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

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Proof That Good Life Increases Public Alienation

Kashmiris are known to be most alienated citizens of India. Yet, whether it is the VAT collection or consuming the mutton, it ranks number 1 in the country

JK Highest Consumer of Mutton, Chicken: CM

Jammu: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said the development of agro-based MSME sector and the economic activities relating to the rearing of cattle are being encouraged in the state.

He said the state is the highest consumer of mutton and chicken in the country.

“We have greater opportunities of harnessing this sector”, he said elaborating that the State Government’s measures in this regard have started “yielding results” and the graph of mutton and chicken import from outside the State is showing gradual decline.

The CM was addressing a public gathering at Purmandal in Samba district.
(Greater Kashmir)

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