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.
Right to Information (RTI) is an Essential Tool to Ensure Good Governance
Muzaffar, Faisal and Paul, the "three musketeers" trying to keep everyone honest in Kashmir, discuss the status of the RTI Act in Kashmir and concerns regarding its implementation in a transparent and fair manner(Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, 34, was born in Wathoora...
Drug Abuse and Women
Jehangir highlights the price of anxiety among the section of the community most affected by political violence and societal changes in Kashmir(Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 37, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute...
The Best of Both Worlds: Politicians Get Higher Salaries, Local Citizens Need Not Care
While the State CM and ministers will draw higher salaries than Union Ministers and MP's, the reassuring thought is that State salaries are mostly paid from the Indian Treasury by Indian taxpayers. So who cares - Right?Rich DurbarIshfaq Mir (Rising Kashmir)New Package...
Kashmiri Work Ethic Continues to Take its Toll
Lack of professionalism, so abundant in Kashmir, creates another Shopian situation at the Lal Ded (LD) HospitalWoman dies of ‘medical negligence’ at LD hospitalSrinagar: In the wake of yet another case of alleged medical negligence which killed a woman at Srinagar’s...
Seminar on Domestic Violence at the University of Kashmir
It was all about shallow speeches and blame game. Politicians blamed the Police and the Police blamed the society. But one stark fact stands out: 99% of such cases go unreported in the StateKU hosts seminar on ‘Domestic Violence against Women’Ishfaq Ahmad Shah...
Resurrecting a Colonial Garden
Resident’s Garden to bloom again New attraction includes Kehwa Khana, fountains, benchesSrinagar: The State Floricultural Department is aggressively revamping the ‘Resident’s Garden’ now Emporium Garden at New Zero Bridge established by Britishers some 100 years...
Bangladeshis, not Kashmiris, are Finding Dignity in Capitalism
Can Kashmiris shake their "babu mentality" to go after entrepreneurship wherever it exists? Today it is garbage, tomorrow it may be something elseUnrelenting Bangladeshis Outdo SMCSrinagar: While Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) lacks waste segregation facility...
Bringing Civility in a Metropolis With no Traffic Lights
Tajamul wonders when our public will mature as a society and show patience and discipline(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...
Wither Jehlum?
An editorial in the Kashmir Images laments about a dying riverSave JehlumWhat has happened to the beautification project concerning the River Jehlum, the life-line of Kashmir Valley. With prolonged dry spell having pushed the water level in the river to an all-time...
Disturbing Trends from Kashmir and Jammu
Strangely, these trends have a common source - Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST) Srinagar and Jammu campusesSKUAST-K: Snow-starved Kashmir may Turn Into DesertArif Bashir (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: In what is certainly an...