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.
No Surprise: J&K is a Non-Perfomer
In a State where the government gets away with little or no financial accountability, the development always takes a back seatJ&K Third Among Non-Performing StatesSyed Junaid Hashmi (Kashmir Times)Jammu: Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation...
Professor Majeed Kak’s Passion
Dr. Kak scores a triumph for the Islamia College, Srinagar(Dr. Abdul Majeed Kak, 63, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his primary education from the Government Middle School in Nowhatta and his secondary school education from Bagi Dilawar Khan Higher...
Seeking Justice and Answers in a Land Where Corruption is the name of the Game
Maroof asks a basic question regarding life in Kashmir(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...
The Old man and The New Cesspool
Afshana recounts the misery experienced by an old-timer seeing his favorite lake whither away(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...
The UN Report on Pakistan Also Addresses Kashmir
The UN Report on Benazir's assassination also talks about how 1989 became a turning point for KashmirMusharraf Regime Indicted for Benazir KillingKashmir TimesJammu: In a damning report, a United Nations investigation into Benazir Bhutto's killing today concluded that...
Judicial Crisis in “Azad Jammu and Kashmir”
Ershad provides a detailed analysis behind the recent news about a switch in the AJK Supreme Court Chief Justice(Mr. Ershad Mahmud was born in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. He is a freelance journalist and researcher based in Islamabad, Pakistan.)Judicial Crisis in Azad...
The Never Ending Saga of the J&K State Overdraft
The overdraft, condemned by both the NC and PDP when out of power, find its utility extremely useful while in power at the expense of Indian Taxpayers who actually underwrite most of its financial cost to the StateOverdraft From J&K Bank Touches Rs 2,290 crJmmu:...
Fantasy Claims Grounded
Planning Commission has more clout than the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), and hence may prevail; but only time will tellPlanning Commission Rebukes J&K’s Development Claims Syed Junaid Hashmi (Kashmir Times)Jammu: Planning Commission of India has...
The “Dirty Ten” Among Traffic Violators
An interesting study "captures" the offending professionsTraffic Dept Catalogs Top 10 ViolatorsNazir A Ganaie (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The traffic department has cataloged top ten traffic rules violators in which businessmen lead the list followed by students and...
When J&K Bank Riches Turn Into a Curse
J&K Bank invested Rs. 3 crores to deface a pristine view of Pahalgam, now it will cost Rs. 5 crores to restore the sightPahalgam Amusement Park may be ShiftedPahalgam: The government is understood to have given its green signal to the proposal of shifting the...