The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A was a golden and historical decision by the Modi government. It indicated the will of government to get the things right in Kashmir. Article 370 was blamed by everyone for the corruption, lack of development and concentration of power amongst the few ruling elites. The much-touted panchayat and local bodies election were hailed as the ushering of transparency and the way of making development reach every nook and corner of the state. Thousands of candidates fought the elections in spite of grave threats to their lives. Many have lost lives also to keep the flame of democracy alive in the state. My recent visit to Kashmir after many months was an eye opener. Although I had visited, Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370, my visit now was almost after 13 months of the abrogation of the contentious article. My interaction with people, politicians, panches, sarpanches, media and employees shocked me. The current state of affairs was a far cry from what was being shouted in the TV debates, many to which I myself have been part to.

On 14th August, 1947 came into existence a nation, challenging the 5000 years of India’s existence as a nation where every religion, every thought however contrary and diverse was debated, welcomed and allowed to flourish. Even the founder of Jamait -e-Islami Syed Abul A’la Maududi opposed the creation of Pakistan calling it a nation of Muslims and not an Islamic nation. The history of Pakistan is chequered and the nation although claiming to be land of pure (Pakistan) is full of deceit and contradictions. Pakistan has never been honest in the ideals on which it was created and has been probably one of the cruellest state against the Muslims. The Muslims of the Pakistan have suffered more in Pakistan than in anywhere in the subcontinent. The Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, that Pakistan believes is the unfinished agenda of the Partition, was the first to face the brunt of ruthless Pakistan state when their army and their backed tribes invaded the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir