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.
Kashmir at Crossroads – 3
Mirza Ashraf feels that for the situation to cool off, we need to look beyond the stated positions. But will partisan politics deliver?(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 70, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and...
Kashmir at Crossroads – 2
Rumana wonders how long the society will be imprisoned by separatist-led hartals and civil authority-led curfewsShutdowns - To What End?DR. RUMANA MAKHDOOMIA teenager lost his life, we felt sad, another succumbed to his wounds, we lost our sleep – three more were...
Kashmir at Crossroads – 1
An editorial in the Kashmir Images unravels what the struggle in Kashmir is not about‘Freedom first…’Historically speaking, economics, a science inherently smitten with the desire to quantify, has often been too narrow in its approach to development. An empirical...
Gender Inequality
Roshan Ara raises health and safety issues related to violence against women(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School Beeru. She graduated from the...
The Long Road to Women’s Emancipation
J&K Government discriminates against women residents of backward areas (RBA)Another Assault on Women's Rights in J&KJammu: What can be termed as a sheer discrimination against the women the state Government has deprived the women being married in backward...
Victimized by Their Own Gender
Rafia describes cases of "silent tyranny" of life of women after their marriage Daughters or Daughter-in-LawsRafiya Munshi(Assistant Professor of State Agriculture University)After going through the bloodshed news of our state my eye caught the attention of khurram...
A European Scholar Who Loved Kashmir
Iqbal narrates the story of a special visitor who left a permanent legacy(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, writer, and a cultural historian. He is...
Return to the Motherland
Rajnath narrates a personal story of his darshan of "Maej Kasheer" and shares his experiences(Dr. Rajnath Bhat, 54, was born in Fohar, Anantnag District. He completed his B.Sc from Anantnag College, the University of Kashmir, followed by M.A. and Ph.D. in linguistics,...
Freedom of Choice
A young man asks a perennial question - does physical freedom mean anything without spiritual freedom?What is Azadi?Maasid SidiqAzadi or Freedom is the long cherished dream of every person under oppression. Be it the case of Palestinians in Palestine, Kashmiris in...
Summer of Anarchy – 5
Fayyaz reports that opposition has its peculiar army with a handy weapon of choice(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...