Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Demilitarising J&K

The Centre's decision to pull out the last of the Border Security Force troops committed to counter-terrorism duties from five towns of Jammu and Kashmir (editorial "Time to demilitarise?" March 10) is a right step towards restoring normality in the Valley. The State Government will be able to enforce its authority, a sine qua non for civilian administration. Escalation of violence, as seen during the troop withdrawals of the past, is unlikely now. International pressure on Pakistan to contain terrorism is more now than ever before. The common man in Kashmir, who has suffered for decades, needs this respite.

Lt. Col. R.V.S. Mani (retd.),
Madurai

The Government's move is in the right direction. Though cross-border terrorism is still a reality, there has been a steady decline in terrorist strikes in the towns of Jammu and Kashmir. Phased withdrawal of troops will ensure that security is not compromised. At the same time, it will provide the people the much-needed relief.

S. Janakiraman,
Coimbatore

The volatile situation in Kashmir has warranted a heavy military presence for long. With the India-Pakistan talks progressing in the right direction, there is more than a glimmer of hope that lasting peace may return to the Valley in not so distant a future. At the same time, the Governments at the Centre and in the State must not lower their guard. More than the numbers, it is the effectiveness of policing that will make a difference on the ground.

Abhishek Mishra,
New Delhi

When terrorist attacks are taking place despite heavy security being in place, is it sensible to leave Kashmir to a menacing fate? Politicians with all their pacts and talks have not been able to find a solution to the Kashmir issue. At a time when atrocities by terrorists are growing against the ever-failing diplomacy, the decision to withdraw troops amounts to playing with the lives of Kashmiris.

Asif Khan,
Vijayawada

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