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.
Recalling Heritage Through Ancient Coins
Iqbal laments on Kashmiri society's inability to appreciate and protect its rich heritage in ancient coins that are a source of history and through light on ancient numismatic technology(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with...
SHRC Suffers Under Benign State Neglect
There is no excuse for the J&K Government to marginalize the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)‘Toothless’ SHRC Seeks More PowersArif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: In a bid to ensure compliance of its recommendations and make itself a vibrant autonomous...
Wildlife and Fisheries Department Spar While Wular Goes Barren
Actually, neither Department is right; Fish population is dying because Wular Lake is getting steadily pollutedWildlife and Fisheries Deptt at loggerheads over dwindling fish population in WularMir Tariq (Rising Kashmir)Banadipora: The depletion in fish population in...
The Saghir Report on State-Center Relations Leaves a Lot to be Desired
Bukhari conducts a postmortem of the Justice Saghir's Report(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily,...
Real Azadi Should Also Bring Freedom From Within
Mr. Puri says what is the purpose of seeking freedom from outsiders when we are ruled autocratically from within(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, human rights...
Social Reporting Strengthens the Civil Society
Shahid's Department puts emphasis on developing journalists that will look beyond the usual political reporting and address burning social issues of the day as well(Dr. Shahid Rasool Bhat, 44, is the Director of the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) and...
Preserving Heritage
An Editorial in the Greater Kashmir bats for preserving our heritage and suggests some organizational changesPreserving CultureIt is not an exaggeration. The mere mention of Kashmir culture annoys the state top bureaucracy. It is manifest in their apathy towards its...
Missing Work Ethic
Kashmir's ability to "take it easy" has no limitsValley’s Sick Work Culture40 officials found absent from duty in KhansahibBudgam: In a classic example of poor work culture in the government offices of valley, 40 officials were found unauthorizedly absent from duty in...
Manufactured Mediocrity
Growing up in a lawless land where government servants are the first to observe illegal hartals declared by separatists has its downside on the youngSrinagar govt schools top zero performance listDanish Nabi (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Recently declared matric...
Turning “Shop Politics” into Serious Politics
Khayal offers some ideas to restore credibility to the "biggest shop" in Kashmir(Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, 70, was born in Srinagar. He received his schooling and college education in Srinagar, and completed his Masters degree in English. Mr. Khayal is considered a...