Srinagar, Sept. 15 -- The Army's assessment that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is "firmly under control" marks an important moment in the region's long and difficult journey towards peace. The decline in violence, reduction in protests and the reported absence of stone-pelting incidents point to a security environment that is markedly different from the turbulence witnessed in earlier years. Yet, a stable security situation should not be viewed merely through the prism of fewer incidents. The real measure of peace is whether ordinary people feel secure enough to live, work, study and plan their future without fear. Stability must therefore evolve into confidence, and confidence into lasting normalcy. The security forces dese...