The group, which has a history of both social work and democratic participation, is being punished for the wrong policies of separatists. This will only alienate Kashmiris further.
India has finally responded with appropriate strength to Pakistan’s misdemeanours. It now must take the following steps too
Caught between the rhetoric and growing reality of a war between India and Pakistan, Kashmir's nerves are on the edge and its people close to breaking down. If India cares, it should show us this.
No religious state, once-Hindu Nepal, Buddhist Myanmar, Islamic Pakistan, has been able to negotiate democracy. Our current government needs to keep this in mind while pushing an increasingly Islamic Kashmir to the brink.
The current uncertainty, fear and unease in the state is a direct result of the total failure of the Kashmiri leadership, mainstream and separatist groups alike.
Petrol pumps are running dry, people are scrambling to stock groceries and vegetables. The Pulwama attack is leaving deep scars on the Kashmiri psyche.
With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Prime Minister has to demonstrate that he runs a strong government. And the NDA has a plan.
Severe repression is not the answer to violence. The Valley needs trust-building measures.
Following serial blasts in Gujarat, tough efforts ensured India saw no major terror strikes in the past nine years. Kashmir remained an exception to that. Now, the Pulwama outrage presents a similar challenge.
The latest strike could be a sign of a far more lethal phase of violence. It is clear Kashmir's young have lost hope and faith in anything beyond destruction.
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