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.
Breaching the Controlled Narrative in Kashmir
Saleem breaches the mafia style nexus between separatist and official government machinery by exposing a breaking news story contrary to the set narrative(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Pandit, 45, was born in Srinagar. He completed his schooling from the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial...
What Went Wrong?
Fayyaz, "the surgeon", dissects the chief ministership of Mr. Omar Abdullah(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed his Master's degree in...
The Lasting Legacy of the Shia Faith in Kashmir
Sajjad presents a comprehensive history of Shia faith in Kashmir, noting that it too has suffered as a minority(Mr. Sajjad Haider, 45, was born in Srinagar. He completed his high school and college education in Srinagar, graduating from the Sri Pratap College. He...
In the Tug Between Anarchy and Autocracy, People are Suffering
Three perspectives on the toll that current turmoil is taking on Kashmiris and KashmirEducation in Danger (Editorial in the Rising Kashmir)So far, the official as well as separatist response to the need of sustaining education has lacked both reason and commitment....
“No-Holds-Barred Verbomania”
Syeda departs from valley's "set narrative" to describe the Kashmir situation with a fresh perspective(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...
Battling Anarchy With Economic Dole
Which came first - anarchy or autocracy? Javid would rather focus on the latter. But his point about economic dole is right on the mark(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 64, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government...
A Distinguished Bureaucrat Promotes a Path Forward
Shafi Pandit proposes descrete actions to arrest the alienation in Kashmir, but ignores how political and religious minorities will be heard in the process(Mr. Mohammad Shafi Pandit, 65, was born in Srinagar. After attending the National High School, he completed his...
The Sad Condition of Polo Ground Park
Yusuf notes the dilapidated condition of the Polo Ground Park in Srinagar and pleads for restoration of this historic park(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 57, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in...
Biru as Described by an Eminent Historian
Fida describes a cave of no returnAbhinava Cave Biru, BudgamF M HassnainThere is no doubt that the names of many towns and villages have been derived from the names of the springs, which existed there. But every such name which has been derived from the name of the...
Suffering Economy
Sajad describes businesses which will never catch up, resulting in more unemployment and hence more misery(Mr. Sajad Kralyari, 28, was born in Kralyar, Srinagar. He had his early schooling at the General Public Mission (GPM) School, and his higher secondary education...