Srinagar, Aug. 4 -- Alhamdulillah, in the fabled land of Kashmir - where chinars blush in autumn and promises melt faster than snowflakes in March - a grand political baby was conceived. It came wrapped in the robes of revival, dignity, and democracy, sold with slogans louder than a wazwan wedding band.

Nine months ago, amid rants of resurrection and the fanfare of "historic mandate," the National Conference government took oath, swore allegiance to the people, and, metaphorically, cut the umbilical cord of public hope.

And yet, here we are. Nine full moons later. Not a cry. Not a murmur. No kicking, no cooing. The baby, it seems, was born stillborn. Or was not born at all.

Ultrasound Showed Promise, Delivery Brought Gas!

Even nature ...