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.
Clapping With One Hand?
Salman says that the practice of female foeticide is not only a violation of human rights, but also puts a question mark on human integrity(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and...
The Rot Within
Veeresh sees some disturbing trends in current day youth of the State(Mr. Veeresh Saraf, 25, was born in Srinagar. He attended Kendriya Vidyalaya in Bantalab, Jammu, and completed his professional degree, AMIE, through the Institution of Engineers, Kolkata. He is...
J&K Department of Education Under Scanner
Mudasir says that appointments by the Department of Education are unfair and unjust(Mr. Jan Mudasir Gul, 29, was born in Srinagar. He went to the D.A.V. High School, Amira Kadal, Srinagar, and K.N.M. High Scholl in Barbar Shah, Srinagar. After completing her Bachelo's...
364 days of Benign Neglect, 1 Day of Whimsical Glory
Kashmir has a way of celebrating every "International Day" and forget the object of interest until the next International DayInternational Museum DaySrinagar: Notwithstanding the wholesale slaughter of wild animals during autocracy when game was a favourite pastime of...
Female Foeticide
Is it surprising that abortions are more frequent went it is a girl child? Roshan Ara reflects on the depths to which the society has sunk (Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the...
Hoping for the Return of the Native
Fida sees Asha's election victory a milestone in the restoration of the Kashmiriyat(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...
Does the Election of Mrs. Asha Bhat Portend a New Future?
Srinagar's elder journalist and a seasoned political analyst sees the bright side(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 73, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be...
A Funny Thing Happened on Way to the Panchayat Election ….
Mrs. Asha Bhat, wife of Mr. Radha Krishan Bhat, mother of two grown-ups, Suresh and Ashok, and resident of Wussan village, once a "liberated zone" in Kashmir, is elected by her peers as their new Panch. (A Pandit women candidate in a neighboring village was...
Saving History
The Rising Kashmir editorial suggests that the State authorities should not destroy pristine symbols of Kashmir architectureSave HeritageHeritage enthusiasts have started online campaigns to save old Zero Bridge and Zaina Kadal in Srinagar city. Government wants to...
Childhood Games – A Trip Back in Time
Manzoor recalls a time long gone when Gulli Danda was the King of Sports in a Kashmiri backyard(Mr. Manzoor Akash, 25, was born in Rafiabad, Baramulla district. He completed his schooling locally, and earned degrees in B. Litt (comparative Literature) and M.A. in...