Kashmir's visible army presence once deterred protestors and mujahideen. Now, it hosts tourists from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan alongside gun-wielding Rashtriya Rifles (RR) personnel.

JK is experiencing a surge in hybrid terrorism that requires an urgent counter-terrorism strategy overhaul. The Reasi incident highlights current inadequacies. Deep operations and strong community ties are the need of the hour.

As J&K moves closer to elections and further away from the shadows of Article 370, the dialogue on AFSPA reflects the delicate balance between national security and the aspirations for civil liberties and democratic governance in the region.