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.
Leading the Way
Aditi finds a determined group of ordinary citizens, who happen to be all women, determined to exercise their right yo vote (This is a dated story that was written before the Panchayat elections in J&K.) (Ms. Aditi Bhaduri's bio sketch is available from the...
Disposing Srinagar’s Solid Waste
Ashraf treads where few have in the past - analyzing and evaluating the problem and potential solutions to solid waste generated in the Greater Srinagar area(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government...
Waiting for the Drug Policy
Where is the State drug policy?Spurious Medicines Risk LivesIshfaq Ahmad Shah (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Despite the draft of the drug policy being ready for almost a year now, it is yet to be placed before the cabinet for review and approval, thanks largely to the...
The Missing Child
Sarosh opens a Pandora's Box(Dr. Sarosh Ahmed Khan, MD, 48, was born in Srinagar. He pursued his initial schooling from the Victoria High School in Bombay (now called Mumbai), and matriculated from the New Era Public School in Srinagar. He completed his pre-medical...
Pain and Tragedy Knows No Boundaries
Pervez investigates a terrorist act in Kashmir, and finds that victims are ordinary citizens of various faiths and shades(Mr. Pervez Majeed Lone, 34, was born in Ashpora, a hamlet located in Handwara Tehsil in the Kupwara District. His primary schooling took place in...
RTI is a Promise as Yet Undelivered in J&K
Raman exposes the shallow structure of the J&K RTI, and stonewalling by the J&K Bank supports his arguments(Mr. Raman Sharma, 26, was born in Jammu city. He received his schooling in the Sri Ranbir Memorial School, Jammu, and graduated in political science and...
Terminal Malignancy?
Majid wonders if corruption can ever be removed from the Kashmiri DNA?(Dr. Abdul Miraj Siraj, 63, was born in Srinagar and went to C.M.S. Biscoe Memorial High School. He completed his medical degree from Patna University and his advanced fellowships (FRCS, MRCS, LRCP)...
We Want Technocrats
Fida proposes that each government department should be headed by a knowlegeable specialist to get the most out of a public service (Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary...
Baring the Closet
Javid Rather from Baramulla discusses a very unfashionable topic in a society obsessed with politicsMental Health in KashmirIn Kashmir, the prolonged exposure to stress that the insecure situation has engendered means that the coping mechanism of individuals is...
Shrinking Space for Wild Animals
An article in a Srinagar local newspaper places the blame for man-animal conflict on everything (including border fencing), but not on the two main reasons - shrinking forests and rapid urbanizationMan - Animal Conflict in KashmirThe man - animal conflict in the...