Those who killed Ranjoor Kashmiri, those who push children to stone-pelting and those who ripped off Shopian’s peace are all connected by a sinister design.
Many young Kashmiris want an Islamic caliphate and sharia law. They prefer jihadi groups like Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. And they increasingly reject Pakistani terror outfits.
Shockingly, a FIR has been filed against Rizwan Pandith himself. Such violence and disregard could well spark far more alienation in the Valley.
The sanctimony around 'the return of the Kashmiri Pandits' is just that: sanctimony. The locals are actually not unhappy they left. And the KPs, who know this, know they cannot return.
There is no sign of any effort being made to resolve the conflict and end the cycle of violence.
Kashmiris share a collective memory of deep violence. Add a constrained opportunity structure and limited arenas for self improvement, and you see why Kashmir's millennials are so frustrated.
Such moves only deepen the sense of alienation on the ground and push Kashmiri youths towards militancy.
Over the past few months, at least three militants from Srinagar, gunned down by security forces, were found to be affiliated with the Islamic State.
How this year's Yatra goes will show whether Kashmir has retained its 'special' quality - and the right to demand special status.
The Modi government must keep in mind that it urgently needs to send the right signals to the people of the Valley to start the arduous process of rebuilding lost trust.
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