The Paradise on Earth, Kashmir is soon regaining its old glamour and the future looks promising going by the large number of tourist bookings to the troubled state. Kashmir has never had it so good in the last 15 years and its tourism industry and local population is looking up towards a turnaround this year.
Life in the valley is fast returning to normal as India and Pakistan show signs of flexibility on the Kashmir issue. The UPA-led Manmohan Singh Government that has been cautious in its approach towards Kashmir policy has however, expressed in clear terms its commitment for development of the state and its population. While the Government is willing to discuss all issues with Kashmiri groups, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demonstrated his government’s sincerity by announcing infrastructure development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore to be completed in the next few years.
The Hurriyat on the other hand remains a divided house with the moderates on one side and the hardliners heading the other faction. However, the hardliners and separatists now appear to be under greater pressure from Kashmiris and international community to help carrying forward the peace initiative.
- Prakash Pillai