Srinagar, June 3 -- By Mohammad Ilyas Bhat

A few decades ago, a wedding in Srinagar revealed something profound about Kashmir's social character.

A close friend from Rajouri Kadal was getting married, and I arrived early to help with the preparations. Like many young men of that time, I expected to spend the day arranging chairs, serving meals, guiding guests and managing the countless small tasks that accompany a Kashmiri wedding.

Guests soon began to arrive. Then something remarkable happened.

A large group of young and middle-aged men entered the venue and immediately took charge of the entire operation. They acted with purpose and discipline.

Meals reached guests on time, seating arrangements remained organized, and visitors rece...