As 2011 drew to a close, many were quick to label it a “peaceful” year for Kashmir. After all, there were fewer militant infiltrations, no large-scale street protests, and a record number of tourists visiting the valley. But behind this seemingly tranquil façade lies a much more unsettling reality — one that questions who gets to define “normal.”

Happymon Jacob, writing in Greater Kashmir, offers a scathing critique of the official narrative. He argues that what the state touts as normalcy — reduced violence and a booming tourism sector — is a superficial reading that ignores the deeper, structural issues still plaguing everyday life in Kashmir.

The gravest irony in Kashmir today is its chronic power crisis—despite being one of the world’s most hydroelectric-rich regions. As harsh winters set in, Kashmiris face worsening electricity cuts, often without notice, making daily life unbearable. M. Ashraf highlights how mismanagement, exploitative planning, and the legacy of the Indus Water Treaty have left the region powerless—both literally and politically. While the dream of “Azadi” remains, Kashmiris also demand liberation from relentless power curtailments. Until the basic need for electricity is met, political promises ring hollow. As Ashraf puts it, “Forget Azadi—first, restore electricity!”