What Have We Done To Kashmir

Sixty three years after signing an instrument of accession by which Kashmir became an integral part of independent India, it looks like we are still confusing the map with the territory  – the Kashmiri public  is still alienated  and thanks to various disruptive and subversive elements with help from across our borders, we are still searching for the elusive Peace in the so called ” Heaven on earth ” at enormous costs.

Right from 1947, Indian Governments have always given Kashmir a very special status and worked zealously for the economic development of the region. New road networks, irrigation and power projects and development of cottage industry all transformed the region. But the fruits of development never reached the common people thanks to corruption and nepotism at the State government level and many of the local leaders believed on political brinkmanship driving the poor Kashmir youth to revolt and join ranks with anti national forces from across the border. The successive state elections were a mockery of the electoral process and people have lost their will to follow any democratic framework . The security forces also in their show of strength have exceeded their brief many times thereby further alienating the civilian population.

Thanks to large scale militancy , both agriculture and the cottage industry and tourism are all suffering . Only a very astute political will both at the state and center level can stop this situation and we better do that before it is too late !!.