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.
Incompetence Unlimited
Fazili says the National Building Construction Company Limited (NBCCL) drainage project can prove disastrous for Old city (Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar, and...
Fall From Grace
Ill-planning vandalizes Srinagar’s globally famous heritage walkway Rise and Fall of The Bund Arif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir) Dotted with towering mighty Chinars and overlooking gushing river Jhelum, The Bund in the heart of Srinagar till a few decades ago was...
Gone to Dogs
A city with 92000 canines mocks at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Stray Dogs Rule the Roost in Srinagar Srinagar: The dog population in winter capital has reached a stage where some quarters have urged the authorities to treat the menace as a law and order...
A Daughter’s Requiem
Lubna pays a tribute to her beloved father on his first death anniversary. She is the only child of late Haji Hafiz-ullah Khan, who was a geologist and a prominent social activist (Dr. Lubna Khan, 39, was born in Srinagar. She did her junior schooling from...
Justice to Women
Whether it is rape or acid throwing, women in Kashmir, like their peers in the subcontinent face unparralel amount of violence that is mostly ignored by authorities. Two reports - Ajaz's commentary is followed by an editorial in Kashmir Images (Mr. Ajaz ul Haque, 43,...
Kashmir Festival 2013 Planned in the USA
After a successful business trip to the U.S. in 2012, the Kashmir Chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-K), plans another visit to the U.S. in 2013 JK Chapter of CII to Hold Kashmir Festival in America Mukeet Akmali (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: The...
Domestic Tourists Make-up for Lost Time
The numbers make it clear - peace dividend is real if Kashmiris stop being abused by political operatives with single agenda to create mayhem and anarchy 13.50 Lakh Tourists Visited Kashmir in 2012: Parvez Gulmarg: The Winter Sports kick-started formally at centre of...
Disappearing Heritage
Kashmiri woodwork, once a thriving industry, has seen its better days Traditional art of Woodwork Loses its Sheen in Valley Mukhtar Ahmed (Kashmir Images) Srinagar: Once vogue in the valley, the art of woodworking has suffered on many fronts for the last more than two...
No Electricity in the House? It is J&K Government’s Fault
A combination of government laxity/misgovernance, coupled with corruption, are main causes for blackouts in homes JK Losing Hundreds of Crores for Non-Installation of Capacitors Bashir Assad (Early Times) Srinagar: Notwithstanding the fact that Technical and...
Room for Improvement
Srinagar is among the dirtiest cities among the world - rivalling those in sub-sahara region of Africa - because of its incapability to handle municipal waste. Here is an idea Managing Garbage Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) can learn from Hyderabad Municipality...