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 Tale of Two Kashmirs
One rich, getting more aid per capita than any other state of India, and the other poor getting less from the Government of PakistanPaK Assembly tables Rs 47.33 bn budget for 2010-11Tariq NaqashMUZAFFARABAD: Finance Minister Pakistan Administered Kashmir Raja Nisar...
A Tragedy of Immense Proportions
Ajaz conducts a wake(Mr. Ajaz ul Haque, 40, was born in Srinagar. He completed his school and college education in South Kashmir. He is presently on the faculty as Producer in the University of Kashmir Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), and a columnist for...
Fake Encounters? Kashmiris Deserve Better
Rekha reflects on the ideals on which India was founded and how fake encounters are a disgrace to its good name(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 Political Science,...
Consumer Rights
Sajjad tells aam aadmi to demand what they deserve rightfully(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass...
Linking the Past to the Future
Majeed Kak says that we have to search and then preserve the objects used by our ancestors, so that our posterity will ponder a while about our past (Dr. Abdul Majeed Kak, 63, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the Government...
Fancy Name, Little to Show
Sajad looks into the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Srinagar(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 from the Government High...
The Dead End
Syeda looks beyond dying waters(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 Master's degree in Mass...
A Gory Tale of Mis-Governance
Javid assesses the story behind a story of a visit that was not to be(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes...
Book Review: “Iqbal and Kashmir” by Dr. Fareeda Majeed Kak
Kashmiri culture comes to the fore with a new rendering from Fareeda(Dr. Fareeda Majeed Kak, 53, was born in Nowpora Khanyar, Srinagar. She received traditional Quranic and Islamic education from a learned local lady, besides receiving primary education from Govt....
RTI is Dysfunctional in J&K
Ranbir exposes the J&K government stone-walling on implementation of the Right to Informaion (RTI) Act in J&K(Mr. Ranbir Singh Pathania, 30, was born in born in Jammu city. He did his early schooling from the J.S. Luthra Academy and the S.R.M.L. Higher...