In his second stint, PM Modi is not speaking much. But the govt isn't quiet. Amit Shah is fast emerging as the government’s bold new voice.
Fear. Unease. Loathing. And love for icons like Deepika Padukone. Here's what the edgy Kashmir Valley is echoing with.
Even the last Dogra royal, Karan Singh, advocates extreme caution on meddling with Kashmir's special rights. Why then is the BJP in such a rush that it can't see the potential dangers?
The basis of Article 35A and Article 370 is to protect J&K’s demography. But from what? The rest of India? From non-Muslims? 35A is based purely on discrimination. Imagine if such an Act existed in the rest of the country.
Facing internal rivals and external pressures, the politicians of the Valley are stoking separatist feelings, uncaring of how this will impact life post-elections in Kashmir.
Many Kashmiris have Pakistani wives who attained state subject rights upon marriage, as did their children. But J&K women who married non state people lost all their rights.
Petrol pumps are running dry, people are scrambling to stock groceries and vegetables. The Pulwama attack is leaving deep scars on the Kashmiri psyche.
Many experts believe there is a serious risk of poor voter turnout which would be seen as a referendum against the Indian state.
Regional parties boycotting polls is obstructing democracy at the grassroots level.
Kashmiriyat is not just an expression; it is a way of life which respects religious diversity.
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