Decades of separatism crumble as J&K leaders join national mainstream

Several former separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir are now publicly renouncing their past affiliations and pledging allegiance to India, a trend that marks a significant reversal in their stand from the early 1990s, when they often disassociated from the government under duress from terrorists.

- NL CORRESPONDENT

This shift began earlier this year, with more than 15 people submitting sworn affidavits and placing public advertisements in newspapers to declare their commitment to India and its Constitution.

"We do get many applications from erstwhile separatists, and everyone is evaluated based on their involvement in anti-national activities," a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.