Despite the recent elections for the Legislative Assembly of J&K and the Parliament during 2008-09 and the continuing cross-LOC interactions, the state of J&K has been witnessing an increasing radicalization of three distinct kinds – regional, religious and ethnic. While there has been much focus on military and human rights issues in the state, the growing regional antagonisms, radicalization and souring relations between various local communities, are newer trends that need to be studied and addressed.

It was with a view to understand these contemporary negative developments, that the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi, undertook a project on the above theme. The primary focus of the project was to understand the nature of change that has been taking place at various levels within the state and work towards building peace. It aimed to bring together the younger generation from different regions to discuss these emerging issues and reach an understanding on how to prevent further radicalization and build peace among the various communities of J&K.