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.
In Touch With the Culture
Sajjad describes a private-public partnership that heralds a new promise for re-emergence of cultural life in the valley(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...
In Memory of a Man for All Seasons
Yusuf pays a personal tribute to a great athlete who was an all-rounder in every sense of the word(Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, 56, was born in the Dalgate area of Srinagar. He attended Government Schools in Drugjan, Sonawar, and Batwara, all in Srinagar, and completed his...
Latest Study on the Status of Hangul in Kashmir
Afsana describes the high points of the study (Ms. Afsana Rashid, 30, 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 completed her post-graduation...
Within or Without, Challenges Galore
Two disturbing stories by Rashid Paul in the Rising Kashmir about exports and local maize productionDubai crisis spells doom for Kashmir Handicrafts exportsSrinagar: Kashmir handicrafts sector that was hit because of the economic recession in the West has now been...
Oligarchy, Kashmiri Style
Javid describes how Kashmir's heavy hitters keep the pot boiling for obvious advantages(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in...
Implementing RTI in the Second Most Corrupt State is a Challenge
Basharat describes how simple inquiries are being stone-walled(Mr. Syed Basharat, 29, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his Master's degree in...
Poor Kashmiri Work Ethic Created the Shopian Tragedy and Pulwama is Next
Astute observers may recall that it was the death of Shazia Akhtar due to negligence of Shopian doctors that set the stage for events a week later when bodies of Neelofar and Asiya turned up6-month-old dies of doctors’ neglect People protest against District Hospital...
Kashmir is a Resource for Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants can be a big business in KashmirMother of Herbs, J&K can be Superpower Medicine and Perfumes Jammu: More than 5000 aromatic/medicinal plants have been discovered in Jammu Kashmir till date. Scientific observations reveal that the state could...
Has the Legislative Assembly Woken up From its Slumber?
A clear case of too little, too late .....LA Committee Calls for Proper Environment Management Jammu: Seeking its intervention, the Environment Committee of J&K Legislative Assembly (LA) today asked the Government to take up issues related to environment on...
Will the Sageer Report Gain Traction?
Sajjad thinks Justice Sageer's report will end up where the previous four reports of PM's Working Groups have landed(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...