The undying urge

While Held Kashmir has been in turmoil ever since India's illegal occupation of the state, things further heated up when Kashmiris launched an armed struggle against its oppressive rule in late 1980s as they lost all hope that it could risk seeking to know their wishes about their future, something that it had promised to them as well as the entire world community through the United Nations. Worse days lay ahead for them as 9/11 appeared on the scene and the US, the champion of democracy and self-determination, lumped freedom fighters, who were struggling for a legitimate cause, together with terrorists. New Delhi's repression went several notches up. But the recent Valley-wide demonstrations have grown in size and enthusiasm, despite the security forces' ruthless response, and the calls for getting free from the suffocating grip of the Indians have become louder. New Delhi must live up to its commitments to democracy and to Kashmiris.