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.
Environmental Slumber
Zeenat laments about government's continuing indifference to pollution caused by brick kilns, cement factories and lime quarries(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New...
The New Animal Farm
A topical editorial in the Rising Kashmir describes how sudden postings and transfers that are tailored to suite the elite ruling lobby has enslaved the political system completelyOf Transfers and ReshufflesWhat started as a noble mission in 90s has now turned as one...
Democracy or Oligarchy?
Junaid describes the fall-out from institutionalized family rule in Kashmir(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, Shimla. He attended college in...
Bridging the Divide on Creating New Jobs in the Valley
Jahangir suggests ways to make the Rangrajan Committee's Jobs Plan meaningful(Mr. Jahangir Raina, 37,was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in Srinagar, and received "A" Levels from the Ealing Green High School. He graduated from...
Ostrich Mentality
Javaid sees absolutely no change in India's policy towards Kashmir. In fact, the approach has not deviated from the day the State of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. So are separatist politicians taking Kashmiris for a ride?(Mr. Javaid Malik, 37, was born in...
Recognizing the Noble Gender
Roshan Ara says that women's empowerment will stay as a meaningless slogan so long as women continue to be defined by societal norms rather than individual merit(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School...
The Lal Ded Hospital Experience
Ishfaq recalls a harrowing experience over a 15-day periodThey call it HOSPITALIshfaq AhmadI have just left a place where reason and health cannot remain unimpaired. I am sure I am in possession of my exact and circumstantial memory to compile this write-up, however....
If You Want Nationhood, You Better Preserve History
The editorial in the Greater Kashmir points to another reason why Kashmir is not ready yet. More than the government, it is indifferent public that should take most of the blamePreserve for PosterityThe report that the Kashmir Repository, located inside the Archives...
Doctors Point to Half Baked Drug Act
Doctors claim that the true villian is the State Legislature and Bureaucracy that only extended portions of the Indian Drug Act to the State. Yet another example of how the State uses the Article 370 to pass laws with loopholes that breed corruptionDoctors Hit Back at...
Women’s Day
As we approach the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on 8th March, Nida reflects on the suffering that is taking its toll among the women in Kashmir, followed by a declaration by the "Women for Peace"(Ms. Nida Qayoom,23, was born in Sopore. She...