Valley and Hills: Peace and Stability in Kashmir require People's Participation, Pg 8

Decline of Separatism in Kashmir

• Several separatist parties like J&K Peoples Movement, Tahreek-i-Istiqlal, and J&K Salvation Movement renounce separatism.

• Home Minister hailed this as a move toward a peaceful and unified Bharat.

Shift in Central Strategy

• Since 2019, Centre revoked Article 370, banned key separatist outfits.

• Dialogue replaced with assertive integrationist policy.

• Over 20 organizations under Hurriyat Conference rendered inactive.

Challenges & Ground Realities

• Militancy shifted to urban, tech-driven guerrilla tactics.

• Pakistans instability may delay external threats but not eliminate internal unrest.

• Heavy security presence in urban areas shows incomplete normalisation.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Political engagement must shift to inclusive participation, not just coercive control.

• Long-term peace needs trust-building, justice, and regional autonomy within national integration.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the recent shift in the nature of separatist politics in Kashmir. What are the challenges and opportunities in building long-term peace in the region?"