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 Own Version of the Tea Party
Riyaz explains Politics 101 to the Hyderpora and Raj Bagh tea club membersAmerica and Kashmir’s Tea-Party Delusions(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 39, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and Kashmiri. Besides working in...
Land of Sufi Saints
Iqbal describes some of heritage rich sites in Kashmir(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural historian. He is employed by the Jammu...
The Genius of Radio Kashmir Srinagar is in Peril
Farooq has some advice for those at the helm of an cultural icon that not only promoted talent among budding Kashmiri youth but also played a significant role in fabricating literary and cultural milieu of the valley(Dr Farooq Fayaz, 56, was born in Sathu Barbar Shah...
Death of Sanity
Muneeb speaks for Kashmir youth driven between the "devil and the deep sea"(Mr. Muneeb Raja, 32, was born in Srinagar in a business family. He did his schooling from Burn Hall and Tyndale Biscoe. He completed his graduation from Melbourne, Australia, and recently...
Dachigam’s Ecological Holocaust
Adil describes lofty expectations and sad reality surrounding the Dachigam National Park. Iqbal shares his sadness by noting how Kashmir's premier national park has degenerated into an ordinary municipal park. Original commentary by Adil, followed by a comment from...
Alarming Maternal Mortality Statistics in Kashmir
Salman goes where few Kashmiris have in describing alarming statistics related to deaths among women while giving birth to young ones in Kashmir(Mr. Salman Nizami, 25, was born in Banihal tehsil of District Ramban. He completed his graduate degree in mass...
Cry of the Silent Majority – Part 2
Finally an editorial in the Greater Kashmir that the majority of public that live off the agrarian economy will appreciateTalking Self-relianceDespite all claims about progress made by the State after the end of feudal-autocratic rule, a major chunk of population...
Cry of the Silent Majority – Part 1
An editorial in the Rising Kashmir highlights a challenge mostly ignored by the civil society, but the message is tainted by unrealistic expectationsMission DalThe biggest challenge facing the state government in saving the polluted Dal Lake is to get the...
Evolution of Two Distinct Sects of Islamic Sufism in the Valley
Iqbal describes the schism that distinguishes native Sufis from those who came from Persia (Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural...
Kashmir’s Destiny
Razdan asks does it matter whether Kashmir acceded to and not merged with India?(Mr. Pran Nath Razdan, 71, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his master's degree in Statistics from the Patna university and joined the J&K state service. He rose through...