The three-week long democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir is a slap on the ugly face of cross-border terrorism. The overall turn out of 44% in the trouble torn State is by no means a small number. Kudos to the patriotic and peace-loving people of Jammu and Kashmir who braved to go to polling booths even in the midst of threats from militants and terrorists. Through their undaunted spirit they have sent a strong signal to the entire world especially to the jehadis and our neighboring country who patron the jehadi groups their conviction in democracy. The Election Commission of India and the Security Agencies deserve a huge applause for their splendid job in upholding democracy in the Valley by conducting a free and fair poll. Nobody would question the fairness of the poll. May be what could have been still better is that the poll held over four phases could have been more free from threats. The Centre should be appreciated for its wisdom to throw open the process to international media and foreign diplomats. By and large all sections commended the fairness of the poll. The Centre and all the political parties reaffirmed their democratic credentials against heavy odds.

Having obtained a clear signal from J&K electorate for a peaceful settlement to the vexed 'Kashmir problem', it is now upto the new Assembly to channelise their energies and focus on issues so that we can arrive at a widely acceptable solutions before the situation go back to abnormality. The poll results threw up a hung assembly. Most likely Congress and People's Democratic Party (PDP) would form a coalition government. In a way, PDP is a party split from Cong-I. Even though there may be ideological differences (on few issues) and the way of tackling them, there can not be two different views on bringing back normalcy to the State. The Centre in consultation with the new State government should immediately come out with a clear-cut, comprehensive and creative policy initiatives to tackle the core issues of the Kashmir. They should concentrate on the economic development, re-opening Institutes for higher education, increasing employment opportunities for the youth, boosting trade and tourism, enhancing medical facilities, and rebuilding the entire State.

Above all, at any cost, peace should not be spoilt in the State anymore. The incoming government should give utmost importance to maintaining the law and order of the State. It may not be a bad idea to call the militant organizations for a peace talk. It is high time that we resolve this issue internally otherwise a day may come when India would come under international pressure to resolve this imbroglio. By that time most of the options would go out of our hands and we would be left with very little options.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir have established supremacy of ballots over bullets and that the polling was by and large free and fair. The International community should take note of this.