Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently attributed the 30-year-long turmoil in Kashmir to the policies of former Congress governments, reigniting debates over the region’s troubled past. While political interpretations vary, it is undeniable that administrative failures, delayed reforms, and mismanagement during those decades played a role in shaping the trajectory of unrest. The three decades Shah refers to were marked by the rise of militancy, mass migration, and a severe erosion of trust between the people and the state. Critics argue that successive Congress-led governments failed to address the aspirations and grievances of Kashmiris. Weak governance, limited economic opportunities, and a lack of robust law-and-order measures allowed extremism to take root, while development initiatives were often inconsistent and insufficient. However, it is important to recognize that attributing Kashmir’s complex challenges solely to one political party oversimplifies the issue. Geopolitical tensions, cross-border terrorism, and the radicalization of youth were also significant factors that contributed to the crisis. The region’s challenges were multi-dimensional, and the pain of ordinary Kashmiris cannot be reduced to political blame. What emerges from these reflections is a critical lesson for contemporary governance: history cannot be ignored. The past three decades underscore the need for sustained focus on development, security, and dialogue. The present administration’s efforts, including infrastructural investment, job creation, and initiatives to strengthen governance, reflect a shift from reactive measures to long-term strategies aimed at fostering stability. Yet, political discourse should move beyond mere finger-pointing. While examining the mistakes of previous governments is necessary for historical accountability, it should serve as a guide for action rather than as a tool for scoring points. Kashmir’s future depends on a governance model that balances security with socio-economic development and empowers local communities. Ultimately, Kashmir’s story is not just about political parties but about people whose lives were disrupted for decades. The collective responsibility of all stakeholders—political leaders, administrators, and citizens—is to ensure that the region moves forward with peace, opportunity, and inclusivity. Learning from the past, addressing the present challenges, and prioritizing development and dialogue will be the most meaningful tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir’s path to lasting peace lies in acknowledging history, embracing reform, and building trust, rather than revisiting old blame games.