Kashmir Valley has often been celebrated as one of the living ideals of syncretic traditions, where various religious beliefs have peacefully co-existed and flourished alongside for centuries. However, the Valley’s history has also witnessed periods when all major religions have competed for political and social supremacy. Religion has been employed as an instrument for political domination, both by political and religious leaders and institutions. The political turmoil in the post-1930s period has often witnessed periods of religious radicalization, seeking to redefine and set Kashmir’s political agenda. However, this period has also witnessed a neutralization of the forces that have spearheaded radicalization movements in the first place. Such neutralization has happened as a natural consequence and because of certain deliberate state actions as well.
 
Today, greater levels of education among Kashmiris are working both ways. At one level they are creating a critical mass of people who are more willing to understand, respect and co-exist with people of other faiths. At another, greater exposure to global political developments, mainly in the Middle East, evokes sentiments of radicalization and aversion to peaceful co-existence with other religions. For another section of the population, religion remains a key instrument in furthering the political agenda and seeking a restoration of Kashmir’s political rights. For this segment, secular democratic politics has failed in the realization of the greater political goals.

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