Srinagar, Jan 7: The Kashmir Institute of Strategic Studies was Friday launched amid the presence of number of eminent personalities, journalists and academicians.
 The Institute Project Director, Khalid Jahangir, told the gathering that the Institute would provide “strategic insights and policy solutions to decision makers in government, international institutions, private sector, and civil society. It will conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look into the future and anticipate change in the state of Jammu Kashmir.”
 According to Jahangir the Institute was supported by a Netherlands based NGO. “I am looking forward for meaningful participation of people from different walks of life.”
 Experts from different fields presented their view point about Kashmir and the present situation.
 Dr Javaid Iqbal, said “violence and gun had played its part in Kashmir and now was the time for holding peaceful process vis-à-vis resolution of Kashmir issue.”
 Former bureaucrat, Muhammad Shafi Pandit said unless a solution to Kashmir problem was arrived at, socio-economic problem would not be addressed.
 “Despite being part of India for past 60 years, people continue to suffer in Kashmir. We need to understand why is it happening?” Pandit said.
 Senior journalist, Riyaz Masroor and Jagmohan Raina also spoke on the occasion.
 Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Dr G N Var (Educationist), Abdul Majeed, father of Late Ishfaq Majid Wani, journalist Ahmed Ali Fayaz and scores of other people were present.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST