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.
Trashing of Kashmir
Tariq exposes a serious environmental hazard near the Wular LakeBio-medical Waste Dumped Near Wular LakeTariq Rasool (Rising Kashmir)Bandipora: Flouting the guidelines of bio-medical waste management, the Municipal Committee here is dumping the trash generated at...
Should Minorities Exist Only to be Seen and Not Heard?
Author has a public exchange with a Greater Kashmir Columnist who justifies pelting stones at the author because of what I said. My rebuttal, followed by the original commentary follows(PLEASE NOTE THAT MY WORDS MARKED IN ITALICS WERE DELETED BY THE GREATER...
Does the Hurriyat Understand the Challenge?
An Editorial in the Rising Kashmir challenges the Hurriyat to come up with a new political strategy that is dynamic and tailored to changing political landscapeBunkers and HurriyatBy pulling down bunkers Govt has confirmed the nonviolent nature of separatist movement;...
The Power of the Separatist Agenda
Fayyaz from Srinagar: Every Kashmiri politician started his career with separatism and ended with a power deal in Delhi ......(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh...
A Retrospect on the Kashmir’s Premier Political Dynasty
Javid looks at the luster of the Abdullah family under a political glow of the new "maximum leader" of Kashmiri resistance(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 64, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College...
A Kashmiri Perspective: Azadi Can Cut Both Ways
Bhushan argues for revival of the Kashmiriyat, but reminds Kashmiris that one community's demand for Azadi will justify the other community's desire to seek a Homeland (Mr. Bhushan Lal Saraf, 65, was born in Batapora, Shopian. He finished his schooling from the...
No Better Example of Kashmir’s Dysfunctional Civil Society Than This
Even during peace time Dal Lake was in a bad shape, now it is even worse. It is a sad reflection of a dysfunctional civil society obsessed with a single-point agendaDal Lake, Silent Victim of Kashmir UnrestSrinagar: The four-month long unrest in Kashmir has taken a...
A City With Culture
Jammu city may be known for its temples, but Iqbal finds that it is also a city where painters found a welcome home(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,...
Fruits of Anarchy
Zeenat exposes how present anarchy has lead to even more corruptionUnrest Triggers Illegal Constructions in SrinagarZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Taking advantage of the unrest here hundreds of illegal constructions are going on in the city with...
A Vision of Mystical Love
Farooq Renzu takes us through a dream that was once reality that can be reclaimed with enough collective determination(Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 54, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri...