Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Act now

Salman Rushdie's account of the post-earthquake situation and impending winter disaster in Kashmir (Nov. 15) is moving. Providing relief to millions spread over a large and inaccessible area is clearly beyond the capacities of civilian agencies.

The need of the hour is for the Governments of Pakistan and India and the militants, backed by international aid, to bury the hatchet and mobilise their armed forces to jointly set up winter-proof relief camps for the homeless. Can the leaders of the two countries make this leap of courage and compassion in this hour of need?

Kishore Saint,
Udaipur, Rajasthan

* * *

The fact that the fast-approaching winter can kill thousands of people rendered homeless by the quake deserves urgent attention.

Time is running out, and the Government must move quickly to build concrete structures; tents are of no use.

Kanika Gupta,
New Delhi

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