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.
State Information Department’s Finest Hour
Renzu makes a commitment that is bound to bring cheer to all Kashmiri scholars(Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 54, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He completed his...
Empowering Women Through Education
Lucky are those girls who study under an enlightened teacher like Roshan Ara(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School Beeru. She graduated from the...
Justice Kirmani’s Revelation
Fayyaz lifts the lid off a very unsavory subject. Here is a sample: 'Govt agencies pay cellphone bills of 8,000 women in Kashmir' (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh...
Condemnable By Any Book
Tanvir narrates a horrifying story of domestic violence(Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, 33, was born in Srinagar and attended the Burn Hall School. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Information technology and management from Orissa University. He is the youngest Municipal...
Only in Kashmir – Dog Rights Versus Human Rights
Sajad and two other commentators address a really serious problem confronting the valley (Mr. Sajad Ahmad Padder, 27, was born in Veeri, Tehsil Bijbehara, District Anantnag. He did his early schooling at the Government High School in Nanil, Anantnag, and his senior...
Conserving old Heritage
Shafat, an ordinary citizen with a concern for planning, expresses his views in the Greater Kashmir. His point finds resonance in the Rising Kashmir editorial attached below, and a painful commentary in the Greater Kashmir about a decaying heritage building in...
Weep for the “Bund”
Fida seeks old glory in a landscape scarred by corruption, greed and citizen apathy(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary School in Sopore. He obtained his Bachelor's degree...
Corruption by Indulgence
Fayyaz says that all time records are being broken in taking poor governance to new heights(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed his...
“Explosive Bombshell” by the SFC
The State Finance Commission (SFC) says that J&K is neck deep in corruption‘Bribery All Pervasive,Omnipresent In The State’Muddasir Ali (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Observations by a quasi-official body on prevalence of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir has warned...
Rich With Filth
"Earlier it was dogs, now it is filth."Welcome to Stinky City of SrinagarBismah MalikGarbage, garbage, every¬where, but not a proper place to dump! At least that is what seems to be the point of con-cern for Srinagar Municipal Corporation which has now engaged itself...