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.
Dismal State of Environment
If you enjoy your mutton dish then reach for the J&K's State of Environment Report (SOER) to know what happens when you leave the mutton shopOfficial Survey Paints Dismal Picture of JK’s EnvironmentArif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Unbridled vandalisation...
Hope is Eternal
Nida narrates a compelling story of immense sorrow and hope(Ms. Nida Qayoom,23, was born in Sopore. She matriculated from Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Sopore, followed by graduation in the English Literature from Government Degree College,Sopore. She...
Delayed Marriages Add to Mental Anguish
Salman looks at the societal data collected by a University of Kashmir scholar, whose research attributed late marriages to a number of factors, and suggests that gender based violence brings additional complexity to the issue. While highlighting violence perpetuated...
Prevention is the Better Part of Cure
Ashok says that Lokpal will succeed only if it seen more as an executive position that devises processes and procedures to weed out corruption and leaves prosecution to those already doing so. He also believes that in a republic, the Lokpal should report to the Prime...
Srinagar No More
Majid says that in the name of progress, a beautiful city has turned ugly(Dr. Abdul Miraj Siraj, 63, was born in Srinagar and went to C.M.S. Biscoe Memorial High School. He completed his medical degree from Patna University and his advanced fellowships (FRCS, MRCS,...
Is Structural Corruption Inherent in a Capitalist Society?
Maroof believes corruption cannot be eradicated in a democratic polity so long as it is dispensed by an entrenched ruling elite. Maroof's article is followed by an editorial on ways to address corruption(Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 32, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He...
Syed Ali Shah Geelani Quotes Mahabharat
Bhushan highlights a point in Geelani's meeting with Pandits that was conveniently "white washed" by every valley newspaper(Mr. Bhushan Lal Saraf, 66, was born in Batapora, Shopian. He finished his schooling from the Government Higher Secondary School in Shopian, and...
Diminishing Dal
Fida believes a brick-and-morter project approach will not solve Dal's woes since it is an ecological disaster(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...
A Casualty Named Truth
Junaid comments on how masquerading politicians are refusing to confront reality while sanctifying anarchy(Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 25, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School,...
Lost in Time
Firdous blames social anarchy on leaders who see modern amenities as conspiracies but conveniently turn a blind eye to societal disparities (Mr. Firdous Syed Baba, 44, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda, and had his schooling in Jammu. He is a weekly columnist for the...