University of Kashmir management would rather buy new luxury vehicles than grant scholarships to deserving candidates(Mr. Raman Sharma, 26, was born in Jammu city. He received his schooling in the Sri Ranbir Memorial School,...
At the Crossroads of Tradition and Progress
Ladakhis face an imposing challenge: Should their children continue to live a nomadic life or get education for modern living?Education or Literacy: Nomads at the CrossroadsKunzes Dolma (Kashmir Images)LEH-LADAKH: Tsering Gurmat is a school drop-out. Nothing uncommon...
The Sorry State of SFC
The State Forest Corporation (SFC) is financially in doldrums and may close‘Warped Policy, No Imagination’Srinagar: Governments warped policy and lack of imagination are now leading the J&K State Forest Corporation on the brink of closure, well place sources told...
“Make It Safe”
The Rising Kashmir laments how careless driving and poor road conditions collide to create a Kashmiri disasterTraffic TrialJammu and Kashmir is facing plethora of traffic problems - from the high accident rate to frequent traffic jams. Hardly a day passes off without...
A Cry For Good Governance
Jehangir adddresses an old problem with no solution in sight(Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 38, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute in Hawal, Srinagar. He studies at the Sri Partap Higher Secondary School for classes...
The Brave Ones
Javed pitches for the visually impaired people(Mr. Javed Ahmad Tak, 37, was born in Bijbehara in the Anantnag district. He received his schooling from Government schools in Bijbehara, and his B.Sc. degree from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. Unfortunately,...
Does the SAC stand for the State Accountability Commission or “Sleeping and Closed”
Fayyaz says that the Law Secretary is sleeping over personnel requisitions and all key posts are vacant in the SAC(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College,...
Is the Silk Industry Dying or Simply Rejuvenating in a Different Form?
It all depends on whether one can trust the outlook of the Government as expressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir. Two reportsKashmir’s Famed Silk Industry Dies Silent DeathMuddasir Ali (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: Once flagship industry of...
Saffron Cultivation on Decline
Afzal says that farmers are shifting to other crops as the state government fails to come to their rescueSaffron Cultivation, Production Faces Decline in KashmirM. Afzal Sofi (Kashmir Monitor)Srinagar: For the last 20 years Adbul Qadir had been cultivating saffron in...