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.
Climate Change is a Serious Concern on Both Sides of the LOC
Zafar discusses the impact of climate change in Azad Kashmir(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school, matriculating through examinations conducted by...
Kashmiri Woman Wins a National Entrepreneurship Award
Afsana writes about an outstanding women entrepreneur from the valley(Ms. Afsana Rasheed, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a Bachelor's degree in science, and...
A Kashmiri Entrepreneur at the top of his Profession
Ali Mohammad Shows resilience that is rapidly vanishing in a state where increasing number of migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are exercising free enterprise while native Kashmiris seek government jobs and fruits of corruptionSelling Masala at ‘battlefield’ Lal...
Reconciling Polemics of Self Righteousness With an Absolutely Corrupt Culture
Basim wonders how "Chai" and "Pani" became a way of life in Kashmir(Mr. Basim Amin Bazaz, 27, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School and completed an engineering degree in Electronics and Communications from the National Institute of...
Jammu Civil Society Addresses the Justice Saghir Report
Balraj Puri and Rekha Chowdhary debate a "Jammu Perspective" on the Report by Justice Saghir on the State-Center relations(Mr. Balraj Puri, 80, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He is a journalist,...
Turning Wheels of the Mind to Recall Memories of a Bygone Era
Zahid recalls his first bicycle and a lot more(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, 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 Communication from Indian Institute of Mass...
A Holdover Benefitting the Close Ties Between Mufti and the Governor
Fayyaz's investigative report fails to mention close alliance between Mufti Sayeed and Governor Vohra going back to the days when the former was the Union Home Minister and the latter was the Union Home Secretary(Mr. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, 48, was born in Bodina, Budgam,...
Return of Pandits is a Political Issue
Khayal thinks some sections of Pandits are communal while conveniently ignoring that Ali Shah Geelani, the architect of Muslim hegemony in Kashmir, is gaining supporters day by day(Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, 70, was born in Srinagar. He received his schooling and college...
Preserving Koshur Language
Iqbal has some good suggestions, but there is also a need to introduce the language in multiple scripts, including the original(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numismatics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an...
The Lost Years
Shyamji looks around him and sees very little to cheer about(Mr. Shyam Kaul, 76, was born in Safapur, near Lake Manasbal, in the Gandarbal District. He did his schooling in the local area (then part of Baramulla District) and his graduate studies from the Sri Pratap...