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.
Rooting Out Corruption in J&K
Burhan puts his faith on AccountabilityAccountability Must for Corruption-Free JKBurhan MajidIt has been rightly said “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Power conferred on any branch of the government tends to be misused and the state of...
Canine Power
Altaf, the citizen journalist, asks a simple question, "Why has Srinagar gone to dogs?"What dogs Srinagar city?Altaf HussainAfter having the ‘honour’ of being named the fourth dirtiest city in India, Srinagar is set to get another bad name or perhaps a dog name. Dogs...
When Will Srinagar Get Traffic Lights?
A better question may be, "When will Kashmiris mature to realize that life consists of accomodating others making their journey on an intersecting, but different, road?Traffic Deptt, R&B Pass The BuckFaheem Aslam (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Notwithstanding traffic...
Noorani Proposal and Analysis
The author conducts an assessment of the recent proposal by Mr. A. G. Noorani, a prominent lawyer and author in India well known for his sympathies towards separatists and militants in KashmirConsensus on Kashmir(A Response Mr. A. G. Noorani’s Recent Commentary...
J&K Government’s Precarious Budgetary Situation
The sad fact is that 59% of the J&K State Budget is provided by the Indian Tax-payer and 14% is borrowed from financial institutions. J&K’s Budgetary Reliance on New Delhi MountingSyed Junaid Hashmi (Kashmir Times)Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir government’s...
Meritocracy and Kashmir – and Never the Twain Shall Meet
Tauseef laments about how the "Open Merit" (OM) system works against hard work and fair play I belong to the OMShah Tauseef ArmandI belong to the most prestigious category. With reservation of 50%, Open Merit (OM) represents the largest category in competitive exams...
Srinagar was the First, Pahalgam is the Next
The nexus between politicians (pro and anti India) and the local land mafia is destroying Kashmir's pristine beautyIllegal Constructions Devour Pahalgam’s Fragile EcologyIshfaq Mir (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Rampant illegal constructions at Pahalgam continueto ravage...
Paring Down Unemployment
Aatif dwells on the under performing sector in Kashmir, meaning the private industry(Mr. Aatif Ahmad Mehjoor, 27, was born in Srinagar. He received his primary education in London and Srinagar, with the final two years at the Burn Hall School. He studied law at King's...
When it Rains in Pakistan, Kashmiri Separatists Take Out Their Umbrellas in Srinagar
Bukhari saheb is putting too much emphasis on the State-Centre talks when the real challenge lies elsewhere(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily,...
Resuscitating “Venice of the East”
Ashraf wonders if it is the same Srinagar which was once called the Venice of the East by the European travellers (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering...