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.
“If you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate”
Sajjad asks Huriyat to practice what they preach, and board the bus for peace, prosperity and welfare of the people(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree...
Is Hurriyat a Political organization or a Debating Showcase?
Two local commentators on the value of "Forum Politics" practised by the Hurriyat(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 61, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass...
Regarding Political Jugglers, Pseudo Patriots and Profit Corporations Masquerading as Tanzeems
Ashraf wonders when the unglued Hurriyat will get its act together(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. He...
Seeped in Corruption
The Kashmir Observer examines the rise of corruption during the National Conference (NC) ruleNC and CorruptionThe chief minister, Omar Abdullah’s concern at presiding over the second most corrupt state in the country could have been convincing had his party not ruled...
Extravagance of a Bankrupt State
It cannot get any worse than it is in Kashmir since it is both a corrupt and a bankrupt state as the investigative report in the Kashmir Times showsExtravagance of a Bankrupt StateJammu: Despite facing acute financial crisis and struggling to clear pending debts and...
J&K Ranks Fourth From Bottom on the National Literacy Map
Strangely, Kashmir is also the place that spends the most per capita on private schools and colleges. Yet another proof that money cannot buy everythingJ&K Ranks Fourth-last on the National Literacy MapShevali Raina (Kashmir Times)Jammu: Despite the education...
Wanton Destruction or Planned Pruning
Zeenat sees a Mahabharta being played out in Hazratbal with University officials behaving as Kaurav brothersUniversity Destroys Kashmir’s Chinar HeritageZeenat Zeeshan Fazil (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University occupied multiple columns on the...
The Pinnacle of Sufi Architecture
Iqbal makes a compelling case for preserving indigenous architecture of Kashmiri shrines(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...
Challenges to Saffron Cultivation and Industry in Kashmir
Rashid's investigative reports are an eye opener. His multiple reports are followed at the end by an Editorial in the Rising Kashmir(Mr. Rashid Paul, 40, was born at Ompora, near Budgam. He has a master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University...
Can the “Afghan Wave” Reach Kashmir?
Riyaz thinks so, and his logic is heavy on an interpretation of history which by no means is universally accepted by all constituents of Kashmir(Mr. Riyaz Masroor, 38, was born and raised in Srinagar. He is a Srinagar based journalist who writes in English, Urdu and...