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.
Neglected Issues
Two timely commentaries by Zeenat on the status of women and environment puts the microscope on important but neglected issues of the day(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge...
Dal Lake and its Houseboats
Sajjad finds an intricate tie-in between the future of the Dal Lake and the houseboat industry. Without a paradign shift both are doomed(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received...
The Murky World of NGO’s
Fayyaz takes the lid off the murky world of NGO's in Kashmir by exposing the inner workings of one such organization, which in turn goes on the defensive without addressing issues raised in the investigative report. Fayyaz' report followed by two related news...
The Kanger
Manzoor says there is more to "Kanger" (traditional Kashmiri fire pot) than meets the eye(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 English...
Benign Neglect
Salman bares the cupboard where Kashmir's disabled are routinely hidden away from public discussion and guilt(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and journalism, and joined...
Free to Loot
Daya Sagar comments on the slow pace of reform in J&K institutions created to provide transparency and good governance(Mr. Daya Sagar, 65+, was born in Udampur. He completed his schooling from SRML Higher secondary School in Jammu. He completed his post graduate...
True Lies
Ashraf says that in Kashmir the “Truth” has become flexible depending upon the requirement of the circumstances(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 67, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering...
The Sopore Incident
Two editorials in two leading dailies in the valley (on the same day) convey the sense of duplicity that is a hallmark of the resistance leadership in Kashmir Monster, called ‘Unidentified’(Greater Kashmir)Sopore incident stares us frighteningly into our face. The...
Corruption, Corruption, Corruption
Iqbal and Fida provide their perspectives on the thriving corruption industry, follwed by an editorial in the Rising Kashmir(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Peerzada, 40, was born in Parigam village in Kulgam district. He graduated from the University of Kashmir. Mr. Peerzada looks...
Historical Monument in Utter Neglect
Iqbal laments about the sad state of a recently explored historical site in Budgam District(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural...