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.
Kashmir’s Land Mafia: Cause and Effect
To see the land mafia at work, just take a trip to Pahalgam - two related articlesTame the Land MafiaWith the onset of arms uprising the entire administration in Jammu and Kashmir got paralyzed and government machinery was rendered lifeless. Those at the helm took...
Good and Bad News About State Artisans
The state government may succeed in denting the market for fake Kashmiri shawls. But what about the plight of talented artisans living on Rs. 100 a day in a society where 12th grade children of big shots are driving around in imported luxury cars? Two related...
Panchayat Elections
Arjimand says that rejecting or delaying the elections is both unwise and unjust(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, was born in Srinagar. He is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently...
On Coaching
After a recent tragedy, Mehmood reflects on the practice of coaching, and wonders if better education in tradional schools would in fact reduce the nearly 100% demand for coaching these days(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 37, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from the Amar...
Power Politics
Tanveer says in the battle for hydro-electric power, Pakistan has ignored environmental impacts(Mr. Tanveer Ahmad, 38, was born in Gurutta, Tehsil Sensa, in the Kotli district of Azad Kashmir. He received his school education in Luton, Bedfordshire, U.K., and...
Leadership Crisis
Ashraf has a lot of expectations from emerging resistence leaders; but can internet savy part-time rabble rousers retain long-term focus on mundane politics?(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 67, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College...
RTI Puts JKP Under Scanner
Our three Right to Information (RTI) "Musketeers" (Muzaffar, Paul and Rasool) direct their focus on the Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP)(Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 35, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High...
“Double Dipping” by State Doctors is Unethical and Must End
Kashmir Images rolls out a 1-2 punch with an editorial about "throw the bums out," based on an investigative report by Zeenat(Ms. Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, 26, was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. She did her schooling from King George (Mumbai) and later Cambridge (New Delhi),...
Exciting Plans for the CU in Kashmir
Shakeel-ur-Rehman says that the new Central University (CU) will promote studies and research in advanced sciences and technologies(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 33, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the...
The Heavy Toll
Salman narrates a tragic tale of victims suffering from a senseless conflict that is only creating more victims generating and little hopeKashmir: Land of Widows(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in...