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.
A Life Changing Experience
Aamir Bin Masood recalls how he fine-tuned his personal skills by a visit to the Dachigam National ParkIn Nature’s Lap: The Best of TimesBeing close to nature is an experience worth remembering. I was theluckiest among my batch mates in the Environmental Science...
Where is the Rage?
It is amazing how serious crimes in Kashmir, which offer no political mileage, go under reportedMinor Identifies Bihari ‘Rapist’Shakir Mahmood (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: A Bihari painter who was accused of kidnapping and raping young girls of various parts of city was...
The Tragic Disappearing Act
Javaid sees a frightening calamity ahead in Kashmir if forests keep disappearing(Professor Javaid Iqbal Bhat, 31, was born in Anantnag. He completed his Bachelor's degree from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar, and his M.A. and M. Phil. from the Centre for English...
The Land of Rishis and Sufis Deserves Better
Roshan Ara sees no redeeming social value in an antiquated custom called dowry(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School Beeru. She graduated from the...
Heart Craves for More
Dr. Mian Mehboob questions if the urge to acquire more and more wealth is necessary"DIL MANGE MORE": All I Need is EverythingMoney is important. Without it one cannot live as the things other than the air and water, somewhat freely available- at least for the time...
Beyond Stones
Afshana comments on periodic shutdown of life in Kashmir brought about by stone pelting(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 received a...
Stoning Civility
An editorial in the Kashmir Images speaks for the silent majorityStoning SanityA newborn baby, on way to hospital for medical check-up, died at Baramulla as stone pelters would not allow the vehicle, he was in, to pass. They pelted stones on the vehicle, forced the...
Fatal 2009: Road Accidents Increasing
Amazing that a booming city like Srinagar where road vehicles have tripled in the last decade is still without traffic lights514 road accidents claim 63 lives, 537 injured: ReportSrinagar: About 63 people lost their lives while 537 were injured in 514 accidents across...
When Demons of Materialism Take Over Angels of Spirituality
Fida Iqbal challenges Kashmiri elite to shun their love affair for materialistic life which has devastated core values of the Kashmiri culture(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher...
Yet Another Kashmiri Craft on the Verge of Extinction
Iqbal makes a passionate case to preserve the art of pottery(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...