1. Political Alienation: Kashmir has faced a sense of political alienation from the Indian government, especially after the 1989 insurgency, which has fueled local unrest.
2. Religious and Ethnic Tensions: The conflict between Muslim-majority Kashmir and the Hindu community, particularly after the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, has exacerbated the situation.
3. Cross-Border Influence: The infiltration of militants from Pakistan has further escalated violence and disturbed the region's stability.
Thus, the correct answer is (a).