Kashmiri

At least 69 Muslim Kashmiris protesting Indian rule have been shot down in the street by Indian paramilitary police in recent weeks.

Kashmiris, however troubled, are unlikely soon to return to the widespread armed militancy that used to claim thousands of lives a year.

But it would, having long denied the great extent to which Kashmiris want rid of India.

Police round up young Kashmiris, beating them up in police stations to force confessions.

The Kashmiris who have died in recent months have at least embarrassed India, which may yet respond by moderating the repression.

If Kashmiris thought the army and India's politicians were concerned about their plight, they might be less resentful.

It's statecraft. As long as he is there, freedom for Kashmiris will seem like a dangerous idea.

Reduced Pakistani support for the militants is one reason for this, but war-weariness among Kashmiris is another.

Burns says the territorial dispute is something New Delhi and Islamabad do need to discuss, but with the desires of the Kashmiris in mind.

Kashmiris have dropped their guns and shooed away Islamic insurgents who a decade or so ago skulked in the postcard-perfect mountains.

In 1948, the UN Security Council ordered a plebiscite to determine if Kashmiris wanted to remain in India, or join Pakistan.

Kashmiri Muslims struggle violently against India's rule and in the process turn Hindu Kashmiris, like anguished Sartha Devi, into refugees.

Kashmiris are eyeing events not far away, in Afghanistan, where 2011 could mark the start of the first efforts to withdraw NATO soldiers.

This week's visit by lawmakers did, however, bring Indian politicians face to face with the very real anger of young Kashmiris.

This summer's protests had one saving grace: the Kashmiris used no weapons more powerful than stones.

Of course, Kashmiris are concerned now, because they don't want to be at the receiving end of Indian retribution.

Seventy-seven percent of Kashmiris were Muslim; 20% Hindu; and the rest Sikhs and Buddhists.

Reducing the heavy presence of non-Kashmiris in uniform would ease tensions too.

Riedel says the proposed agreement is a win-win for both India and Pakistan and very good for Kashmiris.

Brutal and ill-trained security men responded by shooting dead more than 110 Kashmiris.

But anger among young Kashmiris is growing.

At the same time, Kashmiris seem increasingly resigned to the status quo.

Eight million Kashmiris live in the Indian-ruled portion; 3 million in the Pakistani part.