Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years

Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years chronicles a pivotal period in Indian political history through the lens of A.S. Dulat, former chief of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Dulat served as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's advisor on Kashmir affairs from 2000 to 2004. The book provides an insider's perspective on the complex web of relationships between Delhi, Srinagar, and various Kashmiri political figures during this time. Drawing from his extensive experience in intelligence and diplomacy, Dulat recounts key meetings, negotiations, and behind-the-scenes developments that shaped India's Kashmir policy. Through detailed accounts of interactions with militants, politicians, and separatists, the narrative tracks the evolution of the Kashmir situation under Vajpayee's leadership. The text includes previously undisclosed information about intelligence operations and diplomatic initiatives during this period. The work presents an examination of leadership, statecraft, and the intricate balance between security and dialogue in conflict resolution. Its insights remain relevant to understanding contemporary dynamics in Kashmir and South Asian geopolitics.

Readers describe this as an insider's account of Kashmir politics during Vajpayee's term, with many finding A.S. Dulat's perspective unique due to his intelligence background. Liked: - Personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details - Coverage of negotiations with separatists and militants - Analysis of key figures like Farooq Abdullah - Clear writing style that makes complex politics accessible Disliked: - Some felt it was too sympathetic to separatists - Limited focus on pre-1990s context - Repetitive points in certain chapters - Lack of deeper analysis on some major events Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (219 ratings) Amazon India: 4.1/5 (289 ratings) Common reader comments note the book is "refreshingly candid" but "could have gone deeper into RAW operations." Several reviewers mentioned appreciating Dulat's balanced tone while discussing sensitive topics, though some criticized him for "pulling punches" on controversial issues.

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🔷 AS Dulat served as the chief of India's external intelligence agency (RAW) and was Prime Minister Vajpayee's special advisor on Kashmir, giving him unprecedented access to key figures during critical years of Kashmir's history. 🔷 The book reveals that India's intelligence agencies once considered a proposal to assassinate Syed Salahuddin, the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, but PM Vajpayee rejected the idea outright. 🔷 During his tenure, Dulat established direct communication channels with Kashmiri separatist leaders and militants, including the Hurriyat Conference, marking a significant shift in India's approach to Kashmir. 🔷 The author discloses that former Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was so distraught after his son Omar's defeat in the 2002 Lok Sabha elections that he briefly contemplated leaving India for good. 🔷 The book details how Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf came closest to reaching a resolution on Kashmir with India during Vajpayee's tenure, with both sides nearly agreeing to make the Line of Control (LoC) a permanent border.