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.
Recalling the first Jammu Dogra President of the National Conference
Balraj Puri argues for greater recognition and honor for a true secularist from Jammu named Budh Singh(Mr. Balraj Puri, 81, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He is a journalist, human rights activist...
Double Jeopardy – Handicapped People have Little Political Clout
The editorial in the Rising Kashmir advises the J&K Government to address concerns of people suffering from physical and mental disabilitiesReach Out to ThemAll J&K Handicapped Association Thursday called off its hunger strike after assurance from Chief...
Kashmir’s Shrinking Farm Lands
When Corruption, greed and opportunism intersect, the fall-out is mostly expreessed in terms of real-estate transfersKashmir's Shrinking Farm Lands, Victim of Development?Srinagar: Kashmir Valley gives a perfect image of lush, green countryside. But thanks to...
Some Good News For a Change
Reports indicate a 33% increase in exports of handicraftsHandicraft Exports from J&K Touch All-Time HighExports of handicrafts from Jammu and Kashmir has touched an all-time high of Rs 1,004 crore during the last fiscal, marking an increase of more than Rs 340...
Valley of Beauty and Bliss
Javaid hopes that peace prevails and tourists enjoy their stay in the valley this summer(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....
Country Without Discipline
What Imran does not say is that the real issue is whether Kashmiris, who have a poor record on exhibiting discipline, will ever obey traffic lights. It may be a case where a remedy is worse than the disease (Mr. Imran Mohammad Muzaffar, 21, was born in Hajin Sonawari,...
BBC Report: Kashmir Killing Fields
At the heart of the problem is a glaring deficiency in civil society that is over obsessed over politics and indifferent to social issues of the dayKashmir Killing FieldsUntil recently, Indian-administered Kashmir was thought to be a good place for a girl to be born....
A Nightmare Misnamed Lal Ded
Everyone knows that condition of government health facilities in Kashmir is a disgrace. Shahid describes one such dysfunctional facility, followed by the editorial in the Rising Kashmir which correctly states that any reset should begin from primary care clinics in...
Economic Empowerment Depends Upon Fiscal Discipline
Arjimand is cautious in bringing Kashmiri euphoria down to a realistic plane(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently...
The Sad State of SAC
Fayyaz investigates the dismal status of the State Accountability Commission (SAC), the chief instrument for pursuing corruption cases in the State(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and...