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 Missing Ingedient in Kashmir
In exploring elements of a true leadership, Abdul finds that not only are such characteristics missing in Kashmir, but Kashmiris actually posses attributes in reverse (Dr. Abdul Ahad, 63, was born in Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Tyndale Biscoe Mission...
A Win-Win Strategy by Kashmiri Women
Aditi writes about how social innovation in Kashmiris begins (and possibly ends) with Kashmiri women (Ms. Aditi Bhaduri's bio sketch is available from the webmaster.) Providing More Than Their Means It was just another mundane day for Munira Manzoor until a knock on...
Recalling a Proud Heritage
Saleem takes pride in the work completed by the Kashmir section of the INTACH which has been reviewed by Mehmood(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College, receiving his Bachelor's...
This Third Option is Really Pro-Kashmiri
Arjimand forgets the "third strand" which is the ready access of some Kashmiri separatists into the Pakistani military-political establishment. Let these Kashmiri "leaders" prove their worth(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a...
The Cause and Effect
The good times come with a price. First some extravagant statistics followed by Salman's commentary(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...
So Much For Transparency and Accountability
Fayyaz reports that Kashmir's CIC is frustrated by the indifference shown by the State Government towards implementing the Right to Information (RT) Act. So what is new?(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary...
2011- Year of Adventure Tourism
Yusuf advocates for a celebration both in letter and spirit(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 57, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed his college studies at the Sri Partap College,...
What Paradise?
Ecologically, Kashmir has been going downhill ever since green areas protected since the Mughal era were taken over to build government buildings in 1950's. Morally and spiritually, it entered "Kalyug" since early 1990'sParadise in TroubleM Afzal (Kashmir...
Saving Hokersar
One of Kashmir's jewels, Hokersar Wetland located West of Srinagar, is under seige from land mafias and local villagers encroaching on its land. That is before one begins to worry about deteriorating environmentWetland Conservation in KashmirSrinagar: In the wake of...
Wildlife Safari in Kashmir
Dachigam National Park adds a new featureWildlife Safaris in Dachigam new Attraction for TouristsSana Altaf (Kashmir Times)Srinagar: The commencement of wildlife safaris in Kashmir’sDachigam National Park has become a new attraction for the locals andthe visitors...