India, Nov. 23 -- On November 20, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in the Rajya Sabha that after more than 100 days, the situation in Jammu & Kashmir was "normal" and that not a single bullet was fired, nor a death reported in Kashmir ever since the abrogation of Article 370. The normalcy claim was, however, debunked by a total shutdown the very next day. Shah must know that the absence of violence should not be construed as peace. Lockdown in the region has not been lifted: Political leaders and activists are still in detention and internet and cell phone services are totally or partially shut. It is, perhaps, too early to celebrate the mirage of normalcy.

Now, rewind to last month. October 31 will be remembered for more than one re...