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.
Making Leaders Out of Cheaters
Tajamul speaks about the great injustice perpetuated by general public(Mr. Tajamul Hussain, 53, was born in Srinagar. He went to the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawakadal, Srinagar, and the S.P. College, Srinagar. He attended the College of Engineering,...
Good News About Fruits and Migratory Birds
Two "feel good" stories: Kashmir has a bumper fruit production, and migratory birds flocking to KashmirIn Valley, fruit yield at all-time highFruit production in Jammu and Kashmir has touched 20 lakh metric tonnes this season — an all time high — thanks to bumper...
A Tunnel Vision to Nowhere
Ajaz questions the quality of Kashmiri leadership who measure success by the amount of blood spilled on streets, rather than by accomplishments and societal gains. Fayyaz, as discussant, extends the argument that Kashmiri leadership is increasingly irrelevant as...
Kashmir Tops in Primary Health Care
Statistics may not lie, but they can be abused. In this they made the State look goodRemarkable Improvement in JK Governance: SurveyNew Delhi: A survey conducted by the India Today has indicated that the Jammu and Kashmir State has shown remarkable improvement in the...
National Saffron Mission (NSM)
Sajad reports on the ailing saffron industry(Mr. Sajad Kralyari, 28, was born in Kralyar, Srinagar. He had his early schooling at the General Public Mission (GPM) School, and his higher secondary education from the Government High School. He completed his B.Sc. from...
The Only Major City With No Traffic Lights
Dr. Fiaz Fazili unravels the core Kashmiri attribute that makes Srinagarites a unique breedWe The SrinagaritesEvery time I visit my homeland, one thing for sure occupies my mind for most part of the trip: Traffic mess. Reasons are simple. Every plan of mine to go out,...
Reviving Dal Lake
The Lakes and Waterways Developmental Authority (LAWDA) is incapable of saving the lakeReviving Dal LakeOn November 20, in a high-level meeting with Lakes and Waterways Developmental Authority (LAWDA), Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand gave a 15-day deadline for...
Dal’s Condition is Reflective of Kashmir’s Apathy Towards Everything Non-Political
Ayaz searches for a Kashmiri counterpart to Cheyon(Mr. Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, 46, was born in Anantnag, and continues to live in the same town. He studied in various state schools, colleges and universities. He has completed his MBA, and is a Certified Associate of the...
Kashmir and Chinar
Sharma details the "State Tree" and describes its cultural significance to valley residents(Mr. Om Prakash Sharma "Vidyarthi", 50, was born in Udhampur. After completing his M.Sc. in Botany from the University of Jammu, he joined the Indian Forest Service (IFS). He...
Centaur Hotel Srinagar
Rashid paints a grim picture of the transfer of the Government of India owned Centaur Hotel to a privately owned company. In reality it is a hopeful sign and will set the tone for future private sector investments in the valley(Mr. Rashid Paul, 40, was born at Ompora,...