Kashmiris have to understand that they have to take whatever they can get, said Dulat adding, “There is leadership void in Kashmir and the problem is everybody wants to become a chief minister here.”

Former R&AW chief AS Dulat, who has also written a book on Kashmir, said that Pakistan is having a free ride in Kashmir over past two years because of mishandling of situation by New Delhi.

The former spymaster stated that whatever is happening in Valley after 2016, is an aberration and gun was neither the solution in 1990 nor it is the solution in 2018.

“The story of Pakistan is over in Kashmir. What has happened post 2016 is again an invitation to Pakistan, because of which they are having free extra ride here.

Kashmiri understands that Pakistan is not the solution. Whatever has to happen has to happen internally. India will never lose Valley,” Dulat, who was on a visit to Kashmir, last month, told ET.

He said that Kashmir and Kashmiri is not going anywhere, howsoever bad the situation will be, but what is needed is a natural engagement providing justice, dignity and honour to people of the state. “I don’t think anybody in New Delhi thinks there is a problem in Kashmir. There is mess in Valley. For example, why can’t there be possibility of talking to these youngsters who pelt stones,” he said.

“The approach of Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, all of whom were keen to explore how to move forward on Kashmir. That has to be the path. Kashmir is a complex matter and it should never be allowed to become predictable and nothing should be taken for granted,” he said. The narrative, which today revolves around violence, has to be changed. “I don’t say there is no reason for youth to take up arms, but what I can tell you that they will achieve nothing,” he said.

Kashmiris have to understand that they have to take whatever they can get, said Dulat adding, “There is leadership void in Kashmir and the problem is everybody wants to become a chief minister here.” 

On the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma, as special representative to J&K, Dulat said, “He is hardworking and diligent. However, the main purpose he was appointed for has not taken off.”

Regarding issue of radicalism, Dulat said, “Even Kashmiri Pandits, who I talk to, are ready to agree that Kashmiriyat will not die in Valley. Radicalism is the result of extreme frustration, which leads to anger. I don’t see a threat from ISIS here.”