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.
Forest Preservation in J&K
Arjimand cuts through the underbelly of State's disastrous Forest Policy to find culprits - indifferent citizens led by officials lacking vision(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe...
The Politics of Stone Pelting
Two inter-related points of view on the burning issue of the day, followed by the inevitable news clipIs Stone–Pelting the right way to protest?Dr. Wasim AhmadCurrently there are two theories rumoring around regarding Stone-Pelting. The first theory is that it is an...
Towering Expectations
Nadya shares her point of viewOf friendshipNadya Anjum “I miss those days whenWe were togetherSpending years in joys andTill then, we never realizedThe importance of each other…Now I realize it,of those daysI miss each and every moment”School- the word when a child...
Losing a Grandfather and More
Shevali narrates how she lost her faith in J&K's nightmare health care systemThose 6 hrs in GMC hospital where nothing changes!Shevali Raina (Kashmir Times)Jammu: That was January 15, 2010. The day I lost my grandfather in Pranoo bus mishap – a routine feature for...
Animal Husbandry is Integral to Kashmiri Lifestyle
Maroof laments about institutional indifference accorded to an important component of Kashmir's agrarian economy(Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 31, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued a career in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, completing Bachelors's...
Sericulture is a Vital Sector of Kashmir’s Economy
Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Nika makes a scholarly case in defense of a robust sericulture indutry in Kashmir(Born on Ist September 1961 at Sikenderpora Rainawri in Srinagar city of Jammu and Kashmir State, in a middle class uneducated family Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Nika received his...
The Sorry State of the State Commission for Women
Afsana files two related stories on workings of the State Commission for Women (SCW). We hope the new Chairwoman will invigorate the Commission(Ms. Afsana Rasheed, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the...
Trust a Zoologist to Highlight the Peculiar Behavior of Kashmiri “Homo Sapiens”
Owais makes a compelling case for a better civic sense among KashmirisDo We Lack Civic Sense?(Mr. Owais Farooq Mir, works in the Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir.)Civic sense, or rather the lack of it, is a topic that has been widely discussed and argued....
Is “Irrelevance of Borders” an Innovative Concept?
Rekha says that if you love Kashmir, please do not waste your time arguing about the real estate(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor of Political Science, University of...
Rewriting History to Protect a Higher Ideal
Javaid's effort in presenting a fresh perspective on the return of aboriginal population of Kashmir is laudable, but violence that befell on Pandits prior to their exodus is as real as the historical amity that exists among Kashmiris of all faiths(Professor Javaid...