A narrow lane branches off the highway and winds its way towards Barsoo, a secluded village in Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. At its entrance stands a single-storey building, fitted with security cameras and fronted by steel railings, as police personnel stand guard. There is no signboard or flag, only a small signboard that reads “office”.

This is the divisional office of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the RSS-affiliated trade union. It is the RSS’ first affiliate to have opened its office publicly in Kashmir.

For years, the RSS and its affiliates have maintained a low profile in the Valley, working discreetly, especially in border areas, where the Sewa Bharti run and fund schools besides undertaking projects to renovate ancient temples.

The opening of the BMS office, however, marks a shift from a discreet presence to a visible public footprint.

“This is the first experience of a Sangathan office in Kashmir. It is time to work openly and not discreetly.…