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.
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 7
Two differing perspectives of the problem and expectations. Fida's views conflict with those from the South of valley. Is it a bridge too far and guess who is paying for the divide?(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar,...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 6
Kashmir's turbulence affects its credit worthinessADB refuses to release Rs 1410 Cr urban development loan to J&KCiting serious organizational problems, poor technical expertise and failure to achieve disbursement targets, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has refused...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 5
Financial losses are mounting, but business leaders want India to solve a problem which can only be only resolved locally - two reports from FCCIK and KCCIUnrest Costs Kashmir Rs 8,000 crKashmir has 25,000 hotel rooms. Till June 80 per cent were occupied. Today almost...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 4
Let us hear from young victimsStudents Protest Unending Shutdown in KashmirSrinagar: A group of primary school students today protested against the 80-day-long agitation in Kashmir Valley, saying it was denying them the right to education.Dressed in their school...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 3
Religious fatwas cut both sides - the result is obviousValley of SuicidesKashmir Valley has been witnessing an alarming increase in the incidents of suicides from past few years. Not a single day passes without the reports of suicides or attempts of suicide making it...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 2
An interesting Editorial in the Rising KashmirNeed to RethinkThe fresh protest calendar by Hurriyat Conference (G) is out. It is no different from the previous calendars given by the conglomerate even as people in general expected a “better deal” this time keeping in...
The Boiling Pot Called Kashmir – 1
Ajaz, from the University of Kashmir, shares his perspectiveWe’re Victims of Selfish Politics"No political party works with good intentions to resolve the Kashmir dispute"Aijaz HassanThe Kashmir conflict has its origin in the notorious March 16, 1886 Treaty of...
City of Shame
Abdul Rashid recalls that Srinagar was not so dirty a couple of decades back and suggests measures to improve the city's ambiance(Mr. Abdul Rashid Khan, 62, was born in Magarmal Bagh, Srinagar. He matriculated from the Khalsa High School, Srinagar, and completed his...
Kashmir’s Future Direction Rests on the Fate of its Minorities
Syeda comes in the defense of logic and sane politics(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her...
The Seasonal Weapon of Choice
Ashraf analyses the power of kangri over shoe(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 67, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem Bagh in Civil Engineering. However, he changed his...