Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): At the Kashmir Literature Festival, Lieutenant General (Retired) D.P. Pandey, former GOC Chinar Corps, reflected not only on Kashmir’s progress but also the stark contrast with events unfolding across the border.

He emphasized that while Kashmiris are experiencing peace, stability, and celebration of culture, Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have witnessed significant unrest and destruction in recent days.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) on the sidelines of the festival held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, Lt Gen Pandey expressed his deep affection for Kashmir and its people, noting the unmatched warmth he receives during his visits. “Whenever I get a chance, I definitely come to Kashmir. The love with the people here, like you met me now, I have nothing more than that,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of the Kashmir Lit Fest, describing it as a ‘signature event’ for the region and a sign of evolving conditions. “I will always want this to continue and become a permanent event so that all the Kashmiris, people of Jammu and Kashmir should feel proud—just as in other big cities in the world, there is a literature fest, it should continue here,” Pandey added while speaking exclusively to KNS correspondent.

Recalling challenging times he has witnessed, he contrasted them with the present atmosphere of peace and happiness: “People are happy, people are going to school, people are going to their offices, business is going on. What else do we want?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe want Kashmiri people to always have peace and happiness.”

Addressing the turbulent situation in Pakistan and PoK, Pandey pointed out, “People talk about various things. There is an aspiration, a political aspiration. All that is important. But if you look at peace, and today so many people say that talk to Pakistan, do this, do that. But look there, what has happened today? People cannot act in Rawalpindi, in Islamabad.” His comment underscored the contrast between the normalcy in Kashmir and the unrest reported across the border.

Lt Gen Pandey also introduced his new book, Reflection on Strategy, launched at the festival with a foreword written by the Chief of Army Staff. The book contains 12 articles and papers, including several informed by his experiences in Kashmir as well as international strategic insights. He shared his happiness at the book’s reception, saying, “The book has been sold out very quickly after its release. But it's okay. I am very happy.”

Concluding his remarks, Pandey encouraged Kashmiris to cherish peace and work towards restoring the region’s “old glory.” He spoke of Kashmir’s cultural, educational, and military legacy, and urged the community to nurture their “very intelligent DNA” and harness it for positive growth. “A cultural environment from where we used to learn should come back. Because Kashmir has a very good DNA. Clean air and water and a very intelligent DNA. It should be used in the right direction,” he said. (KNS)