With even schoolchildren coming out to protest on the streets, the situation in Kashmir is the worse than the one prevailing in the militancy hit 1990s. Making the situation worse is the Centre’s abhorrence to involve those forming the middle ground in the Valley and the PDP-BJP State government’s inability to resolve their differences. This has resulted in misgovernance, giving rise to a situation which is being merrily cashed in on by separatists and pro-Pakistan elements. But, in the absence of any overture by the Centre and total helplessness of the State government, the path to peace in Kashmir looks elusive. Political dialogue is the only option, which has even been advocated by two Generals of the Indian Army. Their voice needs to be heeded. Anil Anand, Mohammad Sayeed Malik and MK Kaw reports