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.
The Report that the State Assembly Refuses to Discuss
The latest report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is out and highlights mismanagement and corruption in the State compounded by unethical politicians and senior bureaucrats. Would politicians discuss that fiasco in the State Assembly or the 8%...
Kashmir’s Silk Industry on a Downward Spiral
Industrialization, myopic vision and greed are slowly eating into the vitals of indigenous arts and craftsKashmir’s Silk industry Heading Towards DoomSajad Kralyari (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: Kashmir flagship industry of yesteryears, the silk industry is heading...
Various Perspectives on the Government Employees Strike
Javid Iqbal and Firdous Syed provide their perspectives on the latest cause for everyday misery in Kashmir(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...
Kashmiri Language – II
Khayal thinks it is about time(Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, 70, was born in Srinagar. He received his schooling and college education in Srinagar, and completed his Masters degree in English. Mr. Khayal is considered a doyen among Kashmiiri journalists, having worked for...
Kashmiri Language – I
Iqbal examines the basic questions pertaining to his mother tongue(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...
Roads Paved With Not-so-Good Intentions
Nayer describes the misery of torn up roads in the valleyDevilish DevelopmentNayer MohammadI heard the sound of the door being closed announcing the arrival of my husband. I was waiting for him to fetch hot roti’s from baker to have morning tea. The moment he entered,...
Riverboat Cruises Along Jhelum
Tourist Department hopes to revive yester-year's "Dunga" ride, while the city ponders to add some traffic lights - the only major city in the world with no functional traffic lights (two stories from the Greater Kashmir) Jhelum River Dunga Cruise from April 14In a bid...
Receipe for Disaster
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) pulls J&K for things that have been pointed for years and continue to dominate Kashmiri work ethic: financial mismanagement, non-adherence to rules, lack of planning and lack of oversightCAG pulls up J-K social...
Valley Pandits Challenge J&K Government Data
Sanjay demolishes J&K Government's credibility in providing wrong (less harsh) data pertaining to his community as a result of militant activity in Kashmir. The Press Note and the related news story are reproduced below.(Mr. Sanjay K. Tickoo, 47, was born and...
Exposing the Underbelly of Kashmir’s Sordid Politics
Fayyaz wonders what happened to all the rage that took so many innocent lives. Unfortunately, selective condemnation of rape and murder has become bane of J&K politics (Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary...