Young Kashmiris step away from militancy

[Adsos Letter]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Srinagar, Indian Kashmir - The Indian establishment is probably in no mood to thank Hamid Bashir, considering he has spent the past few months pelting security forces with rocks and chanting anti-Indian slogans.

But like curfews and candidates, Mr. Bashir has also played a part in the relative peace that prevailed throughout month-long state elections that ended here Wednesday.

The would-be revolutionary wants India out of Kashmir. Yet, unlike members of the previous generation, he is not a militant. Instead of picking up a gun, Bashir, who asked that his real name not be used due to his political activities, has used text messages to create "flash mob" protests – instant rallies organized through cellphone messages – and posted videos on YouTube of unarmed protesters being shot, allegedly by Indian forces.

Even as India and Pakistan rattle sabers after last month's massacre in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the 20-something's generation has helped Kashmir – the contested state at the heart of the two countries' enmity – take a historic step back from violence.



Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1226/p06s01-wosc.html