In the recent assembly election in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the victory of the National Conference-Congress alliance over the BJP signifies a peaceful and democratic triumph over the decades-long shadow of guns in the region. The rigged 1987 election, which led to the entry of terrorism in Kashmir Valley, still lingers in the minds of the local population. However, the recent election, which saw participation even from separatists, proves that democratic processes can prevail over extremism. The bold move of the central government to abrogate Article 370 and integrate Kashmir with the rest of India has allowed for this progress.