Kashmir’s main political parties announced a grand alliance on Thursday to seek a peaceful restoration of its autonomy after India’s release of the last major Kashmiri political leader from lengthy detention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked the Muslim-majority region’s special status last year, cracked down on opposition and rounded up hundreds of people to forestall protests. On Tuesday, the government ordered the release of Mehbooba Mufti after a 14-month detention and she and other leaders promptly called for a campaign to restore Kashmir’s special rights.
