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.
Underperforming Government
J&K fails to meet the performance targets on social programs funded by New DelhiCentrally Sponsored Social Welfare Schemes - J&K fails to meet the target(Kashmir Times)Jammu: Notwithstanding the haughty claims of the helmsmen, the flagship programmes of the...
Rising Corruption
Shafi laments about weak institutions in the valley unable to cope up with rising corruptionAn Accepted NormM. Shafi AyazCorruption - the most dishonest practice in the society, every body talks about but still without any effective check it gets encouraged day by...
Rape of a Forest
Kashmir's forests are being vandalized while the state administration and civil society sleepsRelentless Vandalism of Kupwara Forests Goes UncheckedKupwara: Thick and dense forests of Kashmir are fast dwindling with timber smugglers getting away scot-free owing to...
An Outpost for Foreigners in Srinagar has Turned Into a Beacon of Hope
Long before it became a UN post, it was a symbol of British Residency80 Years on, UNO Building is Still Kashmir’s Political ShrineSrinagar: The history of submitting memorandums demanding redress of issues at the building housing headquarters of United Nations...
Hubris Unplugged
It is only moneyTraffic Violation Fines no Deterrent to MotoristsUntil April 2010, over Rs 57 lakh fine recoveredRising Kashmir NewsSrinagar: The traffic police might have recovered huge fines from violators during first four months of the year, however, the latest...
Trout Fishing in Kashmir
Sajad looks into the 130-year history of Munawar Shah and Sons. Today 4 separate businesses run by the family carry the tradition of suppling angling equipment to fishing enthusiastsTrout fishing hooks anglers to latest equipment in KashmirSajad Kralyari (Rising...
What Has Happened to Kashmir’s Share of the IMF?
Yusuf wonders what has happened to funds paid by foreign mountain expeditions in J&K to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) that are returned back to the State for promoting mountain tourism(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 56, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar....
On the 50th Anniversary of the GMC, Srinagar, a “Young” Doctor Remembers His Student Days
To the "evergreen" Ashraf, it was just yesterday ....(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 70, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. He completed...
Kashmir’s Unique Identity
Rekha says that the sustenance of the social and political plurality is the responsibility of every citizen(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,...
Celebrating Dal Lake’s Wake on April 22
Mubashir wonders if the dying Dal deserves any celebration on the Earth DayKashmir: No more a paradiseAPRIL 22: EARTH DAY OBITUARYWe breathe polluted air, drink contaminated water, consume harmful pesticide laden vegetables! The valley once called paradise on earth is...