Kashmir Witnesses Positive Transformation in Recent Years, Says Former Army Commander

Lieutenant General D P Pandey (Retd), former General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps, has said that Kashmir has undergone significant positive changes over recent years, and it is now the responsibility of the people to protect the peace and progress achieved through immense sacrifices.

Speaking at the second edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival held at SKICC Srinagar, the retired army officer reflected on the remarkable transformation he has witnessed in the region over time. He emphasized that the change represents genuine improvement and urged Kashmiris to preserve the stability that has been hard won.

The former GOC drew a stark comparison between the Kashmir of the past and present. He recalled how the region was once marked by frequent shutdowns, violent protests, stone pelting incidents, and widespread unrest. However, according to him, the past five to six years have brought visible improvements that reflect a positive shift in the overall environment. He expressed hope that this encouraging trajectory would continue in the years ahead.

On the security situation, Lieutenant General Pandey exercised caution against declaring the transformation complete. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, calling it a perfect change would be premature. According to him, there remain hidden elements who wish to disrupt the peace process, and it will take sustained effort and time to address these challenges completely. He stressed that the people themselves must take responsibility to either reform such individuals or prevent them from entering the mainstream.

The retired officer pointed out that Kashmiris are educated and modern people whose minds were influenced about three decades ago by two distinct groups. He identified Pakistan as one force that does not want Kashmir to prosper and actively works to create trouble. The second group, he said, consists of certain elements within Jammu and Kashmir itself who benefit from conflict and wish to maintain their power through the continuation of unrest. He warned that people must be vigilant not to become instruments in the hands of those who profit from instability.

Lieutenant General Pandey firmly believes that the vast majority of Kashmiris do not want violence or conflict. According to him, people simply desire a better future, quality education for their children, and opportunities for progress. He recalled a memorable incident from his tenure when he visited a remote village in Bandipora district. An elderly resident told him about the absence of a teacher at the local school, which made him realize that education and a brighter future for the next generation remain the primary aspirations of the common people.

Expressing his deep affection for the region, the former army commander spoke about Kashmir's breathtaking beauty that mesmerized him during his service. He mentioned that flying over Kashmir revealed magnificent landscapes that looked stunning in every season. He also shared his fondness for traditional Kashmiri beverages like noon chai and kehwa.

Commenting on cultural events like the Kashmir Literature Festival, Lieutenant General Pandey called such initiatives highly significant. He explained that these festivals showcase different dimensions of Kashmir that the rest of the country has rarely seen. For decades, the region has been primarily associated with conflict and shutdowns in the national consciousness. However, events like KLF highlight education, progress, and stability, presenting a different narrative that points toward a better future. He emphasized that embracing education naturally leads society toward positive transformation and lasting peace.