Victory

The march has ended. The marchers have won!

After a day of negotiation between the government and the delegation of Ekta representatives, the proposal for land reform was accepted and signed by the government. This means a land commission will be created, with Ekta on the commission, there will be a fast-track process for court to hear land cases. These will be set up in one month.

There was much celebration by everyone, though others are cautious that promises from the government, like pie crust, can easily be broken, and they are anxious to see real change, with people making their livelihood on their own land.

There are so many people I want to talk to, to get their views on what they realistic think will happen with the government's agreements. But there is no time right now.

Lisa and Shannon are staying on in Delhi in their own apartment to work for Ekta for a few months. Most of the foreigners have gone. I myself have gone.

I arrived in Kashmir this morning to do the Himalayas. I don't know what makes me so drawn to mountains these days but here I am and I can't wait to trek up there tomorrow.