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 Practice of Double Dipping
Mushtaq shares his perspective on the raging debate about government salaried doctors in Kashmir who pursue private practice on the side (Dr. Syed Mushtaq Ahmad, 61, was born in Seer Hamdan, Anantnag. He went to Higher Secondary School in Anantnag, before finishing...
The Eternal Debate
When Geelani begins to quote Mahabharat, Ajaz is amused (Mr. Ajaz ul Haque, 40, was born in Srinagar. He completed his school and college education in South Kashmir. He is presently on the faculty as Producer in the University of Kashmir Educational Multimedia...
Dysfunctional Education System
Javaid pitches for hapless contractual teachers (Mr. Javaid Malik, 37, was born in Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Burn Hall High School, and completed his 11th and 12th grades from the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. After his graduation from the Madras...
Addicted to Corruption
Where corruption is seen as a "political dividend" by all sections of the society, it is easy to comprehend why J&K convenientaly overlooks various legal and institutional instruments ensuring good governance A Little More Governance Riyaz Ahmad Like the rest of...
Facing Dogs
Srinagarites are feeling insecure with 100,000 stray and uncared dogs loose in the city Dog Scare Forces Musalees to Walk in Groups, With Lathis M. Hyderi (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: Parvaiz Khan, Bilal Khan, Farooq Ahmed and engineer Arjumand –neighbors in Barbarshah...
It is a Kashmiri Thing
Tajamul speaks of a fear that lurks in hearts of those visiting Muslim Kashmiri religious sites, but it is no different at Pandit religious sites either - proof that DNA trumps over parochialism(Mr. Tajamul Hussain, 53, was born in Srinagar. He went to the Government...
Insidious and Abhorrent
Syeda pitches for the girl-in-the-womb(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 36, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree...
“God is One”
Indu Raina's tour de forceRevisiting my HomelandThere have been many instances of sporadic conflicts in the past but in January 1990, an uprising in Kashmir led to the killing of Kashimiri Pandits resulting in mass migration of the community from the valley. We too...
Death by Neglect
The State Government is turning a Nelson's eye to the situation of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, including preservation of their heritage170 Temples Damaged, Many Others Encroached Upon: ReportSyed Junaid Hashmi (Early Times)Amidst Jammu and Kashmir government's...
The Purveyor of Doom
From his perch, Hilal has observed the city degenerate into depression where conspiracy theories are staple of the dayStory of Srinagar Through a News StallNasrun Mir (Rising Kashmir)Everyone knows him here; he is gentle, talks in a timid voice and sells newspapers in...