JP, the founder of our organisation—and a guiding light even for those on the far right—firmly believed that Kashmir’s crisis could never be solved through military force or nationalist rhetoric. What it truly demands is empathy, justice, and a deep respect for the democratic rights of Kashmiris. As historian Ramachandra Guha reminds us, JP would have opposed both the rise of radical extremism and the systematic repression by the Indian state.
In JP’s spirit, we have launched the Jammu & Kashmir unit of Citizens For Democracy. With an elected General Secretary and President now in place, we stand with the people of Kashmir—not to speak over them, but to listen, support, and work with them to reclaim the rights and dignity promised to every Indian by our Constitution.
Before feeling proud about Kashmir being a part of India, pause and ask yourself: are you proud of how we treat Kashmiris as citizens? Until we value their equality, freedom, and voice as much as any other Indian’s, we are not upholding the idea of India—we are only deepening their pain.
- Vertika mani, citizens for Democracy
