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.
J&K State Unveils a New Forest Policy
Forest Minister Mian Altaf unveils a new policy, but if the past experience is any guide, things will only get worse (two reports)Minister Announces New Forest PolicyJammu: Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed today unveiled new Forest Policy here at...
Desecration of a 400 Year Old Park
Danish reports on the sorry state of the Naseem BaghWhere is KU’s heritage park?Danish Zargar (Kashmir Times)Sringar: After chopping the heritage Chinars, amid controversies regarding ‘preservation’, the heritage park at Naseem Bagh in Kashmir University is nowhere in...
Humanisn Through Sufism
Imtiyaz values sufism for refurbishing body and soul (Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Aafreen, 26, was born in Kanir Chadura, Badgam. He completed his schooling from the Government Higher Secondary School in Zoohama, and graduted from the Amar Singh College, Srinaar. He has...
Kounsarnag
Iqbal brings us in touch with joys of Kashmir(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 historian. He is employed by the Jammu and...
Facing the Whole Truth
Nayeema narrates her personal experiences in exposing dubious political leaders surrounded by unethical followers claiming to be part of the civil society (Ms. Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, 53, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She completed her B.Sc, B.Ed, LL.B (Hons) and...
Who Will Pay for the Silence?
Arif names names as killers of well known Kashmiri personalities turn out to be mostly local boys heading various tanzeems, and not the Indian state(Mr. Arif Bashir, 26, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora, Tangmarg. He completed his schooling in his native village, and...
Political Co-Existence
Ashraf champions for a change in the Indian subcontinent that would make it look like a global village where neighbors live in peace. Article followed by a review of Dr. Beg's latest book(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 70, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary...
A Modern Kashmiri Tragedy
Fayaz highlights a "silent social phenomena" that haunts every Kashmiri family with growing children(Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, 30, was born in Awantipora, Pulwama District. He did his schooling from the Mantaqui Memorial High School, Awantipora, and his Bachelors of Art...
Samad Sheikh’s Lament
An old timer confronts winter with a feeling of lossKashmir's Grandpas Miss Winter's Icicles, StorytellersSrinagar: 'Snow is all right, but, my dear, where are the icicles?' asked a bewildered Samad Sheikh, 75, who lives in a hamlet here in north Kashmir. Winter has...
Kashmir University Moves into Digital Age
Best wishes to Prof. Riyaz Rufai, head librarian of the University of Kashmir, as the project directorDigitisation of Books to Start Soon in KashmirSrinagar: In a bid to upgrade Jammu and Kashmir libraries, University of Kashmir will soon start digitising eight...