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.
Educating out of Kashmir
Suhail sees a dead end for educated youth in so far as Kashmir's job market is concerned(Mr. Suhail Ahmad, 27, was born in Srinagar. He did his Bachelor's degree from Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, and completed both his Master's and M. Phil degrees in...
The Other Side is Equally Worse
Zafar dissects the corrupt governance on the western side of the LOC(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 33, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations...
The Plight of the Disabled
Syed reports on the latest initiative by Javed Tak, followed by pronouncements of the minister(Mr. Syed Basharat, 30, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and...
Wildlife Protection
Mir laments the shrinking habitat of the wild(Dr. Mir M. Mansoor, 55, was born in Shopian. He completed his schooling from the M.L. Higher Secondary School in Shopian. He attended the Government Degree College in Anantnag, receiving his B.Sc. degree in Natural...
Protecting Artisans While Protecting Kashmir’s Heritage
Sajjad offers ideas to protect the heritage industry of Kashmir by protecting native artistic talent from economic exploitation(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his...
Developing a New Aquatic Park
Yusuf is excited about a new aquatic park in the making, while Yawar presents a counter-point (at the end)(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 57, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed...
The Jugular Vein of Srinagar
Can Srinagar survive without a vibrant Dal Lake? Ashraf doubts if either mainstrean politicians or separatists really care about Kashmir's future. In a post-script, Ashraf defends his commentary against comments provided by a seemingly proxy(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 67,...
Gender Discrimination
Waseema Masood stands up for all women facing similar predicament as herSexual Harassment, Student Failed For Raising VoiceSrinagar: In a shocking case of victimisation, a female student of the Government Dental College in Srinagar has been repeatedly failed in...
The Astute Observer
Why is it that uncommon grit and honesty comes through in ordinary Kashmiri people without worldly knowledge? Does college education rob Kashmiris of their ethical sense?Shoeshine Man Adds Lustre to Image of KashmirisF. Ahmed (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Sometimes, the...
Introspection by Intellectuals
Dr. Kawosa highlights contribution by intellectuals without addressing the "core responsibility" of intellectuals - should they endorse specific political viewpoints or bring clarity to political options for path forward and let the public decide? Role of...