Restoring the trust of Kashmiris in India, however, remains the biggest challenge. Peace cannot be established as long as the Kashmiris remain alienated, and one of the major reasons for this alienation is related to the perception that they have been denied the benefits of democracy and basic rights. The minimum that needs to be done, therefore, is to assure Kashmiris of their place as equal citizens within India’s liberal democratic set-up. One has to understand that the problem of Kashmir is not merely of Kashmiris disowning India but also of India not owning Kashmiris as Indians.
The writer is professor of political science, University of Jammu
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