A pleasent Kashmiri

Had a pleasent encounter with an azad kashmiri a few weeks ago, he hailed from from kotli district. I didnt tell him that i was indian in order to get an accurate description of the situation. He appeared to be in his late thirties, was free from bitterness and in good spirits despite his strenuous job as a van driver in the searing heat and despite what was happening next door.

He told me that azad kashmir was probably the most prosperous part of pakistan and that prices were very high. He told me that most people of the older generation and some youngsters went to the UK and the newer generation from 70s onwards went to the Gulf. The UK expats had built large houses and some business’ this spending by them had boosted the local economy. The gulf expats though poorer send most of their earnings back home, thus it appeared as I had previously mentioned on chowk that the prosperity was built on remmitances rather than govt. intervention.

he showed some curiosity about my job as well, which i tried to satiate. He showed no hostility or bitterness towards India, it must be said I didnt directly broach the topic, but then little provocation is needed for one who is bitter or hostile.