Can tourism and cultural activities flourish if there are rights violations and human abuse taking place?
Well, that is a very pertinent question. All the finer qualities of life take a backseat when the very survival of a human being is in question. As you know, there is absolute anarchy in Kashmir as regards basic human rights. Democracy and respect for human rights ceases when one enters the state barrier at Lakhanpur, our state checkpost after Punjab. The very right to life has been suspended under the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. There is undue proliferation of security forces, especially in civilian areas. It is a miracle that Kashmiris are able to continue to live in spite of these draconian measures. However, these things are increasing the alienation of the common people day by day. Sometimes the foreign journalists are surprised at how the Kashmiris are carrying on in spite of such oppressive measures. The only answer is that we have seen so much oppression for the last 400 years or so that we have got used to it. The best confidence-building measure at pres
