India, Kashmir and Learning the Lessons of Scholarship

India seems to be changing its basic policy outlook in Kashmir.  About time.  The scholarship on dissent and ethnic conflict is pretty clear.  More repression does not work too well, and closing off opportunities for young folks to go to university is only going to be self-destructive.  It is about time India tried another way.  Of course, as the Kashmiris see it, the proof is in the implementation, not in the announcement.

“Let us see how many of these commitments actually translate into changing the ground reality,” Mr. Mattoo said.  

 We shall see if this improves things.  Pakistan desperately needs to focus on the problems within its existing borders. If things could settle down in Kashmir, it might make it better for everyone.