New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- Srinagar: On a rare, sun-drenched January afternoon in Kashmir, when the land is usually buried under a thick layer of snow and ice, two shopkeepers-Shahnawaz and Huzaif-stood outside their stores in Srinagar, soaking in the unseasonal warmth.

chilling grip of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of harsh winter, typically stretching from 21 December to 31 January, that defines life in the Valley, felt like a distant memory. Instead of bracing against the cold, people were embracing the sun-an unusual sight for this time of year.

For two consecutive years, Kashmir has experienced alomost snowless winters, leaving people to abandon the warmth of the kangri-a portable fire pot wrapped in a delicate weave of twigs. Once a ...