Nobody had any inkling when the Centre moved armed men and machines to ward off Pakistan’s misadventurism. Then came the bolt of repeal of Art 370 and converting Ladakh into a union territory too. The Gupkar gang was designated as anti-national. There was a clamp down on civil liberties, detention of opposition leaders and internet disruption.
Foreign delegations who came to look into civil rights abuses gave a clean chit to the govt. The local press was kept at bay. The latest move by the Modi govt in holding a meeting with all stake holders is an icebreaker. The opposition knows that Art 370 is not on the table and that delimitation and elections are the only option.
In this tug of war, the people of Kashmir, students and businesses are suffering. People are more bothered about opportunities, development and employment than the repeal of Art 370. People know very well who have furthered their interests and who have feathered their own nests too long in the name of Kashmir. Separatism and violence, terrorism cannot return. Adjustments and moving ahead are the only alternative.
