This year we celebrated 75th Independence day and the Kashmir was altogether a different place to celebrate it.
The streets, markets and the public places wore a festive look. Tiranga was flying high at public places, shops and on roads.
Unlike in past independence day would often be a celebration for a elite political class and some handful administrative officers.
The day would be counted as Black day by separatists in Kashmir history with literally establishment on defensive.
The perception of decades was built that Kashmir should not celebrate it rather mark it as a black Day.
The separatists narrative was dominating the political narrative in Kashmir. On the day, it was an achievement if Chief Minister or any other top state head would reach a venue and hoist tri colour.
By the time the function starts , Kashmir would be chained with streets, roads and markets dotted with soldiers.
The pictures next day appearing in media were amply clearing that Kashmir is an occupied zone where there are no shoulders to carry National flag. It was totally serving Pakistan’s and separatists political agenda.
Internet would be snapped and even mobile phones were inoperative till the function is concluded. But now we are in Naya Kashmir and things are positively changing on ground post 2019. There is no separatism, no shutdowns, no Pakistan sponsored narrative.
Mainstream politics is dominating the show. Every shoulder of Kashmiri is hoisting tri colour and there is complete integration of region with the rest of country.
Abrogation of Article 370 is bearing fruits and separatism is waning now ideologically though physically it has long back vanished. Mainstream is the future of Kashmir.
