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.
Ecological Desecration of Gulmarg
Prof. Dar wants an investigation why unplanned commercial exploitation of Gulmarg's pristine forests is allowed. His commentary is followed by a related story about Gulmarg region becoming a dumping wasteland(Dr. Ghulam Hassan Dar, 60, was born in Srinagar. He did his...
State Employees Break Laws With Impunity
Fayyaz exposes the underbelly of Kashmir's misgovernance by highlighting administration approach towards law breakers among its employees, who most likely secured their jobs through sycophancy or corruption. Two related news articles(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born...
“What Have We Gained?”
Fida recounts a sad history of unfulfilled expectations. But can any expectations be met if these are grounded in fantasy?(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary School in...
Kashmir Stonewalling the RTI
Muzaffar highlights poor implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, following the State's historical record of stonewalling laws meant to promote public good (Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 35, was born in Wathoora village in the Budgam district and matriculated...
Confronting the Truth About Pandit Migration
Aima takes on the "Jagmohan" crowd among Kashmiris posing as well meaning intellectuals when in fact such people are only exposing "latent radicalism" who pay lip service to the plight of minorities. The writer closes his essay with a couplet by Shams Faqir(Mr....
Cause and Effect
Will Kashmiri Pandits return? No amount of rhetoric will work until and unless the State Government does not create political and economic space to give them a level playing field for survivalSupreme Court Calls for ATR on Migrant Kashmiri PanditsLegal Correspondent...
Imbeciles Leading Sheep
An editorial in the Kashmir Images highlights, once again, a mentally and morally bankrupt group collectively calling itself leaders of "Azadi" Answers please…In the year 1994, when militancy in the Valley was at its peak, a group of five women from mainland India,...
Fishing in Kishenganga
Yusuf hooks in an enchanting valley along banks of the Kishengaga river(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 his college studies at the Sri...
Maternal Mortality Not As Grim as Projected
Bashir offer a counter point on the maternal mortality in Kashmir, saying that data does not support the alarming picture painted by Salman, whose article was posted on the Blog on 29 October and is again reproduced at the bottom(Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, 46, was born in...
Playing All Sides, Displaying Poor Integrity
Ajaz says that political leaders consumed by unbounded ego to be never proven wrong sometimes end up showing their immaturity and shallow personal qualities (Mr. Ajaz ul Haque, 40, was born in Srinagar. He completed his school and college education in South Kashmir....