Beyond the festivities linked to the abrogation of the special status, there lies an evolving story in Jammu and Kashmir that raises concerns on national security and public alienation.
In the fast-changing post-Covid-19 global order, the world is facing an unprecedented leadership crisis. India is relatively better, with Modi's ratings still high both domestically and internationally.
The external and internal dimensions of the revocation of Article 370 need to be analyzed in order to claim the J&K narrative.
I would never have managed to report from Kashmir without the help of several local journalists and this is my thank you note to them.
That Article 370 was discriminatory has been discussed and debated at length. But its mere revocation has opened up new possibilities for the youth of Kashmir.
Article 370 stamped on the rights of Dalits and the LGBTQ community. It treated women as second-class and non-Muslims with total contempt. Why do so many 'liberals' support it?
Pakistan is cornered after India revoked Article 370. But it is still a time of great caution for India. We must watch the neighbour's moves, his begging bowl in one hand, dagger in the other.
Pakistan used 'special status' of Kashmir to claim J&K was 'disputed territory'. With one stroke, India has ended that claim. Pakistan now faces ruin itself. It has nothing to offer Kashmir.
The idea behind Article 370 was to respect culture, history and a political agreement made with immense belief. That stands broken today and the effects won't be limited to Kashmir.
Under PM Modi's leadership, you have shown a tired and cynical electorate that nothing is impossible and political promises are made to be kept, not forgotten.