Jammu, Aug. 22 -- After decades marked by militancy, violence and political unrest, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a perceptible and encouraging change in recent years. The transition from stone-pelters to flag-bearers captures, in a powerful metaphor, one aspect of this changing reality. The sight of ordinary citizens, political leaders and young people carrying and waving the Tricolour and participating in public functions presents a striking contrast to the street violence witnessed in earlier years.
The Independence Day celebrations of 2026 offered a particularly visible illustration of this change. Across Jammu and Kashmir, people participated in official and community programmes, displayed the national flag and joined celebrations i...