Well... yeah... we oppressed occupied and subjugated the place for about 200 years
I mean, the vast majority of India holds great views and is incredibly welcoming to brits, Kashmir just felt different. But I suppose 70 years of heavy military, insurgency and hatred for anything non Muslim will contribute to that.
Crossing from Kargil to Baramulla was intense to say the least, between towns and villages seem to be these invisible hard line boundaries, especially between Hindu, Sikh and Muslim areas, the air almost turns cold, and things get tense for a few minutes, attitudes are very different within 80 feet of one village to the next.
I havnt returned since 2018, I've heard from friends the region is becoming more unstable, not just Kashmir but the Chinese border also, they told me about being shot at by some Chinese soldiers last year at the Galwan valley, and that Leh is receiving more funding and improving logistical capabilities.
Worrying times, but there have been rays of hope recently, apparently Modi has been praised by China, their trade relationship has strengthened, and India has been going through an economic surge, surpassing the UK and soon Japan and Germany in economy size. Pakistan on the other hand isn't showing anywhere near the same growth, and as disparities grow tensions will also (although these regions are so impoverished they'll be theblast to feel any real benefits outside of new weapon tech).
Fingers crossed they can all come to the table, be reasonable and avoid any external agendas and factors from inserting themselves into their... you say what now, US and Ch...
Ye we are all ******, everyone hit your red button on 3...
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