Peace is more than a review meeting

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chairing a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in Kashmir sends an important message: the administration is alert and watchful. Such meetings, especially in a sensitive region like Kashmir, are necessary. They show preparedness, coordination, and an intent to prevent any situation from slipping out of control.
But peace in Kashmir cannot be measured only by the number of meetings held or alerts issued.
For ordinary people, peace is not a file reviewed at the Police Control Room. It is something far more personal. It is the ability to go about daily life without fear, to earn a living without uncertainty, and to speak without anxiety. It is felt on the streets, in markets, in classrooms, and in homes—not just in official briefings.
The Lieutenant Governor’s appeal to citizens and community leaders to maintain harmony is both timely and important. Kashmir’s social fabric has always relied heavily on community wisdom and collective restraint. However, appeals alone are not enough. People are more likely to respond positively when they feel heard, respected, and treated fairly by institutions meant to serve them.
Law and order is not only about preventing incidents; it is also about building trust. Excessive restrictions, harsh enforcement, or lack of communication can quietly erode public confidence, even when the intention is to maintain calm. True stability comes when people cooperate willingly, not when they comply out of fear.
If peace is indeed a shared responsibility, then governance must also be shared in spirit. This means engaging with citizens beyond security concerns—addressing grievances, ensuring justice, creating economic opportunities, and restoring faith in public institutions. Coordination between police and civil administration is crucial, but coordination with the public is equally vital.
Kashmir does not just need peace that is managed; it needs peace that is lived. High-level meetings may set the direction, but lasting calm will only come when people feel secure not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well. Only then will peace move from official statements into everyday reality.