The Hindu : Momentous

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 09, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Momentous

Momentous

Sir, — The decision by India and Pakistan to resume the composite dialogue from February is momentous. The Kashmir issue must be resolved for lasting peace. Some sort of partition of the State is unavoidable and will be the most likely outcome of any peace process. Kashmir has been woven into the fabric of the nationhood of the two countries and evokes strong emotions. While beginning the dialogue process next month, the two sides should also commence the `emotional healing' processes.

Ram Viswanathan,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has shown the strength, courage, boldness and, above all, the vision of a statesman in taking forward the peace process. Generations of Indians will be thankful if friendly relations can be maintained with our neighbour, once a part of our motherland.

Pallav Pareek,

Patiala, Punjab

* * *

Sir, — Will Pakistan's latest move towards normalising relations translate into action on the ground? The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has gone back on his promises several times. We must never let our guard down.

K.S. Srinivasan,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Light has appeared at the end of the long dark tunnel, thanks to the leadership of India and Pakistan. India's repeated demand for the stoppage of cross-border terrorism, as a prelude for meaningful talks on Kashmir, stands vindicated.

Subbiah Venkataraman,

Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

Sir, — Now that a good beginning has been made, our politicians should desist from making any statement that will jeopardise the peace process.

Baskar C.S.,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The editorial, `Stabilising the process' (Jan. 7) should have been more positive.

For the first time, a proper approach based on geopolitical mutual interest has been propounded in Pakistan, and, more importantly, it has found broad acceptance even among some hardline religious groups. The media should highlight this new positiveness.

Ray Vinay Ranjan,

Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — The joint declaration made during the SAARC summit in Islamabad is a declaration of a rejuvenated friendship.

Ranjith,

Pappanamcode, Kerala

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