Introduction to KashmirForum.org Blog

I launched the website and the Blog after having spoken to government officials, political analysts and security experts specializing in South Asian affairs from three continents. The feedback was uniformly consistent. The bottom line is that when Kashmiris are suffering and the world has its own set of priorities, 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 in all of Jammu and Kashmir.

The author had two reasons to create this blog. First, it was to address the question that was being asked repeatedly, especially, by journalists and other observers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, inquiring whether the Kashmiri society was concerned about social, cultural and environmental challenges in the valley given that only political upheaval and violence were reported or highlighted by media.

Second, the author has covered the entire spectrum of societal issues and challenges facing Kashmiri people over an 8-year period with the exception of politics given that politics gets all the exposure at the expense of REAL CHALLENGES that will likely result in irreversible degradation in the quality of life and the standard of living for future generations of Kashmiris to come.

The author stopped adding additional material to the Blog once it was felt that most, if not all, concerns, challenges and issues facing the Kashmiri society are cataloged in the Blog. There are over 1900 entries in the Blog and most commentaries include short biographical sketches of authors to bring readers close to the essence of Kashmir. Unfortunately, the 8-year assessment also indicates that neither Kashmiri civil society, nor intellectuals or political leadership have any inclination or enthusiasm in pursuing issues that do not coincide with their vested political agendas. What it means for the future of Kashmiri children and their children is unfathomable. But the evidence is all laid out.

This Blog is a reality check on Kashmir. It is a historical record of how Kashmir lost its way.

Vijay Sazawal, Ph.D.
www.kashmirforum.org

Monday, June 23, 2008

Another Promise Being Made, Another Promise That Will be Broken

If history is any guide, YDA will go the way of Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA)

J&K Govt to spend 2.5 crore for Yousmarg

Yousmarg, a picturesque tourist resort in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set for a facelift with Yousmarg Development Authority (YDA) planning to spend rupees 2.5 crore on various development works in the resort.

An amount of rupees 53 lakh has been spent on different development works during the year 2007-08, said the chairman of state legislative council Ghulam Nabi Lone during his visit to the tourist resort on Friday.

Lone stressed on the creation of basic infrastructure and other necessary facilities for the visitors, which will boost tourism potential of the place.

He also directed the forests and tourism department officials to sort out petty issues and review the ongoing projects and action plan for the current financial year.

He directed the officials to complete the ongoing works within a stipulated time frame.

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