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.
Reviving Handicraft Industry
Commentary in the Rising Kashmir about challenges faced by handicrafts industry in the State Artisans’ Needs Have to be Prioritized for the Industry to Survive Even though considered to be the backbone of self reliance in Kashmir, handicrafts and handloom industries...
The Curse of Having a Baby at the Lal Ded Hospital
Tragedies come and come again, but the staff of the Lal Ded (LD) Hospital and government officials are unimpressed LD Hospital Sits on Probe Syed Rizwan Geelani (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: After failing to meet the 48-hour deadline, the inquiry committee supposed to...
This is Not a Trevi Fountain
Do you know that water through fountains of Rome (including the famous Trevi) is hygienically portable? How about recently constructed fountains in Srinagar? Fountains in City Crave for Attention Faiqa Masoodi (Rising Kashmir) Srinagar: The fountains erected at...
Escape From Reality
Naveed introduces reader to the Kashmiri cyber world (Mr. Naveed Qazi, 23, did his schooling from Burn Hall School and Tyndale Biscoe, and eventually graduated in Commerce from the University of Kashmir. Naveed is a blogger and activist from Kashmir, and head of...
Examining Why So Many Amarnath Pilgrims Died
Yusuf provides his analysis of the situation. He is not a doctor, but knows mountains of Kashmir like his backhand (Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 58, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and...
Callous Society
Proof that Kashmiris (whether tweeting or not), by and large, are uncaring towards the unfortunate and the abandoned UNCLAIMED BABY CRIES UNHEARD AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Syed Imran Ali Hamdani (Greater Kashmir) Srinagar: Unclaimed Baby. These two words have been the...
Children of Misfortune
Aliya addresses the growing societal concerns about girl orphans 30,000 Orphan Girls Await Marriage Aliya Bashir (Kashmir Monitor) Srinagar: In a startling revelation, at least 30,000 orphan girls of Kashmir, who are in mid-30, are not able to get married due to lack...
How Much Do Sweepers Earn? Prepare for the Jolt!
Believe it or not, a city sweeper in Kashmir earns a salary of Rs. 7,500 per month SMC Spends More Than Rs 2 crore on Salary of Sweepers Rising Kashmir News Srinagar: Even if the sweepers in Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) have boycotted their work demanding the...
Dream Unrealized
Altaf sees hope only in inter-community dialogues, communal amity and respect for human rights (Mr. Altaf Bashir, the author is studying International Relations (Peace and Conflict Studies) at the Islamic University of Science and Technology in Awantipora.) Peaceful...
Wasting Away
Imran looks at growing drug addition among Kashmiri youth (Mr. Imran Majid, 22, was born in Bijbehara, Anantnag. He completed his schooling from the Public English Medium, Higher Secondary School, Bijbehara. Subsequently he joined the University of Kashmir, where he...