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 Serious Business of Dog Biting
Mujeeb tackles a very serious issue in Kashmir, especially Srinagar, where dog biting cases are approaching a world record. (Dr. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Fazili, 51, was born in Srinagar. He received his Bachelor's degree in veterinary and animal husbandry from the Kerala...
Life in the Excess
Arjimand, finds a "phoren angle" which even the "master of foreign connections" (ZGM) may acknowledge as being very creative (Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale...
“We Need a Dictator, Not a Gandhian”
Fayyaz and Junaid, both writing in the Early Times, narrate tales of high corruption in a state where corruption is seen as an entitlement. No wonder Anna's movement is not creating even a minor ripple in the valley (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina,...
A Historical Pathway
At one time, some 40 years back, it was Srinagar's Carnaby Street Lambert Lane Sana Altaf (Kashmir Times) Lined up with series of shops and business outlets, Lambert Lane at Residency Road has grown up as a favorite hound of shoppers. However the name of the few...
Tales of Travesty
Kashmir suffers a hangover from an overdoze of cocktail laced with indisciple, poor ethics, greed and corruption. All seven (7) investigative stories below cropped up within a period of just 3 days. Following those reports is a related editorial and a letter in the...
Return of the Native
Veeresh shares his experience (Mr. Veeresh Saraf, 25, was born in Srinagar. He attended Kendriya Vidyalaya in Bantalab, Jammu, and completed his professional degree, AMIE, through the Institution of Engineers, Kolkata. He is employed as an electronics engineer.)...
Charisma The Great
Abdul makes another attempt to define leadership knowing the yardstick of measure in the valley is dismally low (Dr. Abdul Ahad, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Tyndale Biscoe Mission School in Fateh Kadal and the Multipurpose Higher Secondary School,...
The New Killing machines
Arjimand describes the pathetic condition of roads in the valley (Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with...
Permanently Temporary?
Iqbal addresses conflicting parameters of the strike by contractual college teachers which is by no means over, even though public demonstrations have ended (Dr. Javid Iqbal, 64, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine...
“I am a Dreamer”
Nida returns briefly from Dubai to her hometown (Srinagar) and makes a statement with poetic grace and eloquence (Ms. Nida Rafiq Shiekh, 24, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation from the Presentation Convent High School and completed her 12th grade from...