Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to invite Kashmiri leaders to Delhi for talks is a very positive beginning in the Kashmir chapter. Out of the leaders invited, four are from mainstream political formations who have been chief minister of the state. And more importantly, three were arrested by the center during the Corona pandemic. In the light of their opposition to the abolishment of article 370 giving separate status to Jammu and Kashmir, both sides seem to climb down by one step. This is a welcome decision by both the government and the parties. This is the first sign of easing the tight situation and the lack of trust between both. The demand made by giving statehood to J and K is not only valid but also reasonable. The state is now union territory means directly under the control of the center. But what is hopeful and positive is that Kashmiri leaders have not shown any bitterness and animosity against the center for its decision to house arrest them. Another important outcome of the meeting is that doors for a political solution to the Kashmir issue have also been opened. So in the coming days both sides may be seen engaged in talks. Of course, statehood will be a prime condition forwarded by the leaders. Before this, Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders were being invited to Delhi and treated as VVIPs. They were pampered by the then Congress government at the center and when they returned to the state, used to start their secessionist agenda. In the meeting, the leaders presented their case and put forth their position. The center also tried to understand their grievances. The leaders' primary demand was to restore statehood to Kashmir. At the same time, the center also presented its viewpoint about the way ahead which constitutes the base of the democratic dialogue. There are many possibilities for why the government in the first place sent invitations to Kashmiri leaders. Was it under pressure from the international community or suomotudecision. Is it a sign of the center's weakness or another fact can become to the fore within few days. At the same time, why the leaders accepted the center's invitation is another point of discussion. The parties in Kashmir have become desperate to come out of house arrest and mainstream will be a topic of discussion. All parties and leaders demanded in the chorus that J and K should be given back statehood. It is very interesting and hopeful that no leader even raised the issue of restoration of article 370. Farooque Abdullah is the most vocal of the demand for article 370 but he also did not mention the issue. This is a ray of hope for the center. It is very surprising that Pakistan has not expressed any opinion on the development. It will be disappointing for Pakistan that the relationship between the leaders and center becomes cordial. But it has shown political sagacity not to expose what they think about the development. Anyhow a good beginning has been started for Kashmir and it should reach its logical conclusion. Now there should not be any efforts by centres or leaders to derail the process and it should be carried out fast as already it is too late. The leaders should not forget one thing that now at center BJP government is functional and not Congress which was always pampering them.