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.
Surprise!! Record Tourist Visit Kashmir in 2010
Now imagine what it would have been like if all and sundry political jokers had not insisted on purposeless hartals2010 - Kashmir Sees Record TouristsGulmarg: The Kashmir Valley welcomed a record 7.25 lakh tourists this year despite the four-month unrest that...
Cross-Border Trade
Even the political opposition now agrees that trade across the LOC is a major CBM (two reports)Goods worth Rs 18 crore traded between two parts of KashmirSrinagar: Goods worth Rs 18 crore were traded between Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir during the weekly...
Preserving Autonomous Character of the J&K Cultural Academy
Bukhari sahib provides his take on the internal turmoil in the JKAACL. Is the glass half-full or half-empty?(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily,...
The Awards Racket
Ajaz explores the "cash-n-carry" business of giving out public awards(Mr. Ajaz ul Haque, 40, was born in Srinagar. He completed his school and college education in South Kashmir. He is presently on the faculty as Producer in the University of Kashmir Educational...
Power Mess or Another Victimhood Syndrome?
Ashraf presents a local perspective on power shortage in Kashmir. If you think that is interesting, wait until you hear the former J&K Power Commissioner (2 opposing views)(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 67, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School...
The Hall of Shame
An editorial in the Greater Kashmir discusses the depths to which the society has sunk Fake DrugsIt is just the tip of an iceberg. A seven day old baby died in G.B. Pant Children Hospital because of negligence of medicos. The reports suggested that he was injected an...
Good Governance Begins With Conscientious Citizenry
Arjimand explores the relationship between governance and a society in conflict and comes up with a provocative conclusion(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale...
Recalling Campus Politics Before the Gun Culture
Zahid arrived on the campus of the University of Kashmir in 1972 and got his taste of Kashmiri politics(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 62, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a...
Are Stone Pelters Heroes?
First an animated exchange between two opposing camps, followed by a report on the police investigation into stone pelting (3 related stories)VIEWPOINT: The Moral Dilemma - Are Stone Pelters “The Real Heroes”?Junaid Azim Mattu (Founding President of the World Kashmiri...
Jammu Region’s Cultural Diversity
Rekha provides a report of a seminar held recently in Jammu Tawi(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor of Political Science, University of Jammu. During her distinguished...