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 Slow Death
Saleem is unable to recommend strong medicine to save the Dal Lake given its near-term benefits to tourism. Is it the case of killing the hen that lays golden eggs?(Mr. Mohammad Saleem, 62, is a retired senior engineer is the J&K civil service.)Who Will save...
State’s Fatcats Get Off Easy
Zeenat tears into past sweet-heart deals that continue to enrich the well connected gentry.(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters degree in...
Only in Kashmir
State's budding RTI civil society fights hard to bring accountability in J&K's bureaucracy with mixed results so farJK seeks opinion from KAS/IAS officers on declaration of assetsSrinagar: In a step which has sparked off a debate, the Jammu and Kashmir Government...
Children of the Lesser God
Salman pitches for children who were robbed of their childhood(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 professional life at...
Traveling Through History
Iqbal wonders if the State government has the sense of heritage to properly preserve history along the Mughal Road(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 49, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist,...
Opportunist Civil Society
Kashmir's civil society is a reflection of its ethical and social character. Lacking both, the only significant achievements of the civil society to date have been to support hartals and the anti-India tirade ‘Kashmir needs civil society reforms’Srinagar: Eminent...
Indulgence and Consequences
Two related commentaries - an editorial in the Rising Kashmir on the new Vice Chancellor's reaction to wasteful expenditure in the University of Kashmir, leading up to the next commentary on the Kashmir's mounting debt Stem the RotMisuse of public money and human...
Return and Rehabilitation – 2
Arif paints a picture of the Pandit community in deep distress and uncertain about its future(Mr. Arif Bashir, 26, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora, Tangmarg. He completed his schooling in his native village, and obtained his Arts degree, with emphasis in English...
Return and Rehabilitation – 1
Charu notes the plight of displaced Pandits and sees a glimmer of hope in improved security and political scene in the valley(Dr. Charu Sawhney, 32, was born in Jammu. She completed her matriculation from Sacred Heart School, Dalhousie. She went to Welham Giris School...
Breaching the LOC (Line of Commerce)
Voice of America (VOA) report on Inter-Kashmir CommerceKashmir Traders: Line of Control Commerce Key to Prosperity, PeaceOne of the key areas for confidence building efforts between India and Pakistan is the removal of trade impediments across the line of control in...