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.
Not all Plunder of Forests is Due to Mischief
Kashmir's green gold - its pristine forests - are steadily depleting due to poor management practices and a lack of trained workforce, says Javaid(Professor Javaid Iqbal Bhat, 31, was born in Anantnag. He completed his Bachelor's degree from the Amar Singh College,...
Proliferation of Coaching Institutes
Iqbal describes how coaching degenerated from a supplementary effort to mainstay of education among Kashmiri youth with disasterous consequences(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Peerzada, 40, was born in Parigam village in Kulgam district. He graduated from the University of Kashmir....
Hope for People With Disabilities
An editorial in the Rising Kashmir draws public attention to people suffering from physical and mental disabilitiesDon’t Ignore ThemIn a conflict-ridden place like Kashmir, many issues go unnoticed till they assume grave propositions. There has been a two-fold...
Consequences of Delayed Marriages
Salman uncovers disturbing family trends emanating from recent societal changes in Kashmir(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass communication and journalism, and joined journalism in 2004. He...
The Valley of Death
When both the Greater Kashmir and the Rising Kashmir print editorials on unsafe driving and road conditions in J&K on the same day, it is time to take notice; but when data shows that traffic fatalities nearly equal the toll due to militancy, it is time to do...
Harmony Between Nature and Mind
Shaykh is proof that Kashmir's unique ethos came about by living in its pristine environment. So his observations about crumbling state of the environment need to be assessed in light of the spiritual and political decay all around (Mr. Shaykh Mukhtar, 28, was born in...
Debating an “Accidental Leftist” on Academic Freedom Versus Political Surrogacy
Junaid debates with Mridu Rai, a prominent Indian-American academic, who like all "Accidental Leftists" far removed from Kashmir and with their own children studying out of the harm's way, cheer on Kashmiri students and academia to take on the third largest military...
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen
Zeenat describes an internal departmental tussle that may end with neither doing the right thing(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi), and received her Masters...
Can Kashmiris Change For the Better?
Can the Sun rise from the West? No, but Arjimand hopes that since Kashmiris have sunk to their lowest social and institutional degeneration, there is a possibility, howsoever slight, that things may change for the better (Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in...
The China Syndrome
Chinese "little emperors" were created by institutional edict to restrict families to one child policy. Kashmir's "Khanmouls" are the result of easy money and growing exhibitionism among Kashmir's burgeoning middle class. Three related reports on its...