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.
Reality Check for Separatists
Reyaz discusses challenges that sound easy to suggest but have not been overcome in the last 60 years. Will now be any different?(Mr. Reyaz Lone, 32, was born in Ganderbal, and continues to reside there/ He received his early education in Ganderbal, and completed his...
The One Dimenional Perspective
An Editorial in the Rising Kashmir serves as a vivid example of "pick and choose" (cafeteria style) approach to valley politicsLessons From APD VisitBy managing national consensus on sending a multi-party delegation to Kashmir, government of India has for the first...
The Crushing Effect of Civil Unrest
Sajad says that the State has lost over Rs. 8,000 crores in commerce and 150,000 jobs during the first 100 days of unrest(Mr. Sajad Kralyari, 28, was born in Kralyar, Srinagar. He had his early schooling at the General Public Mission (GPM) School, and his higher...
The Ultimate “Zero Sum” Game
Bukhri saheb is ignoring the basic tenant of Kashmiri leadership - which is to co-mingle religion and politics in order to harness every ounce of emotion out of hapless Kashmiris(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the...
Can People Succeed When Their Leaders Have Failed Them?
Rouf argues that no amount of sacrifice by public can overcome the mitigating influence of poor leadership qualities among Kashmiri politicians (Mr. Rouf Rasool, 39, was born in Srinagar (Amirakadal area). He has a Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism...
Feeding the Cycle of Misgovernance
Arjimand views recent changes and transfers of government officials as desperate firefighting exercises(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently...
Liberation From Fear
Soayib argues that pursuing freedom while ignoring needs of the society, and especially those who are suffering, makes no sense(Mr. Soayib Qureshi, 21, was born in Srinagar. He did his early schooling from Burnhall, Srinagar, and transferred to the Lawrence school,...
Freedom From Knowledge
Does azadi include the freedom to deny the young their right to education?Education First, Freedom Can WaitManzoor AnjumBy denying our children access to education, what kind of freedom we are looking at? If the society is uneducated, illiterate and ignorant, who...
Mixing Anarchy and Corruption in Kashmir
Can the SMC stop citizens from destroying their own city?ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS GALORE IN CITY, AUTHORITIES SLEEPSrinagar: In what could be a major jolt to government’s inquiry into the Master Plan violations in the past, scores of fresh “illegal” constructions are...
“Traumatology” in Kashmir
Javid describes a calamity that has no political overtones(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 (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes work in...