I feel, the reactions to the Pulwama incident have been over the top by and large, hyped by the media and possibly due to the enormity of the tragedy & the looming Elections.
This was a terrorist attack in which terrorists got lucky with such a newsmaking target. The terrorist organisation will be the beneficiary.
Although, AFSPA is still operational in J&K, the Forces feel constrained by the Courts which ultimately decide on cases. Protests and restrictions on the use of pellets are also a burden but Forces have to act within the framework. Although, Politicians keep asking for repeal of AFSPA, as a routine, such appeals need to be ignored.
So long as the population is alienated, not much can be achieved. Kashmiris have always felt alienated due to a number of reasons. In terrorist affected areas, carrot & stick is always the better policy. This Govt, thinks they can browbeat Kashmiris by eliminating terrorists but for every terrorist eliminated, many more join. Have been studying this since late 80s, whenever, the State appears to be gaining control, one odd incident changes the equation.
Have always felt that, so long as any particular religion dominates in the Valley, there can never be peace. But who will have the gumption to repeal 370?
There's no doubt that Pakistan actively aids and abets terrorism in the Valley, having failed elsewhere.
India should tackle Pakistan by exploiting the Indus Water Treaty and the inherent faultlines in Pakistan's regions. Nothing seems to be going in that direction
