The terrible situation in the Kashmir valley and its continuing deterioration has been much commented on in both the state and national media, but with little impact on government policy. There is still no peace process, nor talks with dissidents; administration is feebler than ever and political leadership is yawningly absent. Meanwhile more and more youth are taking to the streets, including girls and protests have spread across urban and rural south Kashmir. Though confrontation between stone-pelters and security forces has reduced somewhat, both continue to be injured. Pandit transit colonies have been targeted. Armed attacks on security forces are