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.
Is Kashmir Heading to Civil War?
Fayyaz sees Kashmir caught between uninspiring leaders each with an axe to grind(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam, and received his primary and secondary education in Budgam and later at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He completed his Master's...
Going Native With the Bloom
Iqbal requests Kashmiris not to overlook indigenous plants(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 by the...
Reinforcing Heritage and Culture
Vijay Dhar takes a path-breaking initiativeDPS Starts Teaching KashmiriHakeem Irfan (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: In a step to promote Kashmiri language, Delhi Public School (DPS)-Srinagar became the first CBSE School in the State to start teaching Kashmiri language.The...
When the Fox Guards The Hen House
Ranbir Singh questions morality and ethics of "public servants" who have become "public damaads"(Mr. Ranbir Singh Pathania, 30, was born in born in Jammu city. He did his early schooling from the J.S. Luthra Academy and the S.R.M.L. Higher Secondary School, Jammu. He...
Drug Addiction Among Females in Kashmir
Jehangir notes a disturbing trend(Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 37, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute in Hawal, Srinagar. He studies at the Sri Partap Higher Secondary School for classes XI and XII, and completed...
From the Heart
Suhail (Suhi) has a small "pillow talk" with his heart not quite comprehending yet his role as a new mamaji even as he tries hard to be a good son(Mr. Malik Suhail Hassan, 21, son of Mr. malik Ghulam Hassan, was born in Pulwama. He studied upto 10th standard at the...
Poor Recall
Tajamul examines absentmindedness(Mr. Tajamul Hussain, 53, was born in Srinagar. He went to the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawakadal, Srinagar, and the S.P. College, Srinagar. He attended the College of Engineering, Andhra University, Waltair, the Indian...
State Budget Review
The Early Times conducts a post-mortem of the State budget introduced in the J&K AssemblyZero deficit Budget, huge reliance on Central fundsEARLY TIMES REPORTJammu: On the basis of presumptuous figures of receipts and expenditures on various fronts indicating over...
The Great Taxpayer Rip-Off
Sheikh ran Kashmir for Rs 3 a day; Omar to charge Rs 2300PM salariesPandit R C Kak in 1945 Rs 4000Sheikh Abdullah in 1948 Rs 1000Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in 2010 Rs 70,000Total Cabinet salary in 1948 Rs 12,000Dewan Th B S Pathania Rs 2500Dy Rev Min Khawaja Ali...
Where Wealth and Thievery Cohabit in Each Mortal
Kashmiris have wealth to buy vehicles at a furious pace, but cannot get away from the urge of stealing electric power - two related stories by Muzafar Wani and Rashid Paul(Mr. Rashid Paul, 40, was born at Ompora, near Budgam. He has a master's degree in Mass...