Though Kashmir may be too volatile to take note of it, the Union Home Minister has reached out to opposition leaders in a bid to calm down the angry mobs in the Valley, where too a similar accommodative and inclusive approach is required. New Delhi need not overreact to the Pakistani provocation and instead should concentrate on restoring peace in the troubled Valley. Alongside hearing political voices, the government should listen to public opinion of all shades. While appealing for a “minimum use of force”, one group of 40 Kashmiris argues that “irrespective of which side of the complex political problem one stands on, we are certain that no idea is worth more than the life of a fellow human being.” It is tough for security forces to exercise restraint when attacked repeatedly. But that is the challenge. Excessive use of force inflames public anger and prolongs insurgency. Whether AFSPA has helped in the battle for peace in Kashmir requires an independent study but the Supreme Court has ruled that citizens cannot be treated as enemies to justify their killings. The rule of law and police action, or inaction, cannot be different for “locals” and “outsiders” as it happened during a student clash in the Srinagar NIT in April. Wrongs and excesses have scarred a whole generation. The killing of Burhan Wani has unleashed the pent-up anger of youth. If it was not possible to wean Wani from the path of militancy he took aged 15, it should be possible to counsel and save others from going on the destructive path.Experience has shown violence serves no purpose. Only precious lives are lost. At the end of every cycle of violence, issues get sorted out through dialogue only. Even if sections of the Kashmiris do not consider India as their own, the Republic cannot disown them, or treat them differently. There is a parallel narrative of ambition and success running in the Valley which an IAS topper has inspired. This can be built on and strengthened. Peace, safety of citizens, jobs and the return of displaced Kashmiris have to be the state’s top priorities.