The state assembly elections conducted in Kashmir experienced overwhelming response. Those who understand voting patterns in India will offer a standing ovation to the 55% and above voting in the valley and Jammu. At a time when the temperature is near 0 and at the same time the separatists are acting at the boiling point, this voting response is a clear indication of the local faith in democracy. Though there are some elements that come on the road time again to burn the Indian tri-colour, the faceless commnoner in Jammu and Kashmir said to be coming out amongst the bullets to vote.

At the same time there are some observers who point out that the overall voting though has crossed 55%, the voting patters are not identical. When Jammu experienced an exodus of voters, valley saw low voting. The government agencies and election commission however has credited the 'chilling cold atmosphere' in the valley as voters preferred to remain at home. But the separatists who have boycotted elections in Kashmir treat this as their victory.

As we have been hearing about the 'loss making' proposition of 'maintaining Kashmir', this elections will be seen as an influencer on the long term policy on J&K. Precisely, when the elections cost not only few crores of rupees but also a life of an army man, it is imperative to think about whether we will continue with J&K. If the voting patterns are to be believed, valley was not keen in voting and participation in the democratic set up in India. But the overwhelming response from the Jammu region is something to be worked upon. Is it an outcome of the BJP centric politics based in the Amarnath shrine board land issue? Or is it the outcome of the political and economic instable environment Pakistan is experiencing? No doubt a common man in Kashmir will benefit from the 'money' invested in J&K by Indian government and Indian army. But the separatists are not willing to accept this fact and on top of it, the economic sense rationale is catching up in India.

It is the right time that we sit down and work on a long term policy on J&K. Mere populist announcements wont work. It will be the political will backed by the public interest that will decide the faith of our nation's integrity. This also means an active 'issue based' role for media and a co-ordinated effort to put doctrines down the throat of Indians which obviously include citizens of J&K. Political de-sensitisation of issues such as 'special status for J&K' is a must. Gone are the days when license was the gospel truth. If there is de-licensing in all industries, why the paradise is kept in a cage? Let all of us invest in the paradise...... After all it is the paradise on the earth and everybody should be given an opportunity to fairly enrich the paradise.