Srinagar, Aug. 24 -- Demography is more than just a collection of numbers; it is the silent force that reshapes societies, cultures, and political destinies. In Kashmir, where identity and politics are tightly interwoven, demographic changes carry far-reaching consequences. Today, a quiet but profound transformation is unfolding in the Valley, one that pits the declining fertility of native Kashmiris against the rising numbers of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. If the trends continue unchecked, the Kashmir of 2040 will look very different in terms of population balance, political influence, and cultural identity.At the heart of this shift lies the difference in fertility. Gujjar and Bakarwal families still maintain fertility levels aroun...