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 Dismal State of Health Care in Kashmir
Two reports highlight on-going crisis in the medical careAll is Not Well With SKIMS SouraZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Accusing the authorities at SKIMS Soura of being insensitive in rendering their services during these trying times, patients and...
Message to Kashmiri Youth
An editorial in the Kashmir Images speaks of Kashmir's proud past and what today's youth can learn from Kashmir's culturally rich historySelf RecognitionThe wanton wilderness exhibited by our youth particularly teenagers calls for an introspection and immediate...
One Person’s Misery is Another Person’s Opportunity
Arif describes a novel marketing technique that is getting a lot of attention(Mr. Arif Bashir, 26, was born in Check-e-Ferozpora, Tangmarg. He completed his schooling in his native village, and obtained his Arts degree, with emphasis in English Literature, Urdu...
Beyond Understanding, Beyond Control
Mushtaq believes the present crisis in Kashmir is bigger than the intellect and capacity of the state government(Mr. Mushtaq Bashir Barq, 36, was born in Nowshera, Srinagar. He completed his post graduate degree in English from the University of Kashmir. His articles...
Pushing People Into Virtual Self-destruction
Syeda highlights consequences of a directionless and leaderless Kashmir(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....
A Calendar of Misery
Hurriyat institutionalizes anarchyHurriyat (G) Calendar:MON/TUE (AUG 9/10) : SHUTDOWNWEDNESDAY (AUG 11) : STRIKE, PAMPORE CHALOTHURSDAY (AUG 12) : STRIKE TILL 12 NOONFRIDAY (AUG 13) : SHUTDOWN, PROTESTSSATURDAY (AUG 14) : NO STRIKESUNDAY (AUG 15) : STRIKE
Kashmir at Crossroads – 7
Sanjay has lived through the eye of the storm in the last two decades and knows that when things go downhill, something needs to give in(Mr. Sanjay K. Tickoo, 47, was born and raised in Srinagar, and lives there. After graduating from Hindu High School in Sheetal...
Kashmir at Crossroads – 6
Rekha notes the vacuum created by the withdrawal of gun has been filled by aggressive posturing in the post militancy phase (Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor of...
Kashmir at Crossroads – 5
Mehmood sees freedom as the ultimate salvation requiring Kashmiris first to seek enlightenment(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 37, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He has been active in journalism for over ten years, and currently works...
Kashmir at Crossroads – 4
Javaid sees no light yet at the end of tunnel(Mr. Javaid Malik, 37, was born in Srinagar. He did his schooling from the Burn Hall High School, and completed his 11th and 12th grades from the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. After his graduation from the Madras...