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.
Catering to the Rich?
Arjimand discusses two important Bills that were recently "tabled" in the State Assembly. The one argument he does not explore is that did the government pursue a half-hearted effort to give an appearance of commitment to overhaul Kashmir's feudal economy that mostly...
The Virtue of Unification
Najib notes a deep seated conspiracy behind fragmentation of the erstwhile princely state with a 5,000 year history. He argues for its reunification in order to reconstruct its national glory(Sardar Najib, 33, was born in Trarkhel, Poonch district in Pakistan...
Roads Paved With Greed
Saima sees a reason for possible protest in the coming Summer, and it will not be related to politics but against misgovernance (Ms. Saima Farhad, 30, was born in Srinagar. She went to Mallinson Girls High School in Srinagar, and to the Government Womens College,...
Koshur Speaking (Rural) Women Entreprenuers
Afsana describes the unique capacity of women in rural Kashmir who have found new income opportunities (Ms. Afsana Rashid, 30, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a...
The Dying Chinar
Imran speaks passionately about a beautiful living object that is dying right in front of his eyes (and ours) (Mr. Imran Mohammad Muzaffar, 21, was born in Hajin Sonawari, Bandipora. He completed his high school from the Government Higher Secondary School in Hajin. He...
From Self-Centered to Community Centric
Maroof shows how little one has to do to make a big difference in the lives of less fortunate. But will that happen? (Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 32, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, completing...
The (R)age of Sycophancy
Hassan says that in J&K it is not the merit that matters, but CHM. To know what the CHM means, take a trip into the mafia system known as the State Administration (Mr. M. G. Hassan Mukhtar, 44, was born in Srinagar. He has a Bachelor's degree in Architecture,...
Drowned in Mis-Governance
Arjimand reviews findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) regarding the quality of governance in the State, but does not mention determined efforts by politicians and state officials to keep the CAG Annual Reports from being discussed in the...
Paying the Price
What happens to a society that is obsessed with politics and hardly invests in human development? Salman finds the price of indifference(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and...
The Banana State
It takes courage to tell the way it is, and Arjimand does not shy away when confronted with sad reality. Indeed, he makes a solid case that charity begins at home(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development...