My heart aches for what Kashmir has had to go through in nearly three decades. I visited it in 1975, and remember its warm, smiling people and idyllic surroundings. But, according to a recent BBC News article by Binoo Joshi, the insurgency has contributed to one bright spot for wildlife in Kashmir. Native wildlife has apparently seen a 20%-60% rise, thanks to a dramatic drop in poaching and hunting. The authoriities have ordered people to hand firearms and weapons overto them. There is also a general lack of willingness to venture into the forests by local folks lest they fall prey to militant fire or attacks.