Dear Editor,
To reverse the trend in the State, a mix of strategies is needed. In the short term, the safety and security of all citizens has to be ensured. This requires a well-knit system of directions from the higher authorities in response to the ground realities through local intelligentsia and reinforcement. In the long term, we need to identify and groom local icons from amongst the moderate sections of society and nurture them to counter the estrangement created among the Kashmiri youth by anti-India forces. Exposing the plight of Kashmiri youth in occupied Kashmir and their maltreatment by Pakistani forces may also help. Brainwashing and mesmerisation by the fanatic elements should be counterpoised by pious clerics.
Bishamber Das
Samba