When I visited Kashmir Valley in 2013, there was no fear or apprehension. We had a great time without any trouble. People extended full support to us, but called themselves Kashmiris and us Indians. We did not mind. They termed all politicians as opportunists and showed no soft corner for separatists leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani. They were indeed worried about the rise of Narendra Modi in national politics.
A lot of water has flowed since then. We are in 2016. It’s Modi Era in India. Mufti Sa’ab died and Mehbooba Mufti has taken over. PDP-BJP alliance is ruling the state today.
Why there has been a rise in militancy in Kashmir over the last two years? Why youths have chosen arms? Why locals openly backing terrorists? Is it not a failure of the Governments at both level?
We need to find a definite answer if we want to retain Kashmir. Bullets are meant for Terrorists, not for common people who are in lakhs, not hundreds or thousands.