Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN Peace in Kashmir h I have been writing on Kashmir for many years now—from 1968 onwards. From the very outset, I have been of the firm view that unrealistic politics have devastated Kashmir, and that now, through practical and realistic politics, a progressive Kashmir can come into being. The Kashmiri Muslims seem to have become upset with almost everyone and are living in an atmosphere of mistrust. It is, however, possible, for the Kashmiris – if they so desire – to start a new life at any moment. But for this there are two necessary conditions. Firstly, the Kashmiris must admit that they are themselves responsible for the unpleasant situation they find themselves in today. As long as they continue to blame others for this situation, it will not be possible for them to start a new life. The second indispensable condition is that the Kashmiris must step out of their imaginary world and start living in the real world. In other words, they must come out of the wishful thinking that their incapable leaders have been instigating. Adopting methods that are in harmony with present-day conditions, they should make plans for their progress. Conditions have decreed that the Kashmiri Muslims must willingly, and not out of compulsion, take the bold step of accepting that Fate has ordained them to be a part of India and that now they have no option but to willingly accept this decision. Furthermore, they must accept that there is nothing at all wrong