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.
Unabashed Sexism
Rubina find men, especially Kashmiri men, still in a state of denial on women's equality (Dr.Rubina Lone, 36, was born in Handwara. She did her schooling first from Wood Lands High School and then Mallinson Girls Higher Secondary School, Srinagar. She completed her...
Anarchy Redefined
Naveed finds peculiar bipolar attributes in Kashmiris having one sense of discipline inside their homes and a different one outside (Mr. Naveed Tramboo, 24, was born in Rajbagh, Srinagar. He matriculated from the Burn hall School, Srinagar, and completed his Higher...
When a Police Station Becomes a Shelter
Pervez finds women seeking safety and solace in a police station catering to women (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 government schools in his hometown,...
Grounding the CM
Muzaffar narrates the story of a poor illiterate man who grounded the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by using the power of three words - RTI (Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 36, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial...
Anna and the Dal
Irfan does not know it, but even Americans think that Kashmir politics is filthy as the Dal Lake. First the extract from the WikiLeaks, followed by Irfan's commentary on corruption Kashmir Politics as Filthy as Dal Lake: WikiLeaks Srinagar: As the WikiLeaks exposé has...
Empowered Grace
Nasrun describes a special person whose grace and fortitude is exemplary as a role model for empowerment and artistic talents (Mr. Nasrun Min Ullah Mir, nee' Nasrun Mir, 29, was born in Srinagar. He completed his high school from the Green Land Educational Institute,...
Dying Kashmiri Icons
Altaf sees a backyard full of emptiness (Mr. Altaf Bashir, 23, was born in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. He completed his schooling from Iqra Public School, Qammerwari, Sringar, and received a Bachelor's degree in commerce from the Degree College Bemina, Srinagar. He is...
Forsaking Addiction to Corruption
Jawad, a true patriot and a noble soul of Kashmir, speaks the voice of reason. In our hearts, we also know that he speaks the truth (Mr. Jawad Hussain Reshi, 56, was born in Kralteng, Anantnag. He went to local government schools for his early education, and received...
One NGO That is Really Doing Good Work
Basharat highlights the meaningful work being done by the Sajid Iqbal Foundation (SIF) (Mr. Syed Basharat, 30, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed...
Bonded Labor in Kashmir
Salman highlights the plight of families with no escape to a brighter future (Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and journalism, and joined journalism in 2004. He began his...