I agree with the author. Journalists in Pakistan often face a similar situation. Here secularism and independent thought is something vilified. Indians and Pakistanis are cousins so the similar behavior. There will be dozens calling Aakar Patel a traitor but he has his points.
What image does the so called largest democracy portray of itself when it locks up Hurriyat leaders and disallows them to meet world representatives. The ideal must not be to stiffle their viewpoint, rather it should be to accept them and win them over. Such a policy would be useful for Pakistan in its provinces and India in occupied parts like Kashmir.
Do note here that I am trying to be as neutral as I can. I have family in parts captured by India. Have to say this is a very positive piece of writing from an Indian. Its rare to see such critical and subjective thought process flow from a land that has quelled our basic aspirations. I wish Kashmiri nationalist was here to comment further. He seems to have gone like ajtr.
@WebMaster is there a way to attract these users back?