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.
Money Lost to Mismanagement is Money Less Spent on Eradicating Poverty
Rashid dwells on greed, corruption and mis-governance in Kashmir(Mr. Rashid Paul, 40, was born at Ompora, near Budgam. He has a master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. He has worked as a senior correspondent on numerous...
Balancing Development With Sensible Ecology
Mehraj and Yusuf argue that linking Poonch to Gulmarg by road over Pirpanjal range would be yet another environmental and wildlife disaster in Kashmir(Mr. Mehraj Din, 56, was born in Srinagar. After graduating with an Arts degree from the Sri Pratap College in...
Multiple Conflicts of Body and Soul
Firdous is right - Kashmiris are the worst example of a split personality(Mr. Firdous Syed, 44, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda, and had his schooling in Jammu. He is currently the Chairman of the "Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development Studies," and associated with...
The New Zero-Sum Game: It is Kashmiris or Pakistan
What Javid missed is that a week after the PM's visit to Srinagar, the "deal-with-Pakistan" lobby in the Delhi Durbar is back on the roll - meaning that Kashmiris will stay as spectators(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 64, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School,...
Lasting Cruel Legacy of the “Hartal King”
Fayyaz reports on the extra-ordinary burden borne by Kashmiris because of selfish politicians and a pliant civil society. General trade alone suffers loss of Rs. 40 Crores on each day of Hartal in Kashmir (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and...
SPS Museum: New Building and Website, But Old Problems Linger
Saleem shares the joy on opening the new main building at the Shri Partap Singh (SPS) Museum, but years of neglect is taking its toll on historical manuscripts - two related articles(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 59, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the...
Potato Chips From Kashmir?
If there are French fries, why not Kashmiri chips?J&K sees Huge Potential for Potato FarmingJammu and Kashmir has a huge potential for becoming the production hub of disease free and quality potatoes,the Minister for Agriculture G H Mir has said.Mir, who was...
Beautifying an Ugly City
Hassan Mukhtar has a plan to clean up Srinagar and bring out its beauty(Mr. M.G. Hassan Mukhtar, 44, was born in Thandipora, Chowkibal, in Kupwara. He attended Government middle and high schools in Thandipora, Panzgam, and Kralpura in the Kupwara district, and...
Kashmir Calling
Summer or winter - Yusuf, the passionate outdoors specialist, knows the best. His recent two articles are reproduced below(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 57, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in...
Timber Mafia Loots Kashmir
Zeenat says that state government measures to check timber smuggling are inadequateHuge Volume of ‘Undisposed’ Forest Offences Mocks at Forest Dept BossesZeenat Zeeshan FazilSrinagar: Government’s purported measures to eradicate the menace of timber...