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.
Deadly Cocktail
A study says mobiles, alcohol and motor bikes are main causes of road accidents in the valley Srinagar Tops Road Accidents Mudasir Kuloo (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: An alarming increase in the number of vehicles in the Valley has resulted in an unprecedented increase...
Salafists on the Rise?
It appears that Wahabis are gaining ground in Kashmir - from torching Sufi shrines to expelling minorities As fanatics order pastor to leave Kashmir, putting Christians into Valley of fear; HC directs J&K govt to ensure their safety Jammu: Following grave...
Empowerment Through RTI
Nazia assesses RTI as a resource for knowledge and information RTI Can Lessen ‘Communication Gap’ in Kashmir Nazia Nabi (Kashmir Images) Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family - Kofi...
The Call of Mountains and Valleys
Yusuf introduces readers to the charm of Sonamarg (Mr. Muhammad Yusuf, 58, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed his college studies at the Sri Partap College,...
Is This Bridge Necessary?
Ashraf points out how the Government is hell-bent in violating its own rules and procedures. One has to wonder why? (Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, 68, was born in Srinagar. He received his early schooling from the Government Middle School, Nowhatta, Srinagar, and from...
The Two Kashmirs
One is aware of the world but indifferent to sleaze and corruption (probably because they are its beneficiaries as well), the other is unaware of the world and utterly poor and ailing JK’s Blessed Corrupt Riyaz Ahmad (Greater Kashmir) BJP president Nitin Gadkari's...
Peace Promotes Tourism
With improvement in public sensibilities, the pay-off is obvious Record Number of Tourists Visited Kashmir: Dir Tourism Mir Liyaqut Ali (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: The Tourism department Thursday said record number of tourists have visited Kashmir this year and tourist...
Saving Anchar Lake
Majeed says the lake is under the authority of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, which appears to be unfamiliar with the concept of lake conservation, leading him to appeal directly to public (Dr. Abdul Majeed Kak, 65, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received...
The Secret to Kashmir’s Growth and Development
Junaid calls for structural reforms in the state to attract private capital (Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 26, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He attended college in...
Fayyaz, probably the bravest investigative journalist working in Srinagar, is the first to expose the depth of corruption in the principal Government owned radio and television channel broadcasting from Srinagar (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 49, was born in Bodina, Budgam,...