| No region in India attracts as much attention as Kashmir.
Continuous militancy and political upheavals have meant that politicians, diplomats and
journalists have always kept one eye focused on the troubled state. Since 1977, India
Today reporters and photographers have been visiting the state and analysing the
continuing chaos. From Sheikh Abdullah's triumph ("The Lion Roars", December
1977) to the kidnapping of five foreigners ("The Hostage Crisis", September
1995), Kashmir has appeared on our cover on 16 occasions. This week it is again the focus of our cover story. Pakistan-trained
mercenaries have opened up new fronts in Doda, Rajouri and Poonch hoping to ignite
communal passions in areas where there is an equal ratio of Hindus and Muslims. As our
story notes, Union Home Minister L.K. Advani, known for his aggressive stance, has, in
conjunction with Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, unveiled a new strategy that he hopes
will isolate the militants and rebuild the state. Says Associate Editor Harinder Baweja, a
regular visitor to the state for India Today since 1990: "I have seen many odd
combinations trying to solve the Kashmir problem. But these two men with vastly differing
ideologies are by far the oddest."
This issue we also refocus on college admissions. Like last
year, we conducted an India Today-ORG-MARG poll to determine India's best colleges, to
provide information to thousands of young people and assist them in planning their future.
Our college listings will be a regular feature in the magazine. Hopefully, once peace
returns, Kashmir will no longer be.
(Aroon Purie) |
