Srinagar, May 13 -- May 13, 2024 (today) will be a red letter day for Kashmiris from all walks of life, especially the younger generation, as there is palpable excitement and anticipation for voting for their chosen parliamentary representative from Srinagar. A casual walk through the streets and bye-lanes of J&K's summer capital reveals optimism and hope among the common man, woman and child that see a huge opportunity and chance for them to bring in the change they want and to wish away the fear of separatist violence, unnecessary and energy-sapping protests, rallies and boycotts that always took the valley two steps back rather than forward.

South African president Nelson Mandela once said, "For to be free is not merely to cast off on...