CHENNAI: Former head of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) A.S. Dulat has said that a deep sense of helplessness prevails in Indian-administered Kashmir and that the Modi government shows little concern for the region or its people.
Speaking at a literature festival held in Chennai, Dulat highlighted growing despair among Kashmiris, saying the region is currently in a state of political stagnation. “Kashmir is frozen in time, and Kashmiris are surviving only on hope,” he remarked.
Dulat said that New Delhi appears largely indifferent to the political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir. He drew a sharp contrast between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the current BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Dulat, Vajpayee showed genuine interest in resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue and reconciliation, whereas the present government does not demonstrate the same level of seriousness or engagement.
Commenting on the revocation of Article 370, which granted special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir, the former RAW chief said that Kashmiris were stripped of even a symbolic sense of reassurance.
He noted that contrary to expectations, the move did not trigger widespread protests; instead, a troubling silence descended over the region.
“This silence is dangerous,” Dulat warned, adding that its long-term consequences are unpredictable and potentially serious.
During the same festival, speakers also strongly criticized the portrayal of Muslims in Bollywood films. They argued that the Indian film industry increasingly depicts Muslims in negative roles, contributing to the spread of hatred and deepening religious divisions within society.
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