The political vacuum in Kashmir seems to be gradually filling up with the appearance of Altaf Bukhari. Although the restrictions on communication networks has entered sixth month and the downgrading of the erstwhile state into two union territories is keeping the situation uncertain, the Centre’s decision seems to have become a thing of past. People in Kashmir won’t live in stagnation forever. The signs of normalcy are already back on roads. Security restrictions imposed after August 5 have been slowly and steadily eased up and the situation has come to a point where curfew is barely imposed and both landline and postpaid mobile networks have been restored. According to reports, some 100 central paramilitary companies deployed for maintenance of law and order at the peak of tensions in the Valley, have been re-inducted. The early winter cold may have played a role in this withdrawal but it is true that a realization has started to dawn on people that continuing with the shutdown was tantamount to inflicting wounds on your own body. It is also true that some wounds have been inflicted by the government itself. Take the example of internet. The Valley is suffering due to the continuous suspension of the service which has taken a huge toll not just on the private sector but even the government’s day-to-day functioning, particularly in health and education departments, has suffered badly. With government restoring internet service on January 15 for itself, students have been left in a lurch. Besides being unable to procure study material from their respective institutions due to the absence of public transport during last year’s crisis, they couldn’t even stay in touch with their teachers. While the restoration of postpaid mobile service brought great relief for people, the government needs to rethink its decision on pre-paid mobile connections so that those who don’t have the luxury of affording a postpaid connection are not left out in the process of building confidence in Kashmir. Most importantly, the LG’s administration as well as the union home ministry must give fresh thought to the restoration of broadband service in Kashmir. Since August 5, the situation hasn’t shown any inclination of going out of control. Maintaining the internet shutdown in Kashmir for over five months now has come at a great economic and diplomatic cost. Losses have mounted to Rs 18000 crores according to KCCI. The decision has also armed some countries to hurl projectiles at New Delhi. If the government is indeed confident that normalcy has returned to Kashmir, broadband services must be restored at the earliest. For the ill-intentions of few, the entire population of the Valley can’t be held hostage.