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.
Shrinking Wetlands
An Editorial in the Kashmir Images reiterates a well known, but sad, factShrinking Wetlands As the entire world becomes more and more conscious towards environment and global warming is being viewed as a serious threat all over, Kashmir continues to remain insensitive...
Children of the Almighty
Javid translates the common DNA in mortal words(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes work in the Middle...
A Dialogue That Heals
Shyamji describes a cultural Academy event held in Jammu in late March(Mr. Shyam Kaul, 76, was born in Safapur, near Lake Manasbal, in the Gandarbal District. He did his schooling in the local area (then part of Baramulla District) and his graduate studies from the...
Thanks, but no Thanks
Mr. Bukhari has a valid point when he says that Army's off-the-cuff sound bites are lethal to Kashmir's tourist trade(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...
Whether RTI or Women’s Bill – J&K State Assembly is a Slow Learner
Rekha sees a linkage between the demand for greater autonomy and a general lag in the State Assembly to adopt pro-people legislations(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor...
Very Filmy
Zahid talks of the times when discussing new releases by young people in Srinagar was a 24/7 preoccupation(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 61, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a...
Environmental Hirakiri
Sad and Damning Allegation (SDA): Ashraf describes the challenge(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 College at Naseem Bagh in Civil Engineering....
“Koshur Kagaz” (Paper Hand-Made in Kashmir)
Iqbal travels in time to introduce the reader to hand-made paper in Kashmir(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...
Living Without Discipline
Firdous believes tourism is destroying Kashmir. Tourism is also a basic employment generator in Kashmir. World wide, tourism has not caused the sort of havoc that is being attributed to tourists in Kashmir. The reality is that in Kashmir, the life style of its own...
Does This Nonsense make Sense?
Mohammad Yousuf Taing makes an interesting claim, and if true his condemnation is well deservedKashmiri historian knows where 2,000-year-old Buddhist relic is F. Ahmed (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: More than 2,000-year-old copper plates containing records of a major...