The article analyses the various factors responsible for militancy in the Kashmir Valley, its linkages with Kashmiriyat or Kashmiri nationalism, and the application of the principle of self-determination to the separatist groups' demand for independence and nationhood. The article highlights the findings of the Gallup-Outlook Poll on Kashmir in 2004. Pakistani people were asked: How do you see India—as a friend, rival or enemy? Is the US closer to India or Pakistan? Would you accept converting the Line of Control (LOC) into an international border as a solution to the Kashmir problem? Do you think the Kashmir problem can be resolved? Do you think India will ever part with Kashmir? Is India correct in blaming Pakistan for exporting terrorism to India?

The article also analyses terrorism and the psyche of Indian Muslims. It also discusses Indo-Pak dialogue and General Musharraf's proposals on the peace agenda. The peace initiatives taken by the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh are highlighted. Centre-Hurriyat talks on Kashmir are discussed. The main focus of the article is the epistemic status of cultural identity. It closely examines the practical and theoretical questions concerning identity emerging from the current debates on cultural, religious and linguistic diversities, with special reference to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The article examines the various factors responsible for the militancy in the Kashmir Valley and discusses the linkages between the Kashmiriyat or Kashmiri nationalism and the principle of self-determination. The problem is not made easier in the absence of any clear definition of what constitutes `a people' or `a nation'. The demand for separation and resorting to violence in support of it often frustrates more legitimate and constitutional efforts to secure less drastic changes. This points to the importance of Governments being sensitive to the demands and aspirations of ethnic or other groups that feel alienated or threatened. Most of the nearly 200 nation states in the world consist of more than one ethnic group. There is consequently considerable scope for discord and conflict over public policies and Governmental actions. But there is also a positive side to pluralism as manifested in several multi-ethnic States. Diversity need not become a cause for division and the impulse to secede has to be contained in the interests of peace and stability.