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.
Stone Pelting: The Boomerang Effect
Fayyaz says that civilian's murder by stone pelting draws widespread flak against 'only tool of resistance' (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...
Protecting the Consumer
Maroof speaks for the "aam admi"(Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 31, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, completing Bachelors's degree in veterinary sciences (BVSc) at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and...
Why the Hush-Hush Track-II?
Shamshad argues for openess and transparency, but in reality he is resetting Pakistan's official position for the current Pakistani Administration(Mr. Shamshad Ahamad, 69, did his B.A. (Hons) and Master's in Political Science from the Government College, Lahore. He...
Kashmir’s Lack of Fiscal Discipline Has Consequences
It is the same old story - non-performer J&K govt penalisedCentre Refuses Rs.1300 Cr Power Reform GrantSyed Junaid Hashmi (Kashmir Times)Jammu: Dejected over state’s financial indiscipline, mismanagementand routine diversion of funds, centre has again refused to...
Protecting Horticulture Industry from Vagaries of Weather
The Rising Kashmir argues that given its importance in the economy of the State, concrete measures are needed to prevent it from risks that arise because of weather or natural calamities Horticulture SectorThe horticulture season is about to start and with experts and...
Betraying the Culture of Sycophancy in Kashmir
Bashir reflects on his noble profession which somehow works differently in his beloved Kashmir(Mr. Bashir Manzar, 51, was born in Chack Ferozpora, near Tangmarg in Baramulla district. He matriculated from the Government High School in Chandilora, Tangmarg, and...
The Blame Game
Javid dissects a recent civilian death which is the only fact acceptable to various constitutencies deriving political mileage out of the unfortunate accident; even family members are not immune(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School,...
Coping With Downside of the Indus Waters Treaty
Nazir says what is seen as a major (perhaps the only) success in the bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan falls short on its promise. But water is getting scarce everywhere, not just in the Indian subcontinent (Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 60, is a jurist. He...
The Off-On India Pakistan Dialogue
Rafiuddin Bukhari sees hope in the recent meeting between the two Prime Ministers in Thimpu, Bhutan(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, Rising...
Ecological Degradation Affects Ancient Springs
Iqbal conveys the sad news(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 employed by the Jammu and Kashmir State...